Upstate Info

If you are interested in learning more about Lake Keowee, an 18,000ac man made lake with fishing, boating, and golfing resorts, please visit Lake Keowee .

Clemson University

Just minutes down the road from Lake Keowee located in Clemson, South Carolina, is Clemson University. The university offers many different services to the area. They are renowned for some of their athletic programs, and having one of the 10 largest college stadiums in the nation. In addition to sports, the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts offers many cultural and intellectual events, such as the annual Shakespeare Festival. The Walker Golf Course is also located on the Clemson Campus, for those who are golf enthusiasts.  Clemson Website

Greenville Information

Greenville County Schools 

www.greenville.k12.sc.us/index.asp

Greenville County Website

http://www.greenvillecounty.org/

Pavilion Indoor Recreation Complex 

Full size ice skating rink, Competition size Inline rink, tennis courts, game room, concessions, summer day camps and after school programs. The Pavilion is home to the Brushy Creek & Southern miniature passenger railroad. One of only two public indoor rinks in South Carolina. Located on Scottswood Drive in Greenville. 864-322-7529.

Greenville Hospital System  

Greenville Hospital System is a not-for-profit academic health organization committed to medical excellence through research and education and is accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO). They have campuses in Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, North Greenville, and Patewood that provide integrated healthcare to communities across Greenville County and beyond through a tertiary referral and education center, community hospitals, a long term acute care hospital, nursing home, outpatient facilities and wellness centers.

Greenville Hospital System at a Glance

Physician education affiliations with Medical University of South Carolina and University of South Carolina Medical School.

Nursing education and allied health affiliations with Bob Jones University, Greenville Technical College, University of South Carolina Upstate, Clemson University, Tri-County Technical College, and Lander University, among others

Eight residency programs with a total of 130 residents

Approximately 1,000 physicians on the Medical Staff

Over 7,500 employees

Total 1,110 beds

For more information go to http://www.ghs.org/

Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park 

This unique historical park pays homage to former Chicago White Sox great Shoeless Joe Jackson who grew up and played ball in the Brandon Mill Community. 864-288-6470. Website

Greenville Zoo 

Featuring over 250 animal attractions. Also has a playground and picnic area. Located in Cleveland Park on E. Washington Street in Greenville. 864-467-4300. Website

Hatcher Gardens 

This beautiful garden contains more than 10,000 plants, as well as dams, ponds, and trails. It also serves as a haven for local birds and wildlife. Located on Reidville Road in Spartanburg. 864-582-2776. Website

Other Outdoor activities near Oconee County:  

There are numerous 18-hole championship golf courses in Oconee County. Lake Keowee proudly hosts the BMW Charity Classic Gold Tournament every year.

Some of the Prestigious Golf Courses

Bonnie Brae Golf Club 1116 Ashmore Bridge Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, (864)277-9838, semi-private, 18 hole, 6546 yds, Par 72

Furman University Golf Course Hwy 25 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC 29613, (864)294-9090, semi-private, 18 hole, 6800 yds, Par 72

Green Valley Country Club 225 Green Valley Dr, Greenville, SC 29617, (864)246-3941, private, 18 hole, 6982 yds, Par 72

Chanticleer Course 239 Byrd Blvd, Greenville, SC 29605, (864)233-6227, private, 36 hole, 6722 yds

Riverside Course 239 Byrd Blvd, Greenville, SC 29605, (864)233-6227, private, 36 hole, 6644 yds, Par 72

Summersett Golf Club 111 Pilot Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, (864)834-4781, semi-private, 18 hole, 6025 yds, Par 72

Verdae Greens Golf Club 650 Verdae Blvd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864)676-1500, semi-private, 18 hole, 6773 yds, Par 72

Creekside Course 101 Pebble Creek Dr, Taylors, SC 29687, (864)244-8937, private, 36 hole, 6522 yds, Par 71

Linkside Course 101 Pebble Creek Dr, Taylors, SC 29687, (864)244-8937, private, 36 hole, 7012 yds, Par 72

Walker Golf Course, The 110 Madren Dr, Clemson, SC 29634, (864)656-0236, semi-private, 18 hole, 6911 yds, Par 72

