Archive for the ‘Things to Do Outside’ Category

Bison, Blackberries, and Blooms: Experience the Most Unique U-Pick Farm in Upstate SC!

Right in the middle of Upstate SC, Bison Berry Farms is truly one of a kind. Get up close and personal with historic American bison, explore thornless U-Pick blackberry fields, and spark new family traditions with unforgettable seasonal festivals! Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett is here to introduce you to this slice of wild western paradise…without ever leaving the Palmetto State!
U-Pick Blackberries starting June 13th, 2026

“Wait—Bison? In South Carolina?” If that’s what you’re thinking, you’re not alone! Those were my thoughts, too, when Bison Berry Farms first popped up on my Facebook feed. You know I had to stop scrolling to find out more! That’s when I saw they were located in Enoree—I’d heard of that, and what’s more, it wasn’t that far from me!

Quick Summary: Bison Berry Farms- Know Before You Go

Bison Tours – Book an unforgettable field trip or make a spontaneous family memory as you introduce your kids to real historic American bison!

U-Pick Blackberries – Pick thornless blackberries by the pound or buy them pre-picked by the quart all summer long!

Seasonal Festivals – 🌸 Blackberry Blossom Festival, 🍁 Blackberry Jam Fall Festival, and ❄️ Winter Lights Walk-Through!

Service Animals Only – Trained service animals only, no personal pets.
Prepare to Hike – Blackberry fields require a steep trek up and downhill to access. Dress for possible mud, and think twice about hauling strollers!
Supervise Kids Carefully – Bison tours require a close grip on children, and blackberry fields are located near steep drop-offs over a large pond.

Address: 2425 SC-92, Enoree, SC 29335

Getting to Bison Berry Farms

Bison Berry Farms is a convenient drive for many, as it’s located near the very center of the Upstate, right off Exit 41 on I-26. The town of Enoree stretches the border between Spartanburg and Laurens Counties, and while there has long been a blackberry farm in this community, the newest owners brought a surprising twist with their purchase of the property in 2023: a passion for the once-endangered North American bison!

The Results of Family, Friendship, and Daring to Dream

It all started when Jared Zank saw the listing for Enoree’s blackberry farm in 2022. It was up for sale, offered 70+ acres, and he had been dreaming of farm life for a while. His best friend and business partner, Aaron Harmon, shared his interest, and they convinced their wives to at least pay the property a visit. Kellee and Carrie fell in love with the idea, but still, it wasn’t feasible.

A few months later, enter Mike Harmon: Aaron’s older brother, the one we can thank for being a bison enthusiast! He shared his own dream with the family—to own a herd of real North American bison—and suddenly the impossible was possible. They all teamed up to make it a family affair, and Bison Berry Farms was born in January 2023!

We recently made our first visit to Bison Berry Farms in Enoree, SC, and it was incredible! The moment you turn onto the farm’s gravel drive, you’ll be greeted by two precious views: On your right will be the first of the blackberry fields, and on your left, the first of the bison pastures. If you’re lucky, the bison will be there grazing and ready to greet your family!

Meet the Herd of American Bison

If you want to get up close and personal with bison, plan to pay for a ride on the wagon to get a guided tour through the pasture. The wagon ride starts in the parking lot, so you will just need to prepay at the register and then present your ticket at the back of the wagon.

It’s a big step up and a bit of a bumpy ride, so plan to leave strollers behind for the tour and hold tightly to your children. Then enjoy the fun!

We learned so much from Jake Harmon, son of Aaron and Carrie, about the size and strength of bison, ways to use their meat and fur, and how the family has been learning to care for and process them. It was amazing to see these creatures in person and imagine what our country must have looked like when they roamed in the wild by the thousands.

Bison Berry Farms would make a fantastic field trip destination for homeschoolers or traditional schools to introduce kids to these historic, native animals.

Feed and Pet Bison

Jake handed out bread to everyone on our tour, so each person got the chance to hand-feed, pet, and take pictures with the herd! They came right up to the wagon, and all our kids were able to pet the bison. My oldest son squealed with glee as their huge tongues extended to take the bread right from his hand! I guarantee that this bison-feeding tour is a memory-maker your children or students will not soon forget!

Jake had been careful to instruct us all on safety first, emphasizing the need to keep a firm grip on children and not to let anyone stick arms or fingers through the railings. Parents or teachers juggling multiple children will want to consider this requirement before visiting—I probably could not have done it with our 3 little ones without the extra set of hands from my husband!

These tours are brand new for the 2025 season, so expect some tweaks as the farm family figures out how to provide the best experience possible!

Editor’s Note: Feeding and petting bison at Bison Berry Farm is not the same as approaching wild bison in our national parks and other areas. Every year people are injured by approaching bison, assuming they are tame. Please always follow local guidelines and put safety first.

U-Pick Blackberries and Scenic Photo Spots!

The blackberry fields start to blossom in late Spring, and they are usually ready for picking around the first week of June. Opening day for U-Pick in 2025 is planned for Saturday, June 7^th from 8 am to 12 pm. After that, U-Pick will be available every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday for the same hours! Be sure to follow Bison Berry Farms on Facebook for any changes or updates.

Due to the wide variety of blackberries planted, U-Pick is typically open ALL summer! Bison Berry Farms features varieties of blackberries ripening at different times all throughout the season. That means there should be something to pick no matter when you come after opening day!

Getting to most of the blackberry fields requires a significant hike down a dirt road, past a large scenic pond, and then back up a steep hill on the other side. There are some ruts from erosion, and this path is likely to get pretty muddy after a good rain. My awesome husband managed to push our double-stroller the whole way during our visit, so it’s definitely possible, but other parents may want to consider lighter-weight options than we did!

I highly recommend stopping at the bench halfway down the first hill for a quick family picture! We were able to ask another family on the hill if they would take one for us, as this is the perfect photo spot to capture the scenic pond with the vermiculite rock right behind you! When we visited, there were also chairs set up at the start of multiple blackberry rows at the top of the next hill where you could take pictures with blackberries all around you. Beautiful!

