If you’re searching for a park that has designated play spaces for little kids and big kids plus some other features too then you have to check out Butler Springs Park! This awesome park includes multiple playgrounds, a walking trail, tennis courts, and more! Plus, it has some much needed morning shade.
About Butler Springs Park
What if you could sit in the shade for just a minute or two while your toddler happily plays on an age-appropriate playground? When my boys were all under 4, that idea felt like a dream. Butler Springs Park has an exciting playground for little ones that is fully enclosed and mostly shaded. The fenced-in area even has baby swings and a couple of benches. Restrooms are just steps away.
But, do not think that Butler Springs is just for toddlers! The playground designed for ages 5-12 has tall slides, challenging balance beams and monkey bars, swings, shifting stepping blocks and so much more. The crazy, rotating disc is thrilling, and there are even some monkey bars hidden under the fish. A bench under the tall trees allows you to watch your children in the shade.
The large, covered pavilion complete with restrooms, drinking fountains, and grills is situated between the two playgrounds. You will also find many picnic tables scattered throughout the park. We have brought dinner to this park and had large family gatherings.
We love the paved trail that weaves between the playgrounds, lighted tennis courts, and baseball fields. Much of the trail is also shaded. You’ll discover some fun activities to do with your children along the way including hop-scotch.
The park is surrounded by quiet neighborhoods and is only five minutes from Haywood Mall. Get your children, young and old, to this park the next time you want some good family time!
Kayak Hilton Head let us join one of their boat tours this summer for an amazing experience on the water. Kristina shares all about what to expect and why this particular place is excellent for your next family adventure on the coast.
Media tickets were given so we could write about Kayak Hilton Head.
I grew up near the ocean but never got to see dolphins, or really any other cool wildlife, up close until I started visiting the South Carolina coast. And wow, the beaches in the state are just beautiful. But then I learned all about salt marshes and the uniqueness of this kind of environment and was blown away! I’ve done amazing dolphin cruises in Hilton Head Island but I am a huge fan of kayaking and wanted to get just a tad bit closer to the dolphins and birds and salt marshes.
So I went on a two-hour kayak tour with Kayak Hilton Head. To say the experience was unforgettable is an understatement. If any of you followed our Instagram story on the kayak tour, you can plainly hear I lost my mind upon seeing dolphins up close. Sorry. I was excited.
Experience Matters: Kayak Hilton Head
Kayak Hilton Head is owned by a gracious and chill guy named Dave. He has been running the company for almost 20 years. And he used to work for Disney’s Hilton Head resort, so finding things to entertain kids comes naturally. That kind of experience is worth it when it comes to learning about the area, the salt marshes, and the incredible wildlife and creatures that inhabit it.
The guided tours take place at Broad Creek, a tidal creek that rises and falls with the tide. It’s a protected area far from the open ocean which means you likely won’t be dealing with high winds and waves – or big sharks. The salt marshes provide habitats for everything from dolphins to manatees to minks to vast oyster beds and all kinds of cool birds. We got to see a Rosa Spoonbill, a pink bird with a beak that looks like a spoon, which it uses to scoop out food from shallow waters. So cool.
Our guide for the morning kayak tour we went on was Mary, a resident of the island. Mary not only provided an informative narrative tour as we were kayaking but answered our questions about literally everything from how the docks are built to the life cycle of oysters to the best restaurants on the island. She was awesome.
My nine-year-old daughter and I did the tour together and I felt like we were on the best field trip ever – which I’m totally counting as homeschooling.
We learned about the Loggerhead Turtles and how they travel the world but always come back home to lay their eggs (and how a teacher once tried to take a nest off the island – it didn’t end well).
We learned about how stone crabs are harvested for their meat by taking off one claw and then letting the crab go free because the claw grows back, which is why, if you see a stone crab, they will almost always have lopsided claws.
We learned about the harvesting and growth of oysters as well as the island’s history of being occupied during the Civil War by Union soldiers, who used the salt grass to wrap and preserve the fish they caught.
And all of the learning was happening while we paddled along, with plenty of space between all of us in the group, in the beautiful water in the salt marsh.
What We Saw: Our Two Hour Kayak Tour with Kayak Hilton Head
Yes, we got to see dolphins. And it was amazing. All throughout high school I wanted to be a marine biologist. I wanted to swim with dolphins. I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. If it had to do with dolphins, I was in. While none of those paths were in my future, my love of dolphins remains and it’s such a ridiculous joy to see these creatures.
