Expedition Zone

Zone: The Peaks

Upstate SC & Blue Ridge Adventures
  • Table Rock
  • Caesars Head
  • Lake Jocassee
  • Yellow Branch Falls
  • Jones Gap

What Makes This Zone Special

South Carolina's Blue Ridge foothills deliver waterfalls that plunge hundreds of feet, mountain summits with views to the horizon, and trails through old-growth forest along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Table Rock, Caesars Head, Jones Gap, and Jocassee Gorges live here.
Zone at a Glance

18 adventure guides in The Peaks

Adventures in This Zone

LVL 1 — First Steps

SC Botanical Garden Trails, Clemson

1 to 3 miles (trail network)
30 minutes to 3 hours
295 acres on the Clemson University campus, free to visit. Cultivated display gardens, a geology museum, nature trails through Piedmont forest, and a stream corridor beautiful year-round.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (paved paths)
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 3 — Moderate

Kings Mountain State Park Complete Guide

1 to 16 miles
Half day to full day
16 miles of Piedmont forest trails sharing a boundary with Kings Mountain National Military Park. The Living History Farm is a working 19th-century farmstead. Perfectly positioned for visitors from Charlotte.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Camping Available
  • Fishing
LVL 1 — First Steps

Sadlers Creek State Park on Lake Hartwell

Short nature trails
Half day to overnight
A quiet lakeside state park on a peninsula jutting into Lake Hartwell. No name recognition. No crowds. Lakeside camping, a boat ramp, fishing, and a swimming area without fighting for a reservation.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Stroller-Friendly (Paved areas)
  • Parking at Trailhead
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Green Pond Landing & Lake Hartwell Fishing

N/A (boat-based)
Half day to full day
The premier bass tournament launch on Lake Hartwell. Wide ramp, massive parking, and access to nationally recognized spotted bass fishing. Kayak anglers welcome.
  • Dog-Friendly (On boat)
  • Large Parking Lot
  • Paved Ramp
LVL 1 — First Steps

Doodle Trail, Easley to Pickens

4+ miles
1-2 hours
A paved rail trail following the old Doodle Bug railway corridor through Pickens County. Flat, shaded, and family-friendly. Connects Easley to Pickens.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Free
  • Paved Surface
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Chau Ram County Park & Falls

1 to 4 miles
2-4 hours
A 40-foot waterfall visible within 2 minutes of the parking area, plus 4 miles of river trails with swimming holes on the Chauga River. Great add-on for the Walhalla area.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Parking Near Falls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hike in Upstate South Carolina?

Table Rock Summit Trail is the most rewarding hike in Upstate SC. The 7.2-mile round trip climbs 1,000 feet to a granite summit with 360-degree views stretching to the horizon. Caesars Head State Park is the best option for a shorter, easier overlook experience.

Where are the best waterfalls in South Carolina?

The best waterfalls in South Carolina are in the Upstate. Raven Cliff Falls (400 feet) is the tallest in the state. Yellow Branch Falls near Walhalla is the most accessible. Table Rock State Park has beautiful falls along the Carrick Creek Trail. Most are within 30 minutes of Greenville.

Is Lake Jocassee worth visiting?

Lake Jocassee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the eastern United States. The water is crystal clear, the shoreline is completely undeveloped, and waterfalls drop directly into the lake. Kayaking to the falls is one of the top outdoor experiences in South Carolina.

What is the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway?

SC Highway 11 runs along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Upstate South Carolina, connecting most of the major parks and waterfalls in The Peaks zone. It is one of the most scenic drives in the Southeast and serves as the backbone of the Upstate adventure corridor.