And the best part? These U-Pick blackberry fields are THORNLESS! I didn’t even know that thornless blackberries were scientifically possible! If you aren’t up for the hike, there is one other U-Pick blackberry field back by the main parking lot. However, you may want to check in advance whether that field will be ripe at the time of your visit, and be aware—that is the one field which DOES have thorns, so you’ll want to pick more carefully in that location!

U-Pick berries are sold by the pound, and pre-picked berries are also available for sale by the quart at the farm stand outside the main building.

Blackberry Blossom Festival in April Annually

Our family’s first visit was during the Blackberry Blossom Festival, a FREE family-friendly event held every year in April. We took the chance to explore the property, shop the market, and see all the beautiful blackberry fields in blossom!

They offered face-painting and “berry fairy” costumes for the kids, involved them in a community craft, and had a special area set up for kids to pet and hand-feed some of their friendliest chickens. They were also selling INCREDIBLE blackberry lemonade slushies, which they assured me will be available for sale regularly during their upcoming U-Pick season!

More to Explore: U-Pick Flowers, Fall Festival, and Holiday Lights

As the Harmon and Zank families settle into this new adventure, much more is in the works.

Each summer, the farm family expects to have wildflowers, zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, and sunflowers available. There are plans for a Blackberry Jam Fall Festival this year, too, which will feature live music, food trucks, and of course pumpkins! They’re even talking about a Christmas light walk-through this winter, if you can believe all they’re doing!

Bison Berry Farms is on track to become a must-visit destination for field trips and family outings during every season of the year. Plan to take advantage of this summer’s U-Pick blackberry season—and then give them a follow on Facebook to see what’s still to come!

Bison Berry Farms Information

Address: 2425 SC-92, Enoree, SC 29335
Phone: 864.345.3121
Bison Berry Farms Website
Bison Berry Farms Facebook

Upick blueberries and blackberries near Greenville, SC.

Find more berries!

Here are the farms where you can pick blueberries and blackberries near Greenville.

Hiking the Palmetto Trail in South Carolina: A Complete Guide From Mountains to Coast

Have you hiked any of the Palmetto Trail as it crosses South Carolina? Kidding Around Contributor, Liene, has hiked many sections of the Palmetto Trail with her family. Her article is broken up by passage of the Palmetto Trail and location, so you can hike the section closest to you, plan a longer-distance adventure, or travel for a weekend getaway with some hiking.

Quick Summary: The Palmetto Trail

Stretching over 400 miles from the Upstate mountains to the Lowcountry coast, the Palmetto Trail offers something for every family:

• Easy strolls and epic thru-hikes
• Waterfalls, wildlife, and Revolutionary War history
• Mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping options

Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or just a nature-filled afternoon, the Palmetto Trail makes it easy to explore South Carolina’s beauty.

About The Palmetto Trail

South Carolina is fortunate to have not one, but two long-distance hiking trails traversing our beautiful state: the Foothills and the Palmetto Trails. From one side, Foothills Trail extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park along the foothills of the Appalachians. Another feature is that the Palmetto Trail traverses the entire state – from the mountains to the sea. Plus, almost half of it is within a couple of hours’ drive of Greenville!

Today, the 400+ miles of trail system connects state and county parks, national forests, nature preserves, wildlife management areas & Revolutionary War battlefields, and allow hiking & backpacking, as well as mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping on some passages.

Whether thru-hiking, or just out for a stroll, the trail explores the rich diversity and fascinating history, culture, and geography of the Palmetto State. Choose a passage, then head over to the Palmetto Conservation Foundation website to download maps and parking info; we’ve included links to corresponding articles on KAG, as well as to the corresponding Palmetto Trail page in our passage guide below.

The Palmetto Trail Passages

These tails are organized from NW to SE.

Stumphouse Passage: 1.5 mile hiking trail and 9.34 mile mountain bike park

The Stumphouse Passage begins in Sumter National Forest at the Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park in Oconee County’s Walhalla. Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel is an incomplete railroad tunnel for the Blue Ridge Railroad of South Carolina, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The park is also home to Issaqueena Falls.

Ross Mountain: 5.0 miles

The newest passage to be completed along the Palmetto Trail, this passage connects Stumphouse to Oconee State Park.

Oconee Passage: 3.73 miles

This Passage begins in Oconee State Park and ends at Oconee Station State Historical Site, a backcountry military garrison and trading post from the 1790s. Make sure to visit Station Cove Falls on the way! Intersections with other trails in this section allow easy access to Hidden Falls and the Foothills Trail.

Eastatoe Passage: 4.6 miles

Starting in Keowee Toxaway State Park on Natural Bridge Trail, this Passage travels along Eastatoe Creek upstream from Lake Keowee and climbs through mountain forest in the acclaimed Jocassee Gorges with its abundance of flowers, birds, and wildlife. Two new bridges including the Zeke wilderness trail bridge, were opened to the public in the last couple of years and are destinations in themselves!

Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage (Jocassee Gorges): 12.6 miles

This section of the Palmetto Trail offers a view of the remote and rugged Jocassee Gorges area, with its abundance of wildflowers and wildlife, mountaintop vistas, and waterfalls. The Passage starts in Table Rock State Park, which boasts stunning trails such as the Pinnacle Mountain, Carrick Creek and Table Rock Trails. The Foothills Trail can also be accessed from the Park.

Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage of the Palmetto Trail — Photos from the Blue Ridge Co-op Passage

Roundtop Mountain: 5.9 miles

Connecting the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage to the Foothills Trail and Sassafras Mountain, this section creates opportunities for circular hikes in the Jocassee Gorges wilderness in Pickens County.

Middle Saluda Passage: 11.1 miles

With its waterfalls and challenging elevation, this passage connects about 14 miles of existing trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area of Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks. Highlights include Hospital Rock, Rainbow Falls, 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls, and camping in Jones Gap State Park.

Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park — Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap

Saluda Mountains Passage: 9.1 miles

The Saluda Mountains Passage runs along the ridge dividing the Carolinas, with the Poinsett Watershed to the south. The 19,000-acre watershed is a pristine wilderness area providing habitat for multiple rare plants and animals, including the threatened Peregrine falcon.