One dolphin surfaced right between my kayak and our guide, Mary, surprising us for a second. She told us that many dolphins are recognizable by locals by their unique markings on their dorsal fins. Of course, I wanted to see all the dolphins and learn each one’s name. But we had run out of time on our tour. It went by fast!
As much as I loved the dolphins, I wasn’t expecting to be wow’d by all of the other wildlife we saw. As mentioned above, we got to see the pink Rosa Spoonbill. Mary was really excited to see that bird so I figured it must be extra special.
We saw lots of little spider crabs, egrets, herons, and jumping minnows. And everything we learned from Mary was just fascinating. The paddling was leisurely as we glided peacefully through the water, just observing the world around us.
It was easy to forget life for a while, to just enjoy the quiet morning and beauty that surrounded us.
What You Need to Know About Kayak Hilton Head
You’re on the water and outdoors controlling your own boat. Even if you have zero kayaking experience, it’s not hard to paddle away from someone if you want.
If you’re looking for a good outdoor activity, this is it.
Also, you are provided with a life jacket and paddle so no need to bring your own unless you want to. They have a basket on land to keep your keys (which I suggest you use – don’t want to lose your keys accidentally in the water). If you want to bring your phone or camera, maybe have a wet bag with you or something waterproof to put them in. I had no problems doing that in our kayak.
And bring water. It’s hot out there and water is essential. My daughter and I both wore hats and sunscreen as well, which certainly helped us stay cooler and of course, prevent sunburn.
Kayak Hilton Head has both double and single kayaks, which is perfect for families. My daughter and I were in a double kayak together. I own a sturdy sit-on-top kayak so I was a little nervous to use a sit-in kayak but I soon figured out my worrying was futile. Our kayak was a Wilderness double kayak, one of the best on the market. It was sturdy and solid and a really easy boat to paddle.
Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour time, which gives you enough time to get your gear, use the restroom, and have a Paddle 101 lesson from your guide. We paddled with a cute family who had two little kids, a mom, and a grandma. This grandma had never paddled before in her life but she was a rock star five minutes into our tour. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before. If grandma can do it, so can you.
Booking a Tour
Kayak Hilton Head books tours all day every day during peak season in summer. Typically, summer kayak tours run at 8 am, 10:45 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:45 pm. Spring and fall tours are usually 9 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:30 pm. Reservations must be made in advance.
Dave will tell you the best time to kayak is at 8 am. It’s relatively cooler at that time of day and you have a better chance of seeing dolphins. Seeing dolphins isn’t guaranteed on every tour though. They are wild animals and don’t have a schedule!
If you reserve your tour online, the cost is $39/adult and $20/child (12 and under). If you don’t reserve online, it’s $49/adult and $40/child.
Kayak Hilton Head does not have a minimum age to come on the tours and they leave it up to the parents. Just be aware that there is no place to stop on the kayak tour and jump out and stretch your legs or let the kids run around. They will be confined the whole time to your boat.
If you’re looking for other boat tours, Kayak Hilton Head has a shark fishing tour, a sunset cruise, and a beachcombing expedition.
Love Travelers Rest? Consider checking out Poinsett Park with the kids. KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson visited with her family and is giving us all the details so you’ll know just what to expect. You’re sure to love all this park has to offer, including multiple playgrounds and a paved trail for walking!
This park is a little tricky to get to heading south, but worth it! If planning your day, its easiest to stop while driving northward, as you won’t have to fight traffic to turn off Main Street.
At first, I was skeptical. The park looks small, but we were there so why not check it out? It was gorgeous with a very decadent tree line and lush grass.
The playgrounds
The kids were enchanted with the tree house-themed playground. I was relieved that there was a toddler area to direct my little one towards. They liked the swings and enjoyed the many slides available.
Watch out for the climbing web- preschoolers will need your help but it’s very user-friendly! The forest of stairs shaped like trees also scared me, but my kids navigated them well. Little monkeys will surely enjoy all the climbing features!
For whatever reason, the rainwater didn’t pool much on the slides or swings or anywhere else for that matter. The low retaining wall surrounding playground also seemed to help waterproof the park a lot, as there were hardly any puddles. So this park may be a good bet after a rainy day.
The walking trail
Once we finally got the kids away from the playground, we took a family walk around the trail. This trail seemed popular with many people, and though there were quite a few pet owners walking their dogs, the park was very clean. It is a nice size yet has good visibility.
Those with older kids could probably walk the trail by themselves yet be in sight to wave at their children over on the playground. This feature makes it very family-friendly- adults can jog a bit, have an uninterrupted conversation, or just enjoy the walk.
