Welcome to the Upcountry

In South Carolina's Upcountry, located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, you can slow down, enjoy life, stimulate the senses, refresh the spirit.

Here you'll find dazzling waterfalls, sparkling lakes and rivers, lush forests, lovely valleys, scenic highways.

Experience the excitement of whitewater rafting on the famous Chattooga River, hiking and horseback riding along mountain trails, camping at numerous sites, fishing in crystal-clear waters, playing on championship golf courses.

You can also explore the Upcountry's intriguing cultural heritage, and enjoy our world-class art galleries, museums and performing arts centers.

From cosmopolitan downtowns to the scenic solitude of mountain trails, our six-county region has something for everyone.

Rich in cultural facilities, the Upcountry boasts vibrant theater companies and other performing arts groups ranging from jammers to ballet troupes to symphony orchestras. Festivals, street parties and dozens of other events provide fun for all.

Our nationally-recognized museums highlight history, culture, technology and art. With an intriguing colorful heritage, the area is home to more than 500 sites of historic significance.

Recreational opportunities abound for sportsmen, athletes, adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike. The Blue Ridge Mountains beckon the outdoor enthusiast, as do our many lakes and rivers. If you enjoy hiking, hunting and fishing, camping, boating, whitewater rafting or swimming, you've come to the right place. Golfing, cycling, ice skating and horseback riding are also popular recreational pursuits here in the Upcountry.

For those who prefer sports as a spectator, the Upcountry's college and professional teams - the Clemson Tigers, Greenville Braves, Greenville Grrrowl, and South Carolina Shamrocks, to name just a few - compete in exciting games of football, baseball, soccer, basketball, ice hockey and more.

Upcountry restaurants serve a gamut of goodies from country cookin' to fine dining, with everything in between. Take your pick of accommodations, whether it's a lakeside campsite, rustic cabin, quaint bed & breakfast, economy room or luxury suite. If shopping's your bag, you'll delight in the variety of merchandise found at Upcountry malls, shopping centers, outlet stores and specialty boutiques.

Best of all, our moderate, four-season climate assures that any time you visit is the right time. Impossible though it is for us to mention everything the Upcountry offers, links from the map below reveal a few suggested not-to-miss highlights.