Poinsett Reservoir Passage: 6.6 miles

Poinsett Reservoir Passage travels the mountain ridges along the northern boundary of Poinsett Watershed. This pristine watershed of 19,000 acres contains the headwaters feeding Poinsett Reservoir of the Greenville Water System (GW).

Blue Wall Passage: 14 miles

The Blue Wall Passage is home to a wide array of wildlife, stunning scenery including a 30-foot cascading waterfall, and 100+ species of birds. The eastern trailhead is located in the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), and country roads and sidewalks wind through Landrum and around lovely Lake Lanier before climbing the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment to Vaughns Gap.

Peach Country Passage: 14.1 miles

Ideal for bicycling, the scenic Peach Country Passage is routed from Inman to Landrum along back roads dotted with peach orchards. Just past the sidewalks of Inman and Chapman High School, cyclists and hikers climb Windmill Hill, the highest point of the passage. https://palmettoconservation.org/passage/peach-country-passage/

USC Upstate Passage: 2.2 miles

This short passage begins on the campus of the University of South Carolina Upstate campus in Spartanburg, SC, and descends through the woods to Lawson’s Fork Creek.

Hub City Connector: 12 miles

The Connector includes sections of greenways, bicycle lanes, and safe, signed sidewalks through the city of Spartanburg, traveling along the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail and through Liberty Garden, and connecting the School for the Deaf and Blind with downtown, Converse College, Wofford College, Spartanburg Regional Heart Center, Spartanburg Medical Center, and USC Upstate. Trail spurs include Chinquapin Greenway, a 1.6-mile trail spur located at the city’s northern gateway.

The Mary Black Rail Trail in Spartanburg, SC — Mary Black Rail Trail

Cedar Springs Passage: 2.9 miles

Cedar Springs links the Hub City Connector to the Croft Passage. The first mile of the passage is on the campus of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind and is designed to meet the needs of the students of the School, and the trail is graded and surfaced to meet the design requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Croft Passage: 12.6 miles

In the 1700s, the area that today is part of Croft State Park was a hotbed of mills, trading, and political activity centered around the shoals. There was a Revolutionary militia victory at the First Battle of Cedar Springs in 1780, and during World War II it served as an Army training center. Note: this winter hiking article needs an edit, the Fairforest Creek footbridge washed away and has yet to be replaced. Also, please add some Palmetto Trail text and link to Croft article.

Glenn Springs Passage: 7.3 miles

Rolling farmlands, mature forests, and the historic town of Glenn Springs highlight the Glenn Springs Passage. In the 19^th century, Glenn Springs was known for the health benefits of its mineral waters. Now listed in the National Register, the historic district includes 20 historic buildings from about 1840 to 1940 and the site of a popular resort hotel.

Trailhead for the Glenn Springs Passage of the Palmetto Trail — Glenn Springs Passage Trailhead

Blackstock Battlefield Passage: 4 miles

Enjoy four miles of nature trails, camping, and mountain biking along the Tyger River at the Blackstock Battlefield site where Revolutionary War patriots defeated the British; on November 20, 1780, patriot militia fighting under Gen. Thomas Sumter prevailed over British regulars under Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton. Two months later Tarleton lost the Battle of Cowpens and fled north with his remaining troops.

Enoree Passage: 36.9 miles

Hike or bike the 36 miles of trail through Sumter National Forest linking Newberry, Laurens and Union counties. The trail meanders through the diverse habitats located in the Enoree Ranger District and River corridor, while Macedonia, Sedalia, and John’s Creek lakes provide plenty of opportunities to fish on the way to the northern trailhead at Sedalia Campground.

Lynch’s Woods Passage: 4.9 miles

This Park is a well-kept secret just outside of Newberry. Created by the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, the park protects 276 acres of woodlands full of old-growth hardwoods and the rambling Rock Branch Creek and tributaries, and allows hiking, cycling, horseback riding and camping.

Newberry Passage: 10.7 miles

The Newberry Passage is one of three urban passages on the trail, taking you through the heart of Historic Downtown Newberry and showcasing a number of historical and cultural points of interest.

Palmetto Trail in Downtown Newberry, SC — Newberry, SC

Peak to Prosperity Passage: 10.7 miles

The highlight of this section of trail is the impressive 1,100-foot-long Broad River trestle. From there the former railway follows Crims Creek west through the Dutch Fork area.

Capital City Passage: 10.2 miles

The first urban passage on the Palmetto Trail features South Carolina’s largest city and seat of state government. The passage follows city sidewalks through Columbia’s neighborhoods, past city parks and schools, along the historic Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina, and across the steps of the State Capitol. The passage links Fort Jackson Passage to Riverfront Park and the Broad River.

Fort Jackson Passage: 16.3 miles

Fort Jackson Passage takes you through the heart and into the woods of this military facility located just east of Columbia, SC. Established in 1917 in preparation for WWI, the fort was named in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson. At 52,000 acres, it’s the Army’s largest basic training center.

Wateree Passage: 11.4 miles

This portion is one of the most diverse sections of the Palmetto. The trail crosses swamps and hills on its way from Poinsett State Park then through the SCE&G property to Hwy 601. Passing through a section of Manchester State Forest traveling along the remnants of the old SC Railroad through Sumter Junction, it crosses over the Wateree River and Molly’s Bluff – elevation 260 feet – with excellent views across Wateree swamp.

High Hills of Santee Passage: 11.4 miles

Named for the high, sandy ridges that are part of the Sandhills geographical region, these rolling hills are the remains of an ancient ocean shoreline found in the Carolinas and Georgia. Over time, the beach sand and shells transformed into coquina, which can be seen today throughout the park. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps used the native stone to build many structures in the park. Birdwatching includes the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Lake Marion Passage: 35.9 miles

This passage skirts along the north side of Lake Marion between Santee and Mill Creek County Park. A short side trip down Fort Watson Road leads to the site of ancient Santee Indian burial mounds (3,500 years old); the site is now part of Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

Santee Passage: 13.9 miles

This passage utilizes the dirt roads and rural highways of Orangeburg County, traveling through farmlands to the town of Santee.

