The Upstate of South Carolina isnt a brand or a sloganits a topographical fact.
Youll find it outside places like Sunset and Tamassee, where the highway veers and cell service dies.
Not for everyone, but for some, exactly the point.
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These are neighborhoods without master plans or coffee franchises.
Cleveland offers trails more famous than its post office.
Rocky Bottom is less a town than a pause in the wilderness.
Even Pumpkintownwith its annual fall festival and tongue-in-cheek namehas more cows than streetlights.
It keeps its distance.
It doesnt flatter easily.
Here are 10 places where that hush holds.
Where is Sassafras Mountain?
The mountains elevation of 3,553 feet offers unparalleled views of both states, making it a unique geographical landmark.
Where is Rocky Bottom?
This remote location contributes to its peaceful ambiance, far removed from the hustle of urban centers.
With an approximate population of a few hundred, neighbors are few and far between, providing ample privacy.
Hidden waterfalls and lesser-known trails invite exploration beyond the parks popular attractions.
Where is Table Rock?
With around 100 residents, the community maintains a close-knit feel while providing ample room for solitude.
Hidden coves and lesser-known fishing spots make it a paradise for those in the know.
Where is Jocassee Ridge?
Situated in Oconee County, Jocassee Ridge is located just off Highway 11 in Salem, South Carolina.
This unincorporated community has a population of around 60 people, spread out over rolling farmland and dense woodlands.
Large, tree-filled properties create natural buffers between homes, enhancing the seclusion and tranquility of the area.
The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and simply savoring the peaceful rural landscape.
With its quaint atmosphere, Pumpkintown invites you to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of country living.
Where is Pumpkintown?
Located in northeastern Pickens County, Pumpkintown sits at the crossroads of South Carolina Highways 8 and 288.
To get there, travelers from Greenville can take Highway 276 northwest, connecting to Highway 8.
For those seeking solitude amid nature, Long Creek offers a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility.
Where is Long Creek?
The community lies within the Sumter National Forest, enhancing its secluded atmosphere.
Being tucked away in the mountains, Tamassee offers a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Tamassee?
Hiking trails abound, including paths leading to waterfalls and stunning overlooks.
Hidden swimming holes and lesser-known trails make Cleveland a favorite among locals in the know.
Where is Cleveland?
Located in northern Greenville County, Cleveland sits along U.S. Highway 276 near the North Carolina border.
The community is nestled within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, encompassing over 13,000 acres of protected land.
Its distance from major towns creates a peaceful environment where the rhythms of nature prevail.
Mountain Rest embodies the essence of secluded mountain living.
Where is Mountain Rest?
The community is enveloped by the Sumter National Forest, contributing to its remote and tranquil setting.
Hidden trails and lesser-known fishing spots are treasures for locals, fostering a deep connection with nature.
Where is Sunset?
The community lies at the edge of the Jocassee Gorges and is surrounded by state parks and natural reserves.