Have you heard about the Junior Waterfall Keepers Program based in North Carolina? If your family enjoys participating in the Kids in Parks program and earning Junior Ranger badges at the National Parks, then the program from Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina will have you excited to get out exploring! KAG Contributor, Liene, has all the details about this new program including how to sign-up!
What is the Junior Waterfall Keepers program?
The Junior Keepers program is part of the Waterfall Keepers nonprofit, because kids love waterfalls, too! The free program is all about exploring and learning about waterfalls and streams: water play, learning about the critters that call the creek home, exploring spray zones, and identifying the mushrooms, wildflowers, and other plants that grow near them. The program focuses a lot on safety and good habits around a waterfall, and encourages junior waterfall keepers to leave a place better than they found it – and to earn badges while doing it!
How do I sign up for the Junior Waterfall Keepers program?
When you sign up to become a Junior Waterfall Keeper you’ll receive a special Junior Keeper patch and sticker. Signing up is easy; just fill out the Junior Waterfall Keeper Signup Form.
I’ve signed my children up – now what?: Badge Challenges
As a Junior Keeper, your kids can currently work on three Badge Challenges: the conservationist, the wise waterfaller, and creek critters. The challenges concentrate on observing the critters and plants you find on your hike, and on improving the waterfall experience by making good choices to help our environment. New badges will be announced each year so work hard to earn them ALL!
As a bonus, the Waterfall Keepers have developed a curriculum that adults can use with their kids or homeschool group. They can be used as a stand-alone adventure with kids, or combined with Junior Keeper badge challenges for a fun, and educational waterfall experience.
But wait – we’re in South Carolina, isn’t Junior Waterfall Keepers in NC?
While the Junior Keepers program is based in NC, there are dozens of North Carolina falls within an hour’s drive of Greenville! We’ve featured Chimney Rock State Park here on KAG and have another half-dozen articles with inspiration for your next waterfall adventure, in North and South Carolina, here:
There’s no denying summer is here, along with the hot weather that has every kid longing to cool off at the closest swimming hole. As you explore the beautiful waterfalls of our region this summer, earn badges with the Junior Keepers program while also learning a little something to help keep you safe, our trails enjoyable, and the tremendous beauty of these natural places intact! Have fun collecting those critter badges!
This post was first published on the blog Femme au Foyer.
Learn more about Waterfall Keepers of NC and how you can get involved with their tremendous work protecting our waterfalls!
Inside: A local mom hikes Bearwallow Mountain Trail in Hendersonville, NC, and shares all the fun tips and cool things to do nearby!
The Bearwallow Mountain Trail is now open follow extensive Hurricane Helene damage. Here is what Conserving Carolina says about the re-opening:
Please bear in mind that road closures in Gerton on 74-A and the lower section of Bearwallow Mountain Rd are still in effect. Hikers should only access the trailhead from the Edneyville side of Bearwallow Mt. The Hickory Nut Gorge is a very active Hurricane Helene recovery area. Be mindful that emergency response may be delayed due to road closures. Show your consideration and respect for the residents of this highly impacted area by respecting trail notices, staying off private property and only traveling on roads that are open to the public. You can find routes that avoid the road closures in Google Maps.
Have you hiked the Bearwallow Mountain Trail? This easy trail in Hendersonville, NC lends itself to incredible, 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about the hike, plus some cool things to do nearby Bearwallow Mountain!
In the 10 years (or thereabouts) that we’ve lived in Greenville, we’ve yet to exhaust the list of hiking trails within an hour’s drive from the city. Not only are we constantly discovering new areas through friends and various groups, but trails are being established in newly established conservancies and preserves through the efforts of groups like Conserving Carolina. One of our favorite late spring/early summer hikes is a comparatively new trail that leads to the summit of Bearwallow Mountain.
Hendersonville-based Conserving Carolina acquired a conservation easement on the summit of Bearwallow in 2009, adding close to 400 more acres between the summit and trailhead in recent years. At 4,232 ft. this is the highest peak in the Bearwallow Highlands range that straddles the Eastern Continental Divide.
The mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the western rim of the Hickory Nut Gorge, and views from the summit extend to Mt. Mitchell in the Black Mountains and Mt. Pisgah in the Great Balsams.
Conserving Carolina constructed the Bearwallow Mountain trail with the help of the Carolina Mountain Club, REI and community volunteers, and the hope is that eventually it will be incorporated into a 15-mile Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail, a loop that will link Bearwallow Mountain to CMLC’s Florence Preserve and the summit of Ferguson Peak. You can follow the progress of the trails in this area on the Conserving Carolina website.
On a recent warm summer day we took Poinsett Highway out of Greenville and then turned onto I-25 to cross into North Carolina. I had a momentary lapse of memory and thought I had forgotten our lunch on the counter, justifying a stop at one of the many stands by the side of the road to buy a bucket of freshly-picked strawberries. In another couple of months it’ll be peaches and apples… can’t wait! After jumping on I-26 towards Hendersonville, we took exit 49A for US Hwy. 64 east.
For further instructions see the Conserving Carolina website, but be aware that there’s a fork in the road that intuitively leads you off on N Bearwallow Rd. when you want to stay on Bearwallow Mountain Road.
Hiking up to Bearwallow Mountain Summit
The Bearwallow Mountain trailhead is at the crest of Bearwallow Mountain Rd. (Bearwallow Gap) where the pavement turns to gravel (the gravel road continues on over 2 miles to the town of Gerton, NC). Parking is along the shoulder, and the trail begins beyond the old, rusted gate.
You’ll see the trail kiosk on the right, marking the beginning of the one-mile ascent up to the summit. The gravel service road that heads off to the left meets the trail at the summit and continues on to the historic fire tower and telephone towers. You can take either way to the summit. Learn more about the hike on the Conserving Carolina website.
If you take the trail, be prepared for switchbacks and rocky stairs almost the entire way. Rhododendron and trillium distracted us from the somewhat steep climb, but poison ivy kept us on the trail. As we neared the top we passed several rocky outcrops, before emerging into a grassy meadow which has nearly a 360-degree view of the surrounding states.
The gravel road is also a hike up but wide and easy, especially if you’ve got smaller kids. Dogs are allowed on the trail but they must be on leash.
The panoramic views up here are incredible. I love taking a picnic and hanging out at the top while just taking in all the beauty. Bearwallow Mountain is perfect for sunrise or sunset, just be sure to bring a headlamp.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the grazing cows at the top but please just let them graze and don’t go up and try to cuddle with them. Even if you don’t see the cows, you’ll definitely see the cow patties so just watch your step.
Nearby Things to Do
There are several nearby activities if you want to make a day trip. We have an entire story on the Hendersonville area, which you’ll want to check out, but here are just a few of my favorites depending on what time of year you hike Bearwallow Mountain.
Spring & Summer
Nearby Lake Lure has a great beach to hang out at. You can swim or rent a kayak or paddleboard and check out the lake.
Next to the beach is the free Flowering Bridge, which is gorgeous! They have all types of flowers and I think spring and summer have the most beautiful ones.
Chimney Rock next to Lake Lure has an adorable village that my kids and I love to walk around at. There’s a great place next to Chimney Rock State Park to get ice cream and you can go gem mining.
During the summer months, people really love the free Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens. There are little fair houses and trolls to find along the short path.
Fall
Late summer and fall is apple picking season and there are plenty of places to go within 20 minutes or so fo Bearwallow Mountain.
If you love apple cider donuts, then don’t miss our Apple Cider Donut tour near Hendersonville.
I think Chimney Rock State Park is best viewed during the fall because of the incredible fall colors (but really, that park is awesome anytime of year).
Did you know there’s a llama farm that you can visit most times of the year where you can hike with llamas or run with them through obstacle courses? Do not miss Ellaberry Llama Farm. It will make you