Eutaw Springs Passage: 21.3 miles

From the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Eutaw Springs to downtown Eutawville, with a 5-mile spur trail that connects to Santee-Cooper Wildlife Management Refuge and Lake Marion.

Lake Moultrie Passage: 26.7 miles

Hugging the eastern and northern shores of 60,000-acre Lake Moultrie, the views make this a popular passage for mountain bikers. Following levees and service roads, the trail crosses the Santee Canal and traverses the swamps around Bulltown Bay.

Swamp Fox Passage: 47.6 miles

This passage named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion is the Palmetto Trail’s longest. From the swamps of Francis Marion National Forest, to long-leaf pine forests that are home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, from the grassy savannas near Dog Swamp and Turkey Creek, to Wadboo Swamp; three trailheads provide users with plenty of options! Just make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is only one water source on the Swamp Fox Passage at the Ranger Station off Steed Creek Road.

Awendaw Passage: 7.1 miles

Awendaw Passtage is the coastal terminus of the mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail. The trail’s namesake Trees greet users at the Buck Hall Recreation Area trailhead. Starting at the Intracoastal Waterway, the Trail meanders westward through maritime forest. It offers sweeping vistas of Lowcountry salt marsh along Awendaw Creek. At Walnut Grove, look for a scenic overlook and boardwalk. A canoe launch for Awendaw Creek is located at the end of Rosa Green Road.

More Ways to Experience the Palmetto Trail

The Palmetto Trail also formed the backbone of the South Carolina 7 Expedition, highlighting the 7 wonders of our state; you can read more about it in our article See South Carolina’s Top 30 Beautiful Natural Spots this July with the SC7 Expedition!

Please note, that while hiking the Palmetto Trail is free, the SC State Parks have an admission to enter the park, and some of the other passages require special consideration (such as Fort Jackson). Your best bet is to check the Palmetto Conservation Facebook for up-to-date info on parking, trail closures, and any special instructions before you hike.

Portions of this article originally appeared on the blog Femme au Foyer as Femme au foyer: Your Guide to the Palmetto Trail.

10+ Family-Friendly Paved and Off Road Bike Trails: Greenville, SC

Are you looking for family-friendly bike trails in Greenville, SC? Maybe you’re looking for scenic bike trails? We’ve got some great places to ride near Greenville!

Greenville, SC has quickly grown into a bicyclist haven since the creation of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. With that, more natural and paved biking trails have emerged. Below, you will find a list of some of the best bike trails Greenville and the surrounding area have to offer. Don’t have your own bike? Don’t worry! You will also find places to rent bikes if you don’t have your own.

Summary:

🔧 Bicycle tune-ups and bike rentals in Greenville, SC.
🚲 Info on the 7 BEST bike trails in Greenville/Spartanburg/Pickens (paved & mountain bike trails).
👧 Have little ones? Find local paved paths at parks for them to practice bike riding.

Biking can involve the whole family – whether the kids are old enough to ride on their own or ride in a trailer or on a bike seat. Here’s our list of family-friendly bike trails in and near Greenville, SC.

Looking for more things to do outdoors? Check out our guide of the Best Things to do Outdoors Near Greenville.

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Zipline Right Over Lake Keowee at Upstate Zipline

Inside: Local families visit Upstate Zipline over Lake Keowee and share their experiences so you’ll know how to plan your trip and what to expect.

If you love adventure or want to try something new for the whole family, Upstate Zipline near Greenville, SC offers that thrilling ride you’re looking for! We checked it out ourselves and have all the details on how to enjoy this new attraction in the Upstate, SC.

Quick Summary: Upstate Zipline

We had a blast at Upstate Zipline near Greenville, SC — and trust us, your family will LOVE it! 🚀

✔️ Zip over sparkling Lake Keowee
✔️ Kids as young as 3 can zip with guides
✔️ New gem mining experience 🪨
✔️ Family-friendly fun, even for your hard-to-please teens
✔️ Full Moon Tours with campfire s’mores 🌕

Upstate Zipline is located at Keowee-Toxaway State Park and designed with nature in mind — no clunky towers, just breathtaking views and serious thrills!

Thank you to Upstate Zipline for hosting us so we could write this review.

Have you ever wanted to zipline over water or speed through the trees for a half-mile while suspended a couple hundred feet in the air? I have! The Upstate Zipline has you covered. In fact, it has the whole family covered as kids as young as three-years-old can zipline here. Plus, they now offer gem mining. So if someone in your group doesn’t want to zip, or you want to add on another fun activity, you can!

Kidding Around has visited Upstate Zipline twice. We’ve sent two writers and their families, so we’ve collectively done the course with six different kids ages 8 to 15. Everyone absolutely loved it, even our hard-to-please teens!

Watch! Here’s our whole trip

We stayed and played at Upstate Zipline. We had a blast and you can see it for yourself!

From registration to communication beforehand to check-in to the actual zipline tour, Upstate Zipline was a memorable and exciting experience, one we are sure families will enjoy.

Zipline over Lake Keowee at Upstate Zipline

About Upstate Zipline

Upstate Zipline’s course is at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in the Upstate, about an hour from Greenville. It consists of 10 ziplines, including two where you zip over Lake Keowee. It’s even cooler than it sounds.

Upstate Zipline is owned by Robert and Joanna Nickell, who have been constructing, inspecting, and imagining the adventures of ziplines for 27 years. They’ve moved all over the country as they have opened new zipline places but fell in love with the Greenville area and decided to relocate here and build a zipline course in 2021.

Robert and Joanna were able to work with South Carolina State Parks to construct the current zipline course at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. If you’re familiar with the park, the location is across the street from where you would go to hike the Natural Bridge/Raven Rock Trail.

There are picnic tables and bathroom facilities where Upstate Zipline is located.