There are also some nice picnic tables and a shelter that can be reserved for special occasions. The larger trail has a cut-through with tables near the playground so you can just circle nearby if needed.
Visit Poinsett Park
Poinsett Park is a great little destination for the whole family. We saw many generations there and families with kids of all ages. It’s not far from downtown Greenville and is just a stone’s throw from downtown Travelers Rest.
Do you have goals to hike up to Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about three hours from Greenville, SC? Read on to plan your epic hike!
Hiking to Mt. LeConte Lodge, the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was a goal of mine for awhile and it was during the middle of June, when I took my daughters to see the incredible synchronous fireflies, that we made it happen the first time. We’ve gone back again but it did take some bribery, which I’ll tell you about shortly.
Long story short: totally worth the effort to hike!
Mt. LeConte is the only place that we know of in the country where you can hike up over 6,000 feet, buy a commemorative hat or t-shirt, and purchase a sack lunch. My daughters, ages 13 and 9, will tell you that’s exactly the reason they agreed to the difficult hike. It’s amazing what bribery will get you.
Mt. LeConte sits at 6,593 feet above sea level. Mt. LeConte Lodge has several cabins and a dining room for guests who are lucky enough to score a reservation and make the hard trek up to check-in.
The Lodge itself is rustic but really cool. I have not stayed there but know many people who have and they all say what an amazing experience it is. There are trails to hike around at the top if you somehow have any energy left after making it up there. Hiking to Mt. LeConte is easily one of those bucket list hikes in the Smoky Mountains for its beauty, views, and overall coolness.
Hiking to Mt. LeConte
There are several ways to get up to Mt. LeConte but both times we hiked it, we did Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte, about 5.5 miles one way. I like this trail because it’s shaded so it’s not hot in the summer and it’s the shortest route up. The views are also pretty awesome and you get to go past Alum Cave, which is such a neat place to visit and rest awhile with its high, arched rock and sandy bottom. It took us three hours to get up there but this timetable very much depends on your own abilities. It’s a hard hike with more than 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Definitely know your limits and the limits of those you are hiking with before tackling this trail. Rescues happen here not infrequently.
Scenes from the hike
There are six trails to reach the summit, including Alum Cave:
Rainbow Falls – 6.7 miles one way
Bullhead- 6.9 miles one way
The Boulevard – 8.1 miles one way
Brushy Mountain – 9.1 miles one way
Trillium Gap – 6.7 miles one way
All of these are not easy trails and be prepared for snow and ice into early May and starting in September. Follow LeConte Lodge on social media to see current conditions and plan your trip accordingly.
About Mt. LeConte Lodge
Mt. LeConte Lodge was actually built and conceived before the Great Smoky Mountains became a national park. Construction began on the lodge, which sits at 6,593 feet high, in 1925 and was run by Gatlinburg mountaineer Jack Huff and his family until 1960. In fact, many of the buildings that he constructed still stand today at the lodge.
From 1960-1975, horses were commonly used at the lodge to get provisions up and down the mountain. Horses are no longer used. Instead, llamas make the trek three times a week!
The famous llamas weren’t used until after 1976 and to this day, if you’re lucky, you can catch the llama train heading up to Mt. LeConte with food, bedding, and other provisions Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the season when the lodge is open. I got to see them one time when we were hiking to Grotto Falls and they are super cool and chill. I’m certain I annoyed the llama wranglers with all my questions but now I have a goal to be one of those wranglers when my kids grow up and I can move to the Smokies for a season and hike with llamas! The llamas use the Trillium trail to get up to Mt. LeConte Lodge and back down.
Today, ownership of the lodge is through a limited partnership with Tim Line, the longest serving steward of the Lodge, and Stokely Hospitality Enterprises, which operates several restaurants in Sevier and Knox counties in Tennessee.
Made it!
I have not stayed at the lodge because 1) it is very hard to get reservations, and 2) it’s not an inexpensive endeavor. 2024 rates start at $100 for kids ages 4-12 and $184 per night for adults, which include lodging, dinner, and breakfast. Perhaps one day I can cross it off my list but for now, I’ll be content to be a day hiker and buy t-shirts and refill my water bottle there.
Reservations for the 2025 season, which is usually late March through November depending on weather, open up in the fall of 2024. If you follow the Lodge on X, you may be able to snag a last minute booking because someone canceled.
The Sack Lunch & T-Shirt
Every year, there is a new t-shirt design for hikers to purchase that says “I hiked it.” My daughters and I each have two of these and we have now decided to start a collection. It’s a challenging collection but that’s the fun of it!
