South Carolina is famous for its historical cities, like Charleston, and its beautiful shoreline (considered one of the best in the United States!). But here’s something I bet you didn’t know: South Carolina has some truly amazing mountain scenery, as well!
Yep, the Blue Ridge Mountains, a section of the mighty Appalachian Range, run through western South Carolina. Scattered throughout, and along the foothills, you’ll find many charming and historical mountain towns in South Carolina well worth a visit.
From larger towns, like Greenville, or the tiny Salem (population 135), you’ll find small-town vibes and that quintessential Southern charm—all with a side of mountain adventures and fresh air. (Oh, and did I mention the unforgettable Southern food, with a local twist?)
Read on for the 12 best mountain towns in South Carolina for your next getaway (in no particular order).
Table of Contents
1. Greenville
Greenville is the newest star of the South!
Named one of the “52 Places to Visit in 2023” by the New York Times, plus #1 Friendliest City in the U.S. by Condé Nast, this lively town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains still retains its classic Southern charm, with an extra dose of hip new restaurants and plenty of outdoor adventures.
The largest town (arguably, small city) on this list, Greenville is still just over 71,000 people, making it manageable and approachable. Wander the tree-lined main street, visit one of the five waterfalls, swim at one of the nearby lakes, or grab a beer at one of the 20+ local breweries.
2. Pickens
Pickens, often known as the town “Where the Mountains Begin,” is (obviously) a prime spot to visit in the South Carolina mountains.
Pickens is located near the famous Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Table Rock State Park, Jocassee Lake, and Gorges, plus numerous country inns, historic sites, and outdoor fun.
3. Clemson
Often called one of South Carolina’s prettiest towns, Clemson is also tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and on the banks of the pristine Lake Hartwell.
Although Clemson is most famous for its university (Clemson U!) and for its many sports fans, its location also means Clemson is an ideal jumping-off point for mountain adventures nearby.
4. Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest, South Carolina’s “Coolest Small Town,” is also (as you may have gathered from the name) somewhat of a hotspot for travelers.
Named because it’s been a spot for travelers to (you guessed it) rest for many years. Travelers Rest first hosted wagon trains and livestock drovers who wintered there to avoid crossing the mountains in treacherous conditions.
Nowadays, Travelers Rest attracts a very different kind of crowd (although you can probably still find some livestock, and maybe even a leftover wagon or two). People come for the small-town charm and stay for biking, antiquing, hiking (especially along the Swamp Rabbit Trail), dirt racing, historical landmarks, and a plethora of cultural events.
5. Seneca
The charming little Seneca is both a history lover’s dream and a lake lover’s paradise. Several nearby lakes have made Seneca one of South Carolina’s top boating, kayaking, and fishing destinations.
Once part of the Cherokee Nation, Seneca retains its historic downtown and a shopping pedestrian street, Ram Cat Alley, as well as several museums and Native American points of interest.
6. Blacksburg
Blacksburg, the “Iron City” (thanks to large nearby deposits of iron ore) is historically famous for its Revolutionary War history. Blacksburg lies between two important battlefields from 1780 and 1781: Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefield.
Kings Mountain is also a state park good for hiking and other outdoor activities, and every October, the anniversary of the Kings Mountain Battle brings re-enactments, tours, and other special events.
7. Salem
The tiny town of Salem is known as the Gateway to Lake Jocassee, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful lakes.
Salem (population 135) also has a prime location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Lake Keowee, Devils Fork State Park, and Jocassee Gorges. Explorers can scuba dive, hike, boat, kayak to waterfalls, paddleboat, camp, fish, and hike, all in one day (well, slight exaggeration).
Salem is also the best place to see the uber-rare Oconee Bell, a wildflower that only blooms in a few select spots. To see this flower in bloom, visit the Oconee Bell Trail in Salem!
8. Easley
For a large dose of Southern quirkiness within a short drive from Greenville, you must visit Easley!
Easley has embraced its railroad past, and many of the old railroad relics have been converted for modern use. Visitors can hunt for hidden bronze trains throughout the town with “Trains on Main,” the former railroad tracks are now a paved walking trail nicknamed “Doodle Trail,” and several railroad-themed pubs and restaurants lean into the rail mascot.
For more quirk (with less railroad), the best coffee in Easley can easily (see what I did there?) be found at the coffee shop/funeral home, Coffee Corner. Grab a cuppa before heading out to watch the cars at the speedway, pick strawberries, bike on Doodle Trail, or tube on the nearby Saluda River.
9. Walhalla
Walhalla’s claim to fame is its “Main Street to the Mountains” corridor that takes you straight from the charming downtown, right into the forest! Sumter National Forest and the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, to be more specific.
Walhalla’s easy access to the outdoors isn’t all you can find here, though! The quaint downtown, several museums (like the Cherokee Museum of South Carolina), and historical sites (such as Oconee Station State Historic Site), make Walhalla a delightful town for your next getaway.
10. Landrum
Cute and walkable Landrum is an ideal getaway in South Carolina’s mountains.
Along with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum is home to several unique, historical sites, such as both the oldest bridge in South Carolina and the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. Both of these bridges: the Poinsett Bridge and Campbell Covered Bridge, respectively, require a short hike on the lovely nearby trails.
Landrum also has plenty of antiquing and shopping, plus many activities for any of you equestrians out there (including an annual Fox Hunting season).
11. Pendleton
Calling all history buffs! If you’re hankering for history on your next mountain getaway, you must visit little Pendleton. Pendleton has the distinction of being a historical district, as in, the entire town is one historic district! This makes it the largest historic district in the nation.
Pendleton is small enough that there is only one (beautiful and, of course, historic) inn, Liberty Hall, but there is still plenty to see and do!
Explore historic towns, visit a refurbished mill, wander the nearby hiking trails, visit unique art galleries, or chow down at one of Pendleton’s many delicious restaurants.
12. Long Creek
Adventurers, this one’s for you! Long Creek is best known for its proximity to the National Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. The Chattooga River is known for some serious whitewater and deep gorges, and Long Creek capitalizes on this location with many outdoor adventures.
In addition to whitewater rafting the river, you can zipline, hike, camp, or even watch rafters tackle the Class IV and V rapids. What is the best spot to watch? At the bottom of the Class IV Woodland Shoals, the river flows into a wide, calm, pool, which is perfect for cooling off, as well as a first-row seat to the rapids.
BONUS: Cleveland
Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, almost to the North Carolina border, you’ll find one of South Carolina’s best-hidden secrets: Cleveland! Although Cleveland is unincorporated, and therefore not technically a “town,” I just had to add it to this list!
Cleveland has some of South Carolina’s most stunning mountain vistas. Here are the best, in my humble opinion: Pretty Place Chapel at the Greenville YMCA Camp (make sure to call ahead to make sure they’re open!), Victoria Valley Vineyards, Moonshine Falls (a waterfall hike where people once made moonshine…and maybe still do?), Caesars Head State Park, Jones Gap State Park, and Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Conclusion
South Carolina mountain towns—who knew??? (Well, probably South Carolinians, and people who live in these charming little hamlets). And now you do, too!
So, the next time you’re looking for a mountain getaway, don’t forget South Carolina! Oh, and here’s a hot tip for you: the Blue Ridge Mountains are completely gorgeous in the autumn, as well—a truly underrated leaf-peeping destination, to be sure.
If you can’t resist the siren call of the ocean, consider combining a trip to South Carolina’s beaches and mountains for the best of both worlds.
So, tell me: which of these mountain towns in South Carolina sounds ideal for your next getaway?