When the course was designed and constructed, it was done to preserve as much of the natural world as possible and not include clunky steel towers or anything that looks like it really doesn’t belong there. What you’ll notice most is how the course is built around the trees and natural topography – which is exactly the way it was designed. The platforms are held up with wires, and not drilled into the trees. So as the trees grow, the course can be altered to accommodate that growth and the trees stay healthy.

The Course

The course for Upstate Zipline is so cool. They have 10 lines, including one that is more than 250 feet off the ground and one that is a half-mile long. You don’t zip across any of the lines twice so all the scenery is new.

There are two guides on your tour, one that receives you on the other end of the line and another guide who sends you off. Both times we visited our guides were totally amazing.

The first four lines are right near the building where you check in and aren’t too high off the ground or long, which is perfect for giving guests a feel for how ziplining works, how to brake properly, and how to watch for the cues from the guides on when to slow down or let your hand off the brake. This will be important later on in the course.

Then comes the really fun part. You’ll zip to a platform, cross a suspension bridge and head right to the half-mile-long zip line. I couldn’t see the other side of it and felt just a tad nervous. But once I got up there and started zipping through the air, it was the coolest feeling. You’re so high and going so fast and it’s just a really neat, freeing feeling. When you go, don’t forget to look all around you. It’s beautiful!!

After that zipline, you get to go on the fastest line in the course so pay attention to your guide and when he/she tells you to brake. It’s easy, don’t worry. That line can get up to 60 miles per hour!

The last two lines are right over Lake Keowee and they are so incredible. The area where you zipline over is a private cove so you don’t need to worry about boats below and you won’t go anywhere near touching the water (although that would be fun!).

Once you zip through the last line, you’ll be brought back to the headquarters of Upstate Zipline in a little bus, about a three-minute drive.

All in all, it took us just over two hours to complete the course. We had about eight people in our group so it may be shorter if you have fewer since the guides need to clip and unclip everyone about a hundred times throughout the course (it may be less but it seemed like a hundred times – safety is of utmost importance).

Safety at Upstate Zipline

Speaking of safety, that is of utmost importance to Upstate Zipline, high above everything else, pun intended. Guides are extensively trained by Universal Zipline Technology, the leader in the zipline industry, on how to use the zipline ropes and clips and what to do in cases of emergency.

The entire zipline course is inspected daily and Robert and Joanna have 27 years of experience in this industry. They also travel and inspect other zipline courses throughout the country, including some we’ve written about at Kidding Around.

Our guides were laser-focused on safety our entire trip. They must have rechecked our gear a dozen times and gave us instructions multiple times as well on how to best enjoy the course safely. They were both really fun to be around with great personalities but it was more than obvious they were paying close attention to us the entire time.

Requirements for Guests

Upstate Zipline is the only zipline place I’ve been to that allows kids as young as three-years-old to participate. They make it safe for these kids because they pair them with a guide for the longer zip lines. The reason most zipline places don’t allow kids this young to go is because they would never make it across the zipline because they don’t weigh enough. By pairing them with a guide, the kids can enjoy the course, making it a true family adventure!

My youngest child is eight-years-old and hardly weighs anything so for half of the course, Preston went with her on those ziplines. She had a blast and I was comforted knowing that my daughter was in good hands.

The other important rule is that for participants that are 5′ 6″ and shorter, they must be 250 pounds or under. Participants that are 5′ 7″ and taller must be 280 lbs or under.

When you check in, you will be weighed (this is absolutely common practice on all zipline and ropes courses).

When you book your zipline adventure, please make note of all of these requirements before purchasing your slot.

Full Moon Tours

We did a daytime tour but Upstate Zipline does offer Full Moon zipline tours for the truly adventurous among us. You’ll do the course by moonlight with headlamps and then you get s’mores and a campfire afterward. This would be such a fun adventure, especially if you’re camping nearby.

Guests who do the Full Moon tour must be 8 years old and advanced reservations are recommended.

Tips on Enjoying Your Zipline Tour

After doing the entire zipline course, we have a few tips:

Bring water. It gets warm out there and having water is key.
You have to wear shoes that won’t fall off so basically no flip-flops.
Wear sunscreen. When the leaves are off the trees especially, you’ll be waiting in the sun on the platforms.
If you plan to have your cell phone with you, make sure to purchase a cell phone lanyard. They are awesome, stretching over your phone so you can still comfortably use it to take photos or videos.
Go to the bathroom before you go on our tour. You can’t get out of your harness to make a bathroom stop during the tour. There are bathrooms where you check in.
Follow the rules and get there a half hour before your tour so you have the time you need to get geared up and go through all the safety instructions.
Book now for the fall. I can’t even imagine how incredible this course will be come October when the leaves change. It’s going to be awesome.

Gem Mining at Upstate Zipline

New this year, Upstate Zipline now offers gem mining. You can enjoy this experience after your zipline tour since you’ll be headed back to the office to get your gear off anyway. Or, if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t want to try the ziplines, they can enjoy some quiet gem mining while you’re out on your adventure.

My kids ages 11 through 15 all really enjoyed gem mining, and I have to say, I was a little surprised. But sifting through the Motherload bag of dirt in the sluices beside the office was actually really fun! And my kids found amethyst, fossils, quartz, crystal points, obsidian, and lots of other cool things. They are still sorting through all their finds and looking up information to help them positively identify the gems. So, you could definitely call this activity both fun and educational.

Purchase bags of mining materials from the Upstate Zipline office. Prices start at $10 and go up to $50 for the biggest bag.

Booking Your Adventure

You can book directly online with Upstate Zipline through their Upstate Zipline website. They do offer group discounts and be sure to sign up for their newsletter and follow them on social media to keep updated on the latest news and discounts.

The zipline tour is $89/person and the Full Moon Tour is $69/person.

New! Stay at Upstate Zipline

That’s right! The camp located within the Keowee Toxaway State Park called Camp Cedar Creek is now operated by Upstate Zipline. They’ve done some awesome things converting cabins to be perfect for families. We stayed in these cabins and had so much fun enjoying the outdoors, kayaking on the lake, and of course, staying minutes from the zipline course!

