Getting to know an area with as many scenic spots and landmarks as the Upstate can be a daunting task. Here are a few of the treasured spots across the 864 that will help everyone from newcomers to lifelong residents learn more about the area.
Greenville County
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
171 Campbells Covered Bridge Rd., Landrum GreenvilleRec.com/Parks/Campbells-Covered-Bridge/
The last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina, this 38-foot pine structure spans the Beaverdam Creek. The bridge and surrounding 18-acre park are an idyllic setting for relaxing and exploring.
Furman Bell Tower
3300 Poinsett Hwy. at Furman University, Greenville Furman.edu/News/History-of-the-Bell-Tower/
The original belltower was built in 1865 and was at Furman University’s downtown campus. The current belltower overlooks Furman Lake.
Medusa Tree
601 S. Main St. at Furman Overlook in Falls Park
One of the only remaining trees from Furman University’s Arboretum, this tree is unique in appearance due to its exposed roots. The tree is estimated to be around 70 years old.
Pretty Place Chapel
100 YMCA Camp Rd. at Camp Greenville, Cleveland CampGreenville.org/Pretty-Place
The spiritual center of Camp Greenville, the Fred W. Symmes Chapel or “Pretty Place” has been a gathering spot for campers since 1941. It’s also used for dedications, memorial services, and weddings.
Anderson County
Anderson County Fire Department Museum
400 S. McDuffie St., Anderson
There’s a horse-drawn fire wagon from the 1880’s, the city’s first motorized fire vehicle, and lots of personal firefighter memorabilia from badges and hats to nets to photographs. At the museum housed at Anderson’s Station I Fire Department, you’ll experience the city’s firefighting history firsthand.
Belton Standpipe
N. Main St., Belton
If you’re in downtown Belton, there’s no missing the 155-foot water tower built in 1908. The castle-like structure has been used over the years as a guide for pilots traveling on the eastern seaboard. The nearby Belton Depot, a century-old structure, now serves as a museum with local artifacts.
Denver Downs
1515 Denver Rd., Anderson DenverDownsFarm.com
A former cotton, then dairy farm, this space now hosts seasonal family entertainment with a corn maze, pumpkins, wildflowers, train rides, and more. There are plenty of picturesque spots for photo ops.
Split Creek Farms
3806 Centerville Rd., Anderson SplitCreek.com
Tucked into the scenic foothils of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this grade A dairy farm includes 200 goats and visitors are welcome. After enjoying a trip through the farm, visit the shop for goat milk fudge, cheese, yogurt, and other locally sourced products.
Pickens/Oconee Counties
Doodle Trail
514 Fleetwood Dr., Easley CityofPickens.com/Doodle
Take in views of the rolling pastures and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you walk or bike this 7.5-mile trail constructed along an old railroad. There’s a playground, picnic areas, places to rent bikes, and scenic bridges.
Jumping Off Rock Overlook
448 Horse Pasture Rd., #440, Sunset
You can hike, bike, or drive to reach the most scenic overlook at the Jocassee Gorges. This treasured spot offers uninterrupted views of Lake Jocassee, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and if you’re lucky, a peregrine falcon.
Stumphouse Tunnel
Stumphouse Tunnel Rd., Walhalla VisitOconeeSC.com/Stumphouse-Park/
Construction on this railroad tunnel was halted in 1859. From the 1950’s-1970’s, Clemson University used the tunnel to grow bleu cheese. Today, approximately 1/4 of the tunnel is open to the public. The Isaqueena Falls is just a short distance away.
Walhalla Fish Hatchery
198 Fish Hatchery Rd., #107N, Mountain Rest Hatcheries.DNR.SC.Gov/Walhalla/
Built in the 1930’s, this Department of Natural Resources-operated hatchery raises brown, brook, and rainbow trout to stock the state’s public waters. Visitors can tour the hatchery and fish in the East Fork River on hatchery grounds.
Spartanburg County
Daniel Morgan Monument
Main and Church Streets at Morgan Square, Spartanburg
Erected in 1881, this statue pay homage to Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan, and the Battle of Cowpens. The 51-foot-tall bronze sculpture is noted for its realism and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
832 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg HatcherGarden.org
A 13-acre woodland preserve that is open to the public daily. Explore the many gardens and walking trails or take part in the events and educational experiences.
Spartanburg Clock Tower
West Main and Spring streets, Spartanburg
Both the clock and bell were installed in the former opera house of Spartanburg in 1881, with a subsequent move to the courthouse. In the 1970’s, the clock and bell were restored and placed in the tower on W. Main Street.
Fast Fact
Several Upstate cities have family-friendly downtown scavenger hunts. Check out the details and happy hunting!
Mice on Main
Main Street, Greenville MiceonMain.com
The idea for Mice on Main spawned from Jim Ryan’s senior project in 2020. After Ryan raised the funds, Greenville sculptor Zan Wells created the nine mice that are permanently placed in surprising places that stretch from the Hyatt Regency to the Westin Poinsett hotel.
Trains on Main
Downtown Easley EasleyChamber.org/Trains-on-Main
Help Beasley from Easley find his 11 missing bronze trains hidden around downtown Easley. A map with clues can be found on the City of Easley’s website or app.
Toads on Trade
Trade Street, Greer ToadsonTrade.com
Originally created by Jason Clark in 2009, this whimsical scavenger hunt in downtown Greer has been reimagined and expanded by 10-year-old resident Kelsi Kennemore. To find all 16 toads, you’ll use clues that will teach you about each location’s history.
Turtles on the Town
Downtown Pickens CityofPickens.com/Turtles
Hunt for 13 bronze turtles in downtown Pickens. A guided map and corresponding clues can be found on the city’s website. The clues give hunters info about the species of turtle they’ll find at each location.
