South Carolina Botanical Garden
The garden began in 1957 as a small camellia collection on a reclaimed landfill site. Today the South Carolina Botanical Garden, located on the Clemson University campus, is a diverse 295-acre garden of natural and manicured landscapes within the South Carolina Piedmont ecosystem. Together with a nationally recognized nature-based sculpture collection, distinguished youth education and outreach programs, and a Geology Museum, the SCBG is a premier site for experiencing nature and culture.

Lake Lure Tours
Step on board these luxurious boats and visit the blockbuster hit Dirty Dancing film site, delight in mountain legends and breathtaking views. Suitable for all ages. Hourly tours, twilight and dinner cruises. Private and group charters. U.S. Hwy. 64/74A in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge, 35 miles north of Greenville. Lake Lure is ranked by National Geographic Magazine as one of the top scenic lakes in the world.

Chimney Rock Park
Find the best of the mountains in one place. This privately-owned scenic attraction near Asheville offers spectacular 75-mile views, a 404-foot waterfall, hiking trails and more.

Pearson's Falls
Located between Tryon and Saluda is Pearson's Falls. The Tryon Garden Club has own this 250-acre site for nearly 70 years. Hours are 10am -6pm Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults. (828) 749-3031. 

Cowpens National Battlefield
In 1781 Daniel Morgan of Virginia led his militia troops to victory against the elite British troops led by Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The battlefield features a walking trail and marked road tour, a picnic ground, and a visitor's center with exhibits, memorabilia, and a slide show presentation. Located off of S.C Scenic Highway 11 and S.C 110 in Cherokee County. 864/ 461-2828.

State Parks in the Upstate
Caesars Head State Park
Croft State Park
Devils Fork State Park
Jones Gap State Park
Keowee Toxaway State Park
Kings Mountain State Park
Lake Hartwell State Park
Oconee State Park
Oconee Station State Park
Paris Mountain State Park
Table Rock State Park

Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River
Born high in the Carolina mountains and dropping an average of 49.3 feet per mile in its race past the stately woods of Sumter National Forest, for 40 miles this tumultuous (and sometimes disarmingly placid) mountain river separates South Carolina and Georgia. The Chattooga became a sort of national quest after its starring role in the movie "Deliverance." (For guided raft tours, contact Wildwater Ltd., Box 309, Long Creek, SC 29658, (800) 451-9972 or (864) 647-9587

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (S.C. 11)
Often right at the foot of high mountains, this beautiful but still utilitarian two-lane road leaves I-85 at Gaffney, makes a 130-mile arc through peach orchards and villages, past Cowpens Battlefield, over I-26, past several state and county parks, over Lake Keowee at a scenic spot and on past Salem, Walhalla, Seneca and Westminster to rejoin I-85 at the Georgia line.

South Carolina Trails
Our goal is to foster a statewide network of trails and greenways by promoting trail use, management, and development.

Cowpens National Battlefield
Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a decisive battle that helped turn the tide of war in the South. On this field on January 17, 1781, Daniel Morgan led his army of tough Continentals, militia and cavalry to a brilliant victory over Banastre Tarleton's force of British regulars.

Foothills Trail
The main stem of this nearly 100-mile long hiking trail extends from Table Rock State Park in Pickens County to Oconee State Park in Oconee County. The trail crosses some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the Southeast and provides access to Sassafras Mountain, the highest peak in South Carolina, and to major mountain streams and breathtaking views. Contact the Foothills Trails Conference, PO Box 3041, Greenville SC 29602; (864) 233-9403.

Heritage Preserves
Hiking is permitted in the following Upcountry Heritage Preserves: Eastatoe Creek, Buzzard Roost, Ashmore, Watson, Glassy Mountain, Laurel Fork, Bunched Arrowhead, Pacolet River and parts of Chandler. Contact the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia SC 29202; (803) 734-3893; (864) 654-6738.

Walnut Grove
Kate Moore Barry's 1765 plantation house had been lived in only a few years when the Revolution rocked the colonies. She then served as a scout for General Daniel Morgan at the Battle of Cowpens. Walnut Grove was a community in itself, with a school, doctor's office and various outbuildings. Fully restored and furnished.

Mountain Bridge Wilderness & Rec. Area
More than 11,000 acres and 50 miles of trails connect to the Sumter National Forest with one trail leading to the Foothills Trail. This network of trails provides an excellent view of scenic vistas, including Raven Cliff Falls. Primitive trailside camping is permitted by registering with a ranger. Call Caesars Head State Park at (864) 836-6115 or Jones Gap State Park at (864) 836-3647.

State Parks
The majority of state park trails are considered nature/walking trails because of short length and/or relatively flat terrain. The 14-mile Table Rock trail is difficult terrain and the 15-mile Kings Mountain trail is moderate. Other trails are located at Caesars Head, Jones Gap, Paris Mountain, Oconee and Keowee-Toxaway State Parks. Shorter nature trails located at Croft, Sadlers Creek and Lake Hartwell State Parks. Call the park or S.C. State Parks at (803) 734-0156.

Appalachian Trail
This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge lines to end in Maine. Along the way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina. For more information on the trail, and day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian Trail Conference. > 828-254-3708

Pavilion Indoor Recreation Complex
Full size ice skating rink, Competition size Inline rink, tennis courts, game room, concessions, summer day camps and after school programs. The Pavilion is home to the Brushy Creek & Southern miniature passenger railroad. One of only two public indoor rinks in South Carolina. Located on Scottswood Drive in Greenville. 864/ 322-7529.

Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park
This unique historical park pays homage to former Chicago White Sox great Shoeless Joe Jackson who grew up and played ball in the Brandon Mill Community. 864/ 288-6470. 

Greenville Zoo
Featuring over 250 animal attractions. Also has playground and picnic areas. Located in Cleveland Park on E. Washington Street in Greenville. 864/ 467-4300. 

Hatcher Gardens
This beautiful garden contains more that 10,000 plants, as well as dams, ponds, and trails. It also serves as a haven for local birds and wildlife. Located on Reidville Road in Spartanburg. 864/ 582-2776. 

Proximity to Cities:

•  Oconee County, including Cross Creek Plantation, is in close proximity to several well-known and booming metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Charlotte and Charleston.  Atlanta is merely 133 miles south, while Charlotte is 168 miles north and historic Charleston is only 275 miles east.

Heath Care:

• Located in nearby Seneca, is the Oconee Memorial Hospital which offers excellent care, not only for in-patients, but out-patients as well.  They provide superb extended care to the community, including a Cancer Center, Rehabilitative Center, Wellness Center, etc.