Day hikers can also purchase a Sack Lunch, which my daughters and I have deemed a “Snack Lunch” due to the array of snacks that are in the lunch and that my kids are hobbits and will do anything for snacks. Sack Lunches are $14 each and contain a bagel, cream cheese packet, beef and pork stick, fruit leather or fruit snack, trail mix, Oreos, and a Gatorade drink packet.
The 2024 LeConte Lodge t-shirt
There’s a water pump at the lodge, which is very useful since you’ll probably need a refill. And while there are pit toilets there, they are probably the smelliest toilets I have ever encountered in my entire life.
The Lodge gift shop is open 9-10 am and Noon-4:30 pm on the dot. I know this because we got up to the Lodge at 10:02 am and it was closed. We hung out and hiked to Cliff Tops to pass the time, which was totally fine because it was a beautiful day!
Tips on Hiking to Mt. LeConte
No pets allowed: pets are only allowed on two trails within the boundaries of the national park. This isn’t one of them so don’t bring your pet.
Get to the Alum Cave parking lot early: the lot will fill up by 7 am most days and then you’ll have to park further down the street or nowhere at all. Have a backup plan to hike another trail if you can’t find parking.
Know your limitations: this trail is hard. We’ve hiked with our kids but they are great hikers and have done harder trails. There are hundreds of other trails in the park that are easier if you need to build up endurance.
Plan your day: the Alum Cave trail took us around 8.5 hours both times (that was with stopping for lunch and waiting for the gift shop to open). The other trails will probably take even longer so plan accordingly if you’ll be coming down, or going up, in the dark and use headlamps.
Bring enough water, food, and a first aid kit: this is standard for any hike. Be prepared.
Be sure to have your parking sticker: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires cars parked longer than 15 minutes to have a parking sticker. They are $5/day, $15/week, or $40/year and can be purchased at Visitor Centers and kiosks around the park.
Directions to the trail from the National Park Service: Drive 8.6 miles on Newfound Gap Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center or 20 miles from Oconaluftee Visitor Center. There is a sign and two large parking areas marking the trailhead.
Have you visited Glenn Springs, SC? This historic community was once known for its healing mineral spring and historic figures who were known to visit the spring. You can explore the area on foot with a hike or a driving tour. Kidding Around Contributor, Liene, visited with her family. From animals along the trail, to historic buildings and stories of the area; here’s what they discovered in Glenn Springs, SC.
Inside: A real review of one local mom’s visit with her kids to Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a natural wonder in Georgie that families will really enjoy. With gorgeous hiking, waterfalls, swimming holes, and more, the park is full of the stuff that amazing and memorable day trips are made of, so get packing. Kristina tells us all about how to enjoy this beautiful Georgia State Park, what to expect, and even where to grab something to eat.
Day Trip to Tallulah Gorge
It’s a day trip! Getting to Tallulah Gorge State Park, approximate driving time from:
Charlotte, NC 3 hours
Greenville, SC 90 minutes
Atlanta, GA 90 minutes
Columbia, SC just under 3 hours
Where to Stay Near Tallulah Gorge
Planning to stay awhile? If you’re planning a family vacation or weekend getaway, here’s where to stay near Tallulah Gorge State Park. Note: Kidding Around earns when you book through this link via an affiliate relationship with STAY22.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is only 90 minutes from Greenville yet seems a world apart when you get to the vast gorge. I had no idea a place like this existed. I was researching some hiking trails and wanted to stay within a certain driving distance and decided to check this place out. I wasn’t disappointed! The park is very unique and I’ve got all the info you need to know before you visit this nearby wonder.
View from the North Rim looking out over Sliding Rock
History of the Tallulah Gorge State Park
The land at Tallulah Falls was originally inhabited by the Cherokee, who called it Ugunyi, and they lived there until white settlers appeared in 1820. The Cherokee typically avoided the falls and did not hunt there but the white settlers flocked there, inspired by the beauty of the waterfalls through the gorge.
The town of Tallulah Falls became a summer destination for wealthier families, especially once the railroads were laid in the region in 1882 from Atlanta. The town became a resort town and by 1897 it had three churches, hotels, post office, and restaurants, all supported via the tourism industry.
At the turn of the century, power companies began competing for the rights to dam the falls for hydroelectricity. Conservation efforts led by Helen Dortch Longstreet, who saw the possible destruction of the beauty of the gorge happening because of the power companies, laid the groundwork for the state park.
The dam was completed in 1913, which created a lake above the gorge and at the time, supplied North Georgia and Atlanta with electricity. It’s still in operation today but is a smaller component to the electricity grid.