Penny Branch Club 400 Penny Branch Trl, Furman, SC 29921, (803)625-0222, public, 18 hole, 6550 yds, Par 72

Greer Golf & Country Club 2990 E Gap Creek Rd, Greer, SC 29651, (864)877-9279, semi-private, 18 hole, 5807 yds, Par 72

Thornblade Club 1275 Thornblade Blvd, Greer, SC 29650, (864)234-5110, private, 18 hole, 6707 yds, Par 71

Willow Creek Golf Course 205 Sandy Run, Greer, SC 29651, (864)476-6492, public, 18 hole, 6698 yds, Par 72

South Carolina Botanical Garden 

The garden began in 1957 as a small camellia collection on a reclaimed landfill site. Today the South Carolina Botanical Garden, located on the Clemson University campus, is a diverse 295-acre garden of natural and manicured landscapes within the South Carolina Piedmont ecosystem. Together with a nationally recognized nature-based sculpture collection, distinguished youth education and outreach programs, and a Geology Museum, the SCBG is a premier site for experiencing nature and culture. Website

Chimney Rock Park 

Find the best of the mountains in one place. This privately owned scenic attraction near Asheville offers spectacular 75-mile views, a 404-foot waterfall, hiking trails and more. 800-277-9611 Website

Pearson's Falls 

Located between Tryon and Saluda is Pearson's Falls. The Tryon Garden Club has owned this 250-acre site for nearly 70 years. 828-749-3031.   Website

Cowpens National Battlefield 

In 1781 Daniel Morgan of Virginia led his militia troops to victory against the elite British troops led by Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The battlefield features a walking trail and marked road tour, a picnic ground, and a visitor's center with exhibits, memorabilia, and a slide show presentation. Located off of S.C Scenic Highway 11 and S.C 110 in Cherokee County. 864-461-2828. Website

Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River

Born high in the Carolina mountains and dropping an average of 49.3 feet per mile in its race past the stately woods of Sumter National Forest, for 40 miles this tumultuous (and sometimes disarmingly placid) mountain river separates South Carolina and Georgia. The Chattooga became a sort of national quest after its starring role in the movie "Deliverance." Website

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (S.C. 11) 

Often right at the foot of high mountains, this beautiful but still utilitarian two-lane road leaves I-85 at Gaffney, makes a 130-mile arc through peach orchards and villages, past Cowpens Battlefield, over I-26, past several state and county parks, over Lake Keowee at a scenic spot and on past Salem, Walhalla, Seneca and Westminster to rejoin I-85 at the Georgia line.

Foothills Trail  

The main stem of this nearly 100-mile long hiking trail extends from Table Rock State Park in Pickens County to Oconee State Park in Oconee County. The trail crosses some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the Southeast and provides access to Sassafras Mountain, the highest peak in South Carolina, and to major mountain streams and breathtaking views. Contact the Foothills Trails Conference, 864-233-9403. Website

Heritage Preserves 

Hiking is permitted in the following Upcountry Heritage Preserves: Eastatoe Creek, Buzzard Roost, Ashmore, Watson, Glassy Mountain, Laurel Fork, Bunched Arrowhead, Pacolet River and parts of Chandler. Contact the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources, 803-734-3893; 864-654-6738. Website

Mountain Bridge Wilderness & Rec. Area 

More than 11,000 acres and 50 miles of trails connect to the Sumter National Forest with one trail leading to the Foothills Trail. This network of trails provides an excellent view of scenic vistas, including Raven Cliff Falls. Registering with a ranger permits primitive trailside camping. Call Caesars Head State Park at 864-836-6115 or Jones Gap State Park at 864-836-3647.

State Parks 

The majority of state park trails are considered nature/walking trails because of short length and/or relatively flat terrain. The 14-mile Table Rock trail is difficult terrain and the 15-mile Kings Mountain trail is moderate. Other trails are located at Caesars Head, Jones Gap, Paris Mountain, Oconee and Keowee-Toxaway State Parks. Shorter nature trails located at Croft, Sadlers Creek and Lake Hartwell State Parks. Call the park or S.C. State Parks at 803-734-0156.

Appalachian Trail 

This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridgelines to end in Maine. Along the way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina. For more information on the trail, and day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian Trail Conference. 828-254-3708