What's interesting in SC's North West corner? (Greenville, Clemson: luxury, campground)

[Prichard]

I'm going to be in Clayton Georgia for a couple of weeks. I'm real familiar with the Georgia side of the river, as well as many of the towns in NC, but haven't had a chance to explore the Northwest corner of South Carolina. As I have a place that's just about 5 miles west of the Chatooga, I was wanting to do some exploring over across the river in your state.

Can someone tell me about the following towns:

Walhalla
Westminster
Mountain Rest
Lake Jocassee area

If there is one or two "must see" things up in these parts, what would they be? I'm looking for things on the SC side that might be up to an hour drive or so from Clayton.

[Rggr]

Lake Jocassee is beautiful. There isn't much to Walhalla and Westminster.

[Skyliner]

Hello Prichard,

The Upstate is loaded with plenty of activities for outdoors lovers along with numerous points of interest for casual visitors. The many natural attractions you'll discover include:

• Majestic Mountains
• Breathtaking Waterfalls
• Shimmering Lakes
• Raging Rivers
• Refreshing Trout Streams
• Peaceful Valleys
• Adventurous Hiking & Biking Trails

If I knew what type of activities you are interested in, I would have a better idea of precisely what to suggest as the primary "must see" options available here. Since I do not have that luxury, I will offer a bit of information regarding a few places anyone can enjoy without much exertion.

• Devils Fork State Park - This park is located on beautiful Lake Jocassee and offers spectacular views of the mountains decending into the deep cold water. If you enjoy fishing, this lake offers the best you can find anywhere in the state. The picnic area is comfortable and shady with a nice playground for the kids and trails for everyone. Also available is a great campground and a very nice visitors center.
• South Carolina Botanical Garden and the town of Clemson - There are many historic structures to be seen in Clemson and the official state botanical garden provides a unique opportunity to discover several places at once. The visitors center was a Southern Living showcase home, designed to incorporate many local elements.
• Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area - This park offers an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Cherokee Indian nation and their struggle with the early settlers in the Upstate.

Click here for more options.

[Prichard]

Rggr and Skyliner, you've both given me some great information. Thanks.

I think I'm going to make it a point to check out Devils Fork State Park - I don't think that will be too long of a drive for me (off of SR76, about 4 miles west of the Chatooga outside of Clayton). I can handle a tough trail hike up to several hours, especially if there are some majestic waterfalls to see along the way.

I remember as a child going on a hiking trip somewhere in the very North West corner of South Carolina and seeing one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen - water just pouring off the top of a montain and free-falling hundreds of feet down. I'd like to find that again. I think we went rock sliding up there too, but it could have been just across the border on the NC side. I was too young to really get my bearings on where I was.

[Skyliner]

Prichard,

I'm not sure which waterfall you are referring to, but there are a couple definite possibilities that come to mind.

Whitewater Falls is located just north of Lake Jocassee and is a tall waterfall with two parts - one (broken link) barely inside North Carolina and the other barely inside South Carolina.

Raven Cliff Falls is South Carolina's signature waterfall, located in northern Greenville County near Caesar's Head State Park. There is a moderate 2-mile hike to the observation deck and you can choose to hike an additional 2 miles to a suspension bridge which crosses the top of the 400+ foot falls as well.

Just north of Caesar's Head is the quaint and charming village called Brevard, North Carolina. A short drive north on U.S. 276 will take you to Sliding Rock, a 60-foot natural rock sliding waterfall with a 7-foot pool at its base. This may be the one you remember.

[Prichard]

Skyliner, you found it for me!!! Thanks those pictures really helped. It was White Whater Falls. And yes, I went rock sliding at sliding rock when I was about 13 years old too - long time ago.

This little corner of the world has got to be the prettiest place on earth!

[Skyliner]

If anyone is interested in exploring some of our region's beautiful waterfalls, I found a tremendous online resource that will be very helpful and it includes some fantastic photos as well. Talk about natural BEAUTY!

South Carolina Waterfalls

North Carolina Waterfalls (more extensive)