World Atlas best small towns in SC for nature lovers: 3 in the Upstate

Are you looking to embark on an outdoor adventure this summer?

Whether you live in the state or plan on traveling through, South Carolina offers plenty of fun things for nature lovers to do, from watching songbirds and turtles at Beaufort to horseback riding at McClellanville.

And the Lowcountry isn’t the only part of the state worth exploring. The Upstate is just waiting to be explored, too.

Here are World Atlas’ 10 most scenic small towns in the Palmetto State for nature lovers.

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Stop and smell the roses at Clemson’s botanical garden

Clemson is a picturesque town best known for being home to Clemson University. Orange tiger paws representing the three-time national Clemson Tigers football champions can be found all over town, from the sides of buildings and storefront windows or on the streets. But sports isn’t the only thing this area is known for ― its natural sights are another.

A guided tour of the South Carolina Botanical Garden, presented by Clemson, is an activity that nature enthusiasts will want to partake in when stopping into town. While strolling through the garden, visitors can take in lovely seasonal flowers like the Carolina jessamine (state flower) and collections of camellias, magnolias, and other plants. A 15-20 minute hike through Clemson’s Experimental Forest will also lead to Waldrop Stone Falls, formerly known as Clemson Falls, said World Atlas.

For a “charming night on the town,” the publication recommends replenishing at downtown restaurants Delish Sisters or Rick Erwin’s.

Walhalla is flowing with numerous waterfalls

The small town of Walhalla lies within the area of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, an area of transition between mountains and piedmont. Visitors interested in spending a weekend in the town should check out the Majestic Treehouse at Bolt Farm (adults only), where you can “unwind in our wooden paradise,” said the website.

Walhalla is home to waterfalls like the Issaqueena and 50-foot Yellow Branch Falls, so if you’re searching for stunning scenery, you’ll want to make sure to pack your hiking boots. World Atlas recommends Lake Keowee for swimming during the summer season, but the lake is also great for motor activities like waterboarding, wake surfing, and water skiing.

Zip-line through Travelers Rest

Family-friendly fun can be found at Travelers Rest, known for its one-of-a-kind shops and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Those who have never journeyed the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail before will want to mount their bike to the back of their car. But if you don’t own a bike, there are many stores where you can rent one, like Sunrift Adventures located at the trail at 1 Center St. Along the route, there are multiple resting areas for bicyclists, including gazebos.

And biking isn’t the only sport travelers can look forward to at Travelers Rest.

“Ziplining and whitewater rafting are two of the most adventurous ways to visit the Upstate area.” World Atlas said.

For a spoonful of authentic Upstate cuisine, try visiting Chicora Alley Firehouse Restaurant, Coastal Crust, or Shortfields.