Get all the details about these cabins in our story: Stay and Play at Upstate Zipline

Find more great places to zipline near Greenville, SC!

Upstate Zipline
138 Museum Circle, Sunset, SC
864.720.4318
Upstate Zipline Website
Upstate Zipline Facebook

For other places to zipline in our region, see our Ziplining in the Southeast story.

Spoonauger Falls: Try This Family Friendly Hike to a Beautiful Waterfall Near Mountain Rest, SC

Are you looking for a family-friendly hike with a waterfall in the SC Upstate? KAG contributor Liene explores another one of the Upstate’s famed waterfalls, Spoonauger Falls! Part wilderness adventure, part waterfall magic, but entirely worth the drive to the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area!

True Wilderness: You Can Access Spoonauger Falls With A Short Hike

The Ellicott Rock Wilderness spans three states, the South Carolina portion measuring 2,859 acres in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest.

Bordered on the west by the Chattooga River, there are three main means of access in SC: Chattooga Trail coming in from Burrells Ford, East Fork Trail from the Walhalla Fish Hatchery, and Fork Mountain Trail from Sloan Bridge Picnic Area. All three trails are strenuous treks into the backcountry.

However, on the south end of this remote area is a 50-foot waterfall reached by just a short trail from Burrells Ford Road – Spoonauger Falls. This hike embodies the spirit of the wilderness area, but is slightly more accessible; at just 0.3 miles to reach the base of the waterfall, it’s a perfect excursion for a family with small children!

Here is a trail map for Spoonauger Falls.

How to Get to Spoonauger Falls

We started our hike on Chattooga Trail from the trailhead on Burrells Ford Road. Parking is alongside the gravel road. Hiking north into the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River corridor, we passed several nice views of the Chattooga before coming to the Spoonauger Creek crossing.

The creek and the waterfall are both named for the Spoonauger family, which lived somewhere in the area above the falls. I’ve seen the waterfall called Rock Cliff Falls, as well as Spoon Auger Falls, however, the Forest Service maps indicate Spoonauger is the most commonly used name.

Immediately after crossing the creek look for the Spoonauger Falls sign, and follow the spur trail east. Just a short ascent later the waterfall is visible to your right – be cautious, as the trail can be slippery after a rain.

As always, exercise caution near waterfalls, and be aware that straying off the path can cause irreparable damage to sensitive plant communities, as well as allow for erosion on the steep walls of the gorge.

Things to See When You Hike to Spoonauger Falls

I have read that bats will roost in the rock crevices of the cliff, however, on our visit we didn’t see any bats, only salamanders in the pools below the falls. The waterfall is beautiful; in low flow it is a delicate lace, in higher flow a cascading veil.

Once you’ve taken in the falls, head back the way you came. The ramifications of the hemlock woolly adelgid are visible everywhere on this short hike, in the form of enormous dead and dying hemlocks, as well as egg sacs of the invasive insect, which resemble small tufts of cotton clinging to the underside of hemlock branches. The tiny brown-colored insect sucks nutrition from the tree’s stored reserves and injects a toxin while feeding, causing the tree to lose needles and not produce new growth. Death of the tree typically occurs 4 to 10 years after infestation, so although there are small hemlocks growing here and there, almost all the giants still standing are dead. While sad, it provides a good lesson to kiddos on how a small pest can take out a whole forest.

Spoonauger Falls Chattooga River SC — Chattooga River

Things to do Near Spoonauger Falls

Having returned to Burrells Ford Road, take a short stroll down to the bridge for a view of the scenic Chattooga River. Of course, make sure to cross into Georgia so that you can make this a two-state excursion!

Just a bit up the road you drove in on is another parking area, for the Burrells Ford campground. I often recommend this campground to friends wanting to get out for a weekend without the stress of reservations and fees: you can read about camping at Burrells Ford Campground here.

Another nearby waterfall hike is King Creek Falls hike – the 70-foot waterfall is under two miles from the campground parking area.

Plan your own trip to Spoonauger Falls!

Spoonauger Falls
Near Mountain Rest, SC
Ellicott Rock Wilderness

This post originally appeared on the blog Femme au Foyer.

See a video tour of the hike to Spoonauger Falls.

Have you visited Spoonauger Falls?

Ultimate Guide to
Hiking Near Greenville

The Water is Calling For You
Waterfalls Near Greenville, SC

Holmes Educational State Forest: This Living Outdoor Classroom in NC is Perfect for Exploring

Have you visited Holmes Education State Forest near Hendersonville, NC? KAG’s Elizabeth Lambert visited the park with her family and has all the information about the trails to hike, and things to do and see at Holmes Educational State Forest.

Are you looking for a crowds-free place to take your family on a sunny spring day? I was able to spend a beautiful day at this forest near Hendersonville, NC with my kids, picnicking, hiking, and exploring. What we saw, we loved. From an out-of-commission NC Forest Service helicopter and a Labyrinth to gorgeous views and exciting wildlife, there truly is something for everyone at Holmes Educational State Forest.

(more…)

East Riverside Park Has a Fun Playground: Greer, SC

Looking for a new place to play? East Riverside Park has some fun playground equipment along with fields and a community garden. We checked it out to let our readers know what to expect when they visit this park.

Playground at East Riverside Park, Greer

Quick Summary: East Riverside Park

✨ Here’s what you’ll find:

Brand new playground equipment for toddlers and big kids
Sports fields for football, soccer, and baseball
A community garden you can rent and tend with your kids
A sand volleyball court and wide-open fields for play
Picnic pavilion with restrooms and grills

📍 1155 S Suber Road, Greer, SC 29650

East Riverside Park is a wonderful park located near Riverside High School in Greer. Let’s explore the park from the back of the park to the front.

Football Fields, Community Garden, and More

When you wind your way to the back of the park by car or by walking on its roadway, you will find a large sports field. The field is used for both soccer and football. The wide open area would also be a great place to fly kites. You will find restrooms right in front of the field. There is a large parking lot there, too.

