Helen’s guidebook
Point of Interest, Hiking and Rock Climbing
Hiking at Nine Times Forest encompasses 1648 acres of mountain habitat. Nine Times Preserve is 560 acres. The natural beauty of woodlands, creeks, walking trails, biking trails, and rock climbing on Big Rock Mountain are some of the best in the upstate.
Beautiful mountain views, hiking trails, rock climbing. Day use only no camping.
10 locals recommend
Nine Times Preserve
East Preston McDaniel RoadBeautiful mountain views, hiking trails, rock climbing. Day use only no camping.
Jumping Off Rock is located in the Horse Pasture also know as Jocassee Gorges. This is part of Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area. SCDNR controls hunting and fishing regulations. This area is open to the public and primitive camping is available. Closed during certain times of year and for road repair work. Address is 1344 Cleo Chapman Highway, Sunset, SC 29685 or search the DNR Public Lands Website.
15 locals recommend
Jumping Off Rock Overlook
448 Horse Pasture RdJumping Off Rock is located in the Horse Pasture also know as Jocassee Gorges. This is part of Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area. SCDNR controls hunting and fishing regulations. This area is open to the public and primitive camping is available. Closed during certain times of year and for road repair work. Address is 1344 Cleo Chapman Highway, Sunset, SC 29685 or search the DNR Public Lands Website.
Waterfalls
The falls are located in the Big Eastatoee region of upper Pickens County. Twin Falls is a short walk and the view is beautiful.
37 locals recommend
Twin Falls Trail
Waterfalls RoadThe falls are located in the Big Eastatoee region of upper Pickens County. Twin Falls is a short walk and the view is beautiful.
Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is clear pristine waters coming from streams out of North Carolina and offer great views of mountains and waterfalls. The deepest point is 385 feet deep and home to large lake trout and bass. Larry Edwards a local friend caught the largest brown trout at 17 pounds, 9.5 ounces in 1987. Devils Fork State Park is located nearby.
Table Rock State Park has amazing views of the lake and rock mountain from Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11. They offer hiking trails, swimming in summer months, camping sites and picnic areas.
66 locals recommend
Table Rock State Park
158 East Ellison LaneTable Rock State Park has amazing views of the lake and rock mountain from Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11. They offer hiking trails, swimming in summer months, camping sites and picnic areas.
Great views, waterfalls, Devils Fork State Park and some of the best fishing in the upstate.
61 locals recommend
Lake Jocassee
Great views, waterfalls, Devils Fork State Park and some of the best fishing in the upstate.
Mountains and Trails
Observation point atop Sassafras Mountain highest peak in South Carolina.
Lovely drive up a winding road to the tallest peak in South Carolina. You will pass through North Carolina and then back into South Carolina to reach the top. The state has opened a new observation point above the parking lot. You must walk a short distance to see the surrounding states of NC, Georgia, Tennessee. Great views of Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee and Bad Creek from observation point in parking lot. This is part of the Foothills Trail System and you can hike to Table Rock State Park in one day. Hiking to Caesars Head is a overnight stay at 14 miles trail length.
35 locals recommend
Sassafras Mountain Trailhead
1391 F Van Clayton Memorial HwyLovely drive up a winding road to the tallest peak in South Carolina. You will pass through North Carolina and then back into South Carolina to reach the top. The state has opened a new observation point above the parking lot. You must walk a short distance to see the surrounding states of NC, Georgia, Tennessee. Great views of Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee and Bad Creek from observation point in parking lot. This is part of the Foothills Trail System and you can hike to Table Rock State Park in one day. Hiking to Caesars Head is a overnight stay at 14 miles trail length.
Grocery Store
Holly Springs Country Store is a local hangout for the best hamburgers and hotdogs in the area. The snack bar is open Monday-Saturday 6:00am till 2:00pm. They sell gas, diesel and groceries and lots of local crafts.
Holly Springs Country Store
6491 SC-11Local hangout for snack bar, food, groceries and gas.
Ingles Market is a local grocery store with Starbucks Coffee Shop located inside. Hwy 178, Downtown Pickens. Mileage is 6 miles from rental.
57 locals recommend
Ingles Market
502 Ann StIngles Market is a local grocery store with Starbucks Coffee Shop located inside. Hwy 178, Downtown Pickens. Mileage is 6 miles from rental.
Walmart Supercenter
2637 Gentry Memorial HwyMasters Grocery
Local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Gas and groceries.
Food scene
Listed are some of our favorite places to eat.
Restaurant located on Scenic Highway 11 and offers some amazing food in a beautiful log building.
7 locals recommend
Pumpkintown Mountain Opry
3414 SC-11Restaurant located on Scenic Highway 11 and offers some amazing food in a beautiful log building.
Heidi's Dog House
502 Ann StGreat food from the grill or meat and vegetables on buffet.
Open 11:00 am- 2:00 pm daily for lunch and 5:00pm - 9:00 pm for dinner Monday- Saturday. Delicious steaks are available for dinner menu.
7 locals recommend
Gatehouse Restaurant
116 Ann StGreat food from the grill or meat and vegetables on buffet.
Open 11:00 am- 2:00 pm daily for lunch and 5:00pm - 9:00 pm for dinner Monday- Saturday. Delicious steaks are available for dinner menu.
Sightseeing
Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center is a water wheel grist mill that still grinds cornmeal and grits. A museum of Indian rock carvings (petroglyphs) are on display in a covered building. There are two historic cabins, a blacksmith shop and moonshine still. The Hagood Mill Foundation can be located at http://hagoodmillfoundation.org/ also Hagood Mill Foundation is on Facebook.
Hagood Mill
138 Hagood Mill Rd