The Georgia Power dam
The state park was created in 1992 and on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall, controlled releases from the dam invite brave kayakers to run the falls a handful of weekends out of the year. Hiking on the gorge floor is prohibited during these releases, the dates of which can be found on the Tallulah Gorge website.
The gorge was formed by the strong currents of the Savannah River, which cut through the rock. It’s about 1,000 feet deep and two miles long.
Hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park
There are 20 miles of hiking trails at the park and they have everything from strenuous and challenging to leisurely and easy. There are maps everywhere at the gorge and inside the Interpretive Center so be sure to grab one and or take a screenshot.
The North and South rim trails are easy (about 3 miles total for both trails) and the overlooks are stunning. You can see straight down into the gorge and check out all the waterfalls. On the summer day we first visited, the clouds were wisping in and out of the canyon and it was beautiful.
There are signs at each overlook that tells you what you’re looking at. I cannot even imagine how stunning this place must look when the leaves change color in the fall.
The suspension bridge is what you may see photos of when you Google the park. I love suspension bridges and was excited to see this one – my first question to the Park Ranger was how to get to it! It swings 80 feet above the gorge floor and is so beautiful.
But here’s the thing: you have to walk down (and then back up) 620 metal steps. These steps are no joke: they are steep and one of the Rangers told me a lot of rescues happen on these stairs because people think they can do it and then find out they cannot make it back up.
Stairs. Stairs. More stairs.
An important thing to note is that dogs are not allowed on this trail or the Sliding Rock Trail on the gorge floor.
We did the hike down into the gorge to see Hurricane Falls and then back up to the South Rim and headed off to the North Rim for a total of a little over two miles. My kids (ages 11 and 7) and I are experienced hikers and while the stairs were pretty brutal, we didn’t have any issues completing the hike.
One thing to note is that the connection of the North and South rim trails is over a busy highway bridge at the dam. You don’t have to cross the road but you do need to keep a close eye on your kids if you choose this route.
Suspension Bridge
One cool thing on the North Rim trail was the old remnants of the tower that 65-year-old tightrope walker Karl Wallenda used when he took 18 minutes to walk across a steel tightrope on July 18, 1970. Inside the Interpretive Center are photos, a portion of the cable he used, and tickets that were distributed that day. So cool!
I made an Instagram Reel about our visit that you may enjoy.
The Sliding Rock (Gorge Floor) Trail
I hiked the Gorge floor on my second trip to Tallulah Gorge and had read so many reviews of the trail and what to expect. I really try to be prepared and my kids and I all had enough water and snacks and the right hiking shoes.
I did have second thoughts when a Ranger asked me directly, “Do you know how dangerous this is?”. I mean, yes, I had an idea. But of course, hiking it is a whole other beast. Let me tell you how it went.
So, you need to know that there are only 100 permits per day that the park gives out. They are free but they are also in demand. To get one, you need to get to the park at least 30 minutes before they open and wait at the gate. Then you’ll be let in, able to park, and wait in line at the Interpretive Center.
The other variable is weather: if it rained the night before or is raining that morning or the Gorge is releasing water from the dam, they won’t issue a permit. So watch the weather and look at the Gorge website to check the dates of the dam release.
We had camped right at the park the night before and ended up hiking the half mile or so from the campground to the Interpretive Center in the morning and were the very first people in line at 7:20 am (the park opens at 8 am).
About 20 minutes later, the gates must have opened because cars just poured in. By 8 am, there was easily 100 people in line. A ranger came out to tell everyone that if you were wearing Crocs or flip-flops, you wouldn’t get a permit no matter if you were one of the first 100 people in line.
Once the doors opened, the ranger led us and about 50 other people to the bottom floor of the Interpretive Center for a safety class. The ranger had photos of the trail, gave us tips on water crossings and making sure to tell us that Oceana Falls, which looks a little like Bridal Veil (aka Sliding Rock) Falls, was definitely not the right one to swim at because it was “bone-breaking.”
That waterfall was hence known as Bone Breaking Falls to us. See how you remember things?! He told us to make sure we had the right shoes and plenty of water and that this was not a hike for inexperienced hikers or little kids. This class lasted about 15 minutes and then we each got a permit and were on our way.
There are water fountains in the Interpretive Center so we filled our water bottles and headed down the stairs to Hurricane Falls where we would open the permit-only gate and head to the unmarked trail down to Sliding Rock, the only place in the Gorge you are allowed to swim.