A short walk from the ball field is a single basketball hoop and the community garden. East Riverside Park is the home to one of the community gardens in the Greenville Parks and Recreation system. What fun it would be to rent a garden plot there to work on with your children!

You can take a trip through the trees or back on the main park road to get to the picnic pavilion. It is a large area filled with picnic tables, a large grill, and a set of bathrooms. The bathrooms in the pavilion are the closest ones to the playground area. There is a parking area right in front of the pavilion that is also used by park visitors who want to explore the playground area.

East Riverside Park’s Playground

The playground area is filled with fun playground equipment.

There is a section of the playground that features equipment just right for younger children and the section for older children is on the other side of the playground.

Both areas have some sun cover. Between the areas, you will find equipment that children can stand or sit on and spin. My son tested out each of the pieces of spinning equipment and announced they were all a lot of fun. Both areas feature climbing equipment and equipment that moves.

Playground equipment at East Riverside Park

There are no swings available at this park. There is a swinging bridge area that my son enjoyed in the area for older children. Younger children at the park the day we visited needed help from their parents to cross it.

In front of the playground, there is a sand volleyball court. Young children would have fun trying to get balloons over the net while older children could actually play volleyball there.

Across the parking lot from the playground and pavilion, you will find an open field that would be great for playing tag or maybe even bike riding.

Finally, at the front of the park, you will find baseball fields. The fields have their own parking lot and bathrooms.

East Riverside Park: Quick Review

Favorites:

Great playground equipment
Restrooms located near the sports field and pavilion
Variety of fields and courts to play on

Drawbacks:

No swings

1155 S Suber Road, Greer, SC 29650

East Riverside Park is only a stone’s throw away from residential and business areas. We found it to be a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle. It was a great park to play and explore nature.

Have you visited the new playground at East Riverside Park?

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Looking for more parks in the Upstate? We’ve got Your Guide to Parks Near Greenville, SC.

Greer, SC is awesome

If you’re headed to Greer, here’s our full Greer, SC Guide, so you don’t miss a thing!

Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden: Greenville’s Hidden Gem

Have you been to Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden in Greenville, SC, yet? The best way to describe it is a magical, whimsical wonderland where you and your little ones can explore, learn, and play to your heart’s content! This charming garden that’s nestled and tucked away in the heart of downtown Greenville is a must-visit for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

View of the open space at Linky Stone Park

A Little Linky Stone Park History

Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden opened in 1994. This storybook park was named after Allene Lawton Wyman “Linky” Stone. The park was dedicated to her by her children and grandchildren.

Discover a World of Wonders at Linky Stone Park

From the moment you step into the garden, you’re greeted with a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. With colorful flowers, towering trees, and chirping birds all around, your little ones will be captivated by the garden’s natural beauty. Even in early spring, we could see hints of colorful flowers starting to bloom. I’ve made note to return in a month or two once all the greenery is fully revived… I’m sure it looks even more lush and magical.

But that’s just the beginning – countless surprises and delights are waiting to be discovered! From secret pathways and hidden nooks to bubbling creeks and whimsical sculptures, the garden is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored.

Learn as You Play

The Children’s Garden is not just a place for play – it’s also an outdoor classroom where your kids can learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. Throughout the garden, you’ll find interactive exhibits and educational displays that teach kids about different plant species.

Various plants have plaques with QR codes that you can scan for more information about each species. There’s even an area where flowers are planted in a rainbow shape in rainbow colors.

Whether your kids are budding botanists or just love to explore, the garden offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

Create Lasting Memories

Most of all, the parks Children’s Garden allows families to connect, laugh, and make memories together. With a few benches and picnic tables, the garden is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or snack break.

Where is Linky Stone Park

The park sits quietly under the Academy Street bridge at River Street and Reedy View Drive, just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Unity Park is a short 0.4 miles away.

24 Reedy View Drive, Greenville

Parking at Linky Stone Park

There’s a public pay-to-park parking lot right across the street from the park. You can also try parking across River Street at the River Street Garage or Riverplace Garage, or toss your luck at finding an empty spot on the street.

So what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic and head to the Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden today. Your little ones will thank you for it!

Editor’s Note: The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park is in a semi-secluded setting. Some mothers may prefer visiting during the busier hours on the weekend or with a group.

Looking for more gardens to explore near Greenville, SC? We’ve got a list of the best beautiful gardens in the Upstate.

Take your kids on an adventure to one of the many parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC.

Parks and Playgrounds Greenville and Spartanburg

Creating Beauty from Destruction: The New Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve

Inside: The heartwarming story of how the new Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve came to be, plus what you can expect when you visit.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, driving around (if you could drive around) looked like the Apocalypse. How could anything good come out of such destruction? The new playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve answers that question.

How could anything good come from such destruction is a question I often asked myself following Helene.

But a lot of good came out of the disaster – we witnessed the coming together of our community in ways we never imagined. Even writing this now, more than six months later, it still gives me goosebumps. I don’t think we will ever hear the end of the heroic acts and selfless decisions made following the storm.

Quick Summary: Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve

🌳 A brand-new natural playscape is rising from the very trees that fell during Helene. Designed by TreeHugger Custom Builders, this space is nothing short of breathtaking. Think bridges, walkways, and a throne made from Helene’s downed trees—each piece tells a story of resilience.

🛠️ From twisted branches to log-carved steps, every detail is stunning. Artist Matt McClain turned destruction into art, creating a space that inspires wonder and healing.

🗓️ Opens to the public Saturday, April 12th
🚻 Porta-potties are available near the fenced-in playscape. Bathrooms are near the baseball field.📍840 Mauldin Road, Greenville

Watch! See the Playscape

One of those amazing stories is right here in Greenville at the Conestee Nature Preserve. Nearly an entire playscape was constructed from the fallen trees of Helene. Here’s what happened.

Having the Dream

In 2022, the Conestee Nature Preserve wanted to create a natural playscape for their guests, something that would introduce kids to the wonders of nature in an area that was safe and fun. They started raising money to make their dream a reality.