The very first water crossing was a doozy. We had three kids ages 8-11 with us who were all experienced hikers, as are my friend and myself who went. My friend ended up getting in the water almost up to her waist halfway through the crossing to help the kids across. I was next in the water and slipped on a rock but caught my balance before tumbling in the water. The kids did awesome. It was so fun!
Then the next mile, which felt like forever, was all over boulders, walking over crevasses and drops, and crab crawling over a sloped rock above Bone Breaking Falls. That last one had me wondering what I had gotten myself into. I’m thankful my hiking boots have a really good grip.
Once we got to Sliding Rock, it was even more fun to slide down the nearly 20-ft waterfall into the pool below. I have a slight fear of doing this but figured this was a bucket list item and headed down, nearly turning my whole body around because apparently I’m awful at sliding down waterfalls. My kids tell me everyone looked over to the waterfall when they heard me scream. I was fine. Totally fine. Promise.
Aren’t I graceful?
The absolute coolest part of this hike for me was swimming in the pool below Sliding Rock and looking up at the sheer cliffs of the gorge above me. It was truly an awesome experience. Getting out of the pool was another challenge since the rocks near the edges were really slippery. We ended up swimming all the way over to the right side of the falls to get out. That’s where you need to go anyways to complete the three-mile loop trail.
That last part is a straight-up rock scramble over 0.25 miles where you gain 800 feet in elevation. It’s hard but as long as you take it slow, you’ll be ok. The whole trail was a lot of fun and the kids had such a blast.
This really isn’t a trail for inexperienced hikers though. Consider your own abilities, and those of whoever will be with you, before you go, and make sure you have the proper footwear and water with you. Always carry a first aid kit as well and just take your time. I’m used to hiking a three-mile trail in a hour and a half usually with my kids. The ranger told us to plan for four hours and he was right on the money. We spent maybe an hour at Sliding Rock and the whole trip took us just over four hours. For some people, they are there all day since it’s a slow go.
The Interpretive Center
I’ve found that visitor centers at parks are truly underrated establishments. My kids and I have learned so much about local areas through just checking out the visitors’ centers wherever we travel. The Interpretive Center at Tallulah Gorge State Park is no exception. This place is a museum in and of itself!
It is two stories with a switchback walkway in the center that has animals, both alive and stuffed, to see and learn about, plus exhibits on the many habitats of the gorge, Cherokee legends, and even a mini-theater that plays a 15-minute movie about the history of the town and state park every half hour.
Interpretive Center
There is an awesome exhibit on the top floor that shows a replica of the town in the 1800s plus tells all about the Native peoples who first inhabited the land, the construction of the dam, the introduction of the railroad, and the history of the resort town.
My kids and I really enjoyed this part and spent about 40 minutes after our hike going through the exhibits and learning all about the animals and history.
Camping at Tallulah Gorge State Park
The state park offers 57 RV, tent, and backcountry sites and you can pick up the trails right from the campground. This would be ideal if you especially want to hike the Sliding Rock Trail since you can be one of the first ones in line since you’re camping there!
Backcountry sites start at $20 and campsites start at $37. I thought the campground was pretty great. There are electrical outlets and water at each site and the bathhouse was really nice!
Tallulah Gorge Full Moon Hikes
This is one thing we did not do but it sounds super cool. The park will open at night so guests can hike down (and back up – remember #stairs) to the suspension bridge to see the full moon. You must register in advance and the admission is $10 in addition to the $5 parking pass. 2024 dates and times are below:
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at 9 pm
Sunday, August 18th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at 7:15 pm
Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Sunday, December 15th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Tallulah Falls Lake
We saw the beautiful lake during our hike but didn’t visit it. Besides Sliding Rock, it’s the only other place you can swim at the gorge. There’s a sandy beach and picnic area for the enjoyment of guests.
The Ranger told me that if you Google “Tallulah Falls Post Office” and if you look to the right of the Post Office, there is a small area to walk down and drop in your kayak or paddleboard. You could also just drop it in at the beach. The $5 parking pass at the state park covers this lake as well. If you camp at the park, you’ll have a day-use pass you can use here.
Visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park
Admission to the park is a $5 parking fee that can be paid in cash or via an app that you scan the QR code with your phone when you get there.
Dogs are not allowed on the hike down to Hurricane Falls, the suspension bridge, Sliding Rock Trail on the gorge floor, or at the lake whatsoever. Dogs are allowed on leash on the rim trails.
Hours are 8 am – dark and the office is open daily 8 am – 5 pm.
Hurricane Falls
Know your limits and health regarding the trails with the stairs. And bring enough water. There are signs everywhere indicating how difficult it is, and to bring water. We passed a couple of water bottle and water fountain filling stations on the stairs, which were much appreciated. One wasn’t working though so be prepared.
During the summer and busy fall leaf-peeping season, the park will close the gates when they reach capacity, usually pretty early, around 8:30/9 am. So if you want to go, get there when the park opens.
Please exercise Leave No Trace and pack out what you pack in and don’t litter. The park is beautiful but we saw so many discarded plastic water bottles along the stairs and it was so sad. Not only does it take away from the natural, stunning environment but it makes it really hard to pick up since it’s very steep terrain.
One of our awesome readers recommended grabbing coffee/tea and small bites at Tallulah 1882, right across the street from the park entrance. We saw it but didn’t stop so now we have to go back! After our gorge floor hike, we did stop at the general store right behind Tallulah 1882 for ice cream and it was so good. The owner was so kind also.
Do you have a kid in Greenville, SC who loves trains? Wondering where you can watch trains near Greenville, SC? Or, maybe you’re looking for a train-themed playground or place to ride a train. We have all that and more! So, get aboard and check out our list of places to have fun with trains.
Looking for a beach without the hours-long trek to the coast? South Cove County Park in Oconee County might be just the place. You can swim on the sandy beach, boat, enjoy the playground, basketball, and more. Spend a day or plan a camping trip on the shore of Lake Keowee at South Cove County Park.
Note: South Cove County Park is not designated as a swimming area by Oconee County. All swimming is at your own risk. Drownings have occurred in Lake Keowee. Adults must watch children, exercise caution, and determine if the area is safe for their family.
We are usually ocean beach people. So sometimes my boogie board, sand castle bucket-laden kids get to lakes and find themselves a little underwhelmed. That was not the case at South Cove County Park. Stepping out of the van we felt like we were on a mini-vacation in a little oasis of tropical-like goodness.
South Cove County Park is in Seneca, SC, about an hour from Greenville. When you arrive you’ll need to pay a $3 parking fee, but no other admission.
After the pay booth, you’ll want to follow the signs for the office and campgrounds, so you’ll veer left where the road splits. You’ll park in the lot at the office building, right alongside the beach area.
From here you’ll also be able to access the playground, basketball hoop, and picnic area. It’s a really well-designed space for a family on a day trip.
The office and restrooms are central to all of those amenities so you’re never very far from a restroom, the gift shop in the office which has drinks and snacks, or from a helpful employee who knows the area.
The Beach Area at South Cove
Though on the small side, the beach area at South Cove County Park is quite nice and very clean. Parents should note that there is no lifeguard on duty at South Cove County Park, so the area is swim at your own risk.
The water is shallow for quite a way into the lake. We enjoyed throwing a ball around in the water and floating on noodles. My children had a lot of space to tow each other on their boogie boards, which they claim was equally as much fun as playing with them in the ocean.
The sand where we put our chairs and blanket was pretty packed down, a bit more like dirt than sand, and not very good for castles. But just a few feet away there was a section of the beach that definitely had real sand, so pick your spot carefully if you have little ones planning to play in the sand.
Just behind the sand is a row of trees with a bit of grass. If you are looking for shade you could set some chairs in that area and still watch the water. In fact, while we were there we saw a group of people string up hammocks between the trees, and that looked like a pretty great idea.
Restrooms and Facilities
The restrooms are attached to the office building. They have their own external entrance, to the left of the office entrance. I usually dread having to leave a beach because getting four kids out of wet bathing suits and into dry clothes for a car ride is usually very chaotic. Maybe they are just getting older, but this was the easiest beach exit we’ve ever accomplished.
There are two outdoor showers and foot washing stations nearby so you can rinse off sand. My boys opted to just rinse off and change in our van.
There is not a designated changing area in the restrooms. However, they were not crowded when we visited mid-week and were fine for changing.
Around the back of the office building is a covered porch with rocking chairs overlooking a pretty garden and the lake. This would be a great spot to get out of the sun and enjoy a snack, which are conveniently available for purchase in the office if you didn’t bring enough!
The playground is located to the right of the porch, so kids can run and play when they are done.
There’s a fish pond in front of the office with a prominently placed vending machine for fish food. My kids were disappointed that I couldn’t scrounge up some quarters.
So this is a heads up parents, if your kids will want to feed the fish, throw a couple of quarters in the bag.
Playground at South Cove County Park
The playground is shaded by trees and set beside the office with a view of the lake. There are a number of benches in the shade around the playground for parents to relax, as well as picnic tables in the shade.