Fundraising is tough and this large of a project took a significant amount of time and energy to pursue. TreeHugger Custom Builders was hired to create the design and that’s where the magic started to happen.

TreeHugger Custom Builders

Walking into the playscape felt like walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory but without all the sweets. This was a sugar overload for the mind instead. The beauty of the woodwork throughout the structures was immediately apparent and I was hooked.

Branches were twisted to make arches. Exquisite details made the bridge something I was immediately drawn to. The natural steps carved from logs and the planks that ran around the beaver dam were all obviously man-made but looked like they were meant to be there.

Conestee playscape beaver dam — Beaver dam/lodge

Matt McClain at TreeHugger is behind all those structures. His vision of taking the beauty of nature and weaving it throughout this playscape is stamped everywhere. If you’ve been to the Old Soul Treehouse in Waterloo (that we wrote about), you’ve seen his handiwork. Matt’s work is also featured at City Scape Winery, Stone Pin Bowling Alley, and Table 301 here in Greenville.

I wouldn’t even call what Matt does woodworking. It’s art. It will capture your eyes and head straight to your heart. I really do think it’s that beautiful.

Rising from the Storm

When Helene hit and mountains of debris littered the city and the Conestee Nature Preserve itself, Matt decided to make use of all that wood and build it into something beautiful.

Right when you walk into the playscape to your left is the story-telling area with benches and a seat fit for a king or queen. Those benches all came from downed trees. The throne-like structure came from a tree that came down on Pleasantburg Drive. It is shockingly beautiful. Go sit there and talk. Your voice will do neat things when you sit inside of it.

The bridge over the walkway next to the beaver dam is made from Helene trees. The walkways and hawks nests and railings and platforms all came from trees that were felled during the storm.

Taking salvaged material is something of a staple in Matt’s work. He’s been doing it for the last ten years so this project was perfect for him.

The creek that flows through the playscape is totally manmade and does not take water from the Reedy River. The water here is filtered and clean. This is completely separate from the river.

Part of the Healing Process

Matt is a master artist whose work will inspire creativity and imagination no matter what ages run through that playscape.

One of the more prevailing scars from Helene is not only on the land but also on our hearts and minds. Processing the destruction is hard. Seeing crushed buildings and trees fallen on mountains like pickup sticks is like a gut punch every time. What Matt and Conestee Nature Preserve did together helps in this healing process to restore hope and beauty to the landscape. And what a gift that is to the community.

Visiting the Playscape

The playscape opens to the public on Saturday, April 12th. It is almost entirely fenced in and there are porta-potties right now. The Preserve is trying to raise money to build standalone bathrooms but that is costly. There are real bathrooms closer to the baseball field.

The playscape is closest to the parking lot nearest the baseball fields and right next to the community garden.

No pets are allowed at the playscape.

840 Mauldin Road, Greenville
Conestee Nature Preserve Playscape

Learn more about Conestee Nature Preserve

The 25 Drive-In Movie Theater is an Hour from Greenville, SC and is Perfect for Making Family Memories

Put “visit 25 Drive-In movie theater” on your bucket list this year. Drive-in movie theaters still exist and there’s one about an hour from Greenville, SC that is just perfect for making those fun, family memories together.

I went to a drive-in movie (sometimes known as an ‘auto theater’) with my family when I was maybe 12 or 13 years old. It was so fun! We brought blankets and pillows and popcorn, tuned our radio to the channel that broadcasted the audio from the film, and had a blast together. Nowadays, drive-in movie theaters have all but disappeared. But there’s one in Greenwood, South Carolina (a little over an hour from Greenville) that is still showing movies and it’s a great spot to make those lasting family memories.

Quick Summary: 25 Drive-In Movie Theater

🎬 Here’s what you need to know:

Gates open at 7 pm; first movie starts around 8:15 pm
Open Fridays & Saturdays with new movies posted mid-week
Admission: $5 (ages 3–11), $10 (ages 12+), cash only
Concessions available with burgers, nachos, and more
Bringing your own food? There’s a $20 permit fee
Bathrooms and radio rentals available near Screen 1
Pets welcome! (just clean up after them 🐾)

💺 Tip: Bring chairs, blankets, and settle in early for dinner and a show!

📍3109 Highway 25 South, Greenwood, SC
📞 864.942.9871
🌐 More info: http://www.the25drivein.com/

25 Drive-In Movie Theater Times & Dates

The 25 Drive-In Movie Theater, which first opened in 1945, shows movies and Friday and Saturday nights on three screens. The first movie starts around 8:15 pm, the second at 9:50 or a little after 10 pm.

New movies will be posted by Tuesday or Wednesday before the weekend.

Movies range in rating from PG to R so be sure to check out what is showing beforehand to make sure it is an appropriate fit for your family.

Bathrooms are available.

25 Drive-In Movie Theater Admission + Food

The 25 Drive-In Movie Theater offers concessions as well so you can consider it ‘dinner and a movie’. On the menu you’ll find hand-patted burgers, hotdogs, popcorn, nachos, and a lot more! If you want to bring your own food, you’re welcome to do so but will be asked to pay $20 for a food/drink permit.

The cost to go to the movie is $5 for ages 3-11 and $10 for ages 12+, cash only! Gates open at 7 pm.

Tips to Know Before You Go

There is always a double feature, so you can stay for both movies.
You can hang out in your car, but they recommend bringing chairs and blankets to sit outside for more comfort.
You can rent a radio if you want to sit outside of your car so you can hear the movie better.
You’ll find the concessions stand, the bathrooms, and the radio rental area near Screen 1.
There is a $20 fee per vehicle if you want to bring your own food.
There is plenty of space for kids to play, so they are allowed to bring in a frisbee, balls, and other quiet toys.
They recommend arriving an hour early to order food and get settled before the movie starts.
The box office does accept chip cards and cash for payment.
Pets are allowed, but please clean up after them.
Make lots of memories and have fun at the drive-in!

Have you been to a drive-in movie?

25 Drive-In Movie Theater
3109 Highway 25 South, Greenwood, SC
864.942.9871

Looking for more movie theaters in Greenville, SC?