The playground itself has a tree house theme with lots of unique climbing structures and tunnels to crawl through that look like logs and that sort of thing.
We visited the playground after we changed to head for home and didn’t stay for too long. Even though it was shaded, it was hot and humid. It might have been a nice swimming break to visit the playground, and then head back to the lake to cool off.
Camping at South Cove County Park
The campground was visible across the swimming area and from there it looked extremely nice with a lot of spots along the water or with lake views. Looking at the pretty spots, I pulled out my phone to see what kind of availability there was for reserving sites. Then I remembered, I don’t like camping. But if YOU like camping, this looks like a great place to park an RV or pitch a tent.
Camping fees are $25-$30 depending on your county of residence and the type of site and you’ll want to reserve your site in advance.
Within the park you’ll also find tennis courts, pickleball courts, a fishing pier, and 3 boat ramps.
Mom Review of South Cove County Park
We loved this park and totally recommend it without any reservation. The drive time from our home out by Greer was only an hour and 20 minutes. Google maps has it at just under an hour from Greenville.
The park is a really beautifully designed space. They’ve made it pretty and functional for an enjoyable day trip. The lake is clean and it was so relaxing to just watch it sparkling in the sun.
Have you heard about Toccoa Falls? This massive waterfall is located on a beautiful college campus in North Georgia. You can view it with hardly any hiking at all. It’s an easy day trip from several points in the Carolinas and Georgia. Plus, there are a lot of beautiful things to see in the area as well, so you can really make a visit to Toccoa Falls a full-day trip adventure.
Day Trip Travel Times: From the Upstate, SC, Toccoa Falls is only about an hour and 20 minutes away. From Columbia, SC, Toccoa Falls is 2 and a half hours.
You don’t have to travel to the end of a rainbow to find a unicorn; it’s right outside of Greenville! Hidden Pasture Farm, located in Fountain Inn, SC was the perfect birthday surprise. Find out about this little farm and the unique unicorn experiences they offer, along with pony rides, farm animals, play space, parties, and more!
This article has been updated with 2024 pricing and information. The review is from an experience in 2019.
Having been in contact with Kate, the owner, I had booked a 2-hour “unicorn” experience in which my daughter would have one on one time with “George” the unicorn. I couldn’t wait to dress her up and bring her.
Once we arrived, we were greeted by Kate who had a wonderful story about all the unicorns at the farm and how they came to Hidden Pasture. She told us about each of their stories, where they came from, and what type of unicorns they were. George, the imperial unicorn, Sapphire, the half Pegasus unicorn who’s wings can only be seen when it rains, as well as many other “half unicorns”.
We also were introduced to “Snoopy” the turkey who had more personality than most adults I have met. We started off holding a baby bunny while the unicorns were getting ready to meet our birthday girl and my son found a playground that overlooked the chickens, ponies, and riding circle.
George the Unicorn
In excited anticipation, it was time to meet the unicorn named George. He had blue eyes (as all purebred unicorns do) a glittery horn, a wreath of flowers around his neck, and a big blue bow on his tail.
Kate handed him off so my daughter could walk him out to the pine tree forest and snap some photos. She also gave her a brush to brush his hair. He was a very smart unicorn and understood many commands, which made it easy for my 7-year-old to lead him around.
Pony Rides
After George, we were introduced to two more unicorns, as well as some ponies that the kids were able to ride. Having only rode a pony once before, the kids were excited to saddle up and ride around the circle. Even some of the chickens wanted in on the action and came up the steps to have a look.
Kate took each kid around several times one way and then the other while the sunset in the background of the farm. It was beautiful. We still had more to see after the pony ride as we continued to tour the rest of the farm and made our way to the other unicorns, the chickens, and even the peacocks where the kids were given colorful feathers.
On our walk around the farm we found out that the farm not only does birthday parties which includes bounce houses, pony rides, and the full farm experience, but also some of the ponies are taken to nursing homes to help as emotional support pets as well. Kate made it a truly unique and wonderful experience and we cannot wait to go back and visit all the new friends we made at this magical little farm.
Events at Hidden Pasture Farm
The farm offers many different special events throughout the year. You’ll find many of them on the Kidding Around Calendar.
The popular events include:
Fall Fest
Candicorn Fair
Yuletide Unicorn Festival
Easter Egg Hunts
General Admission: $12 per person (age 3+). Admission for events will vary based on the event.
Hidden Pasture Farm also offers birthday parties, kids’ camps, photo shoots, venue rentals, and even a small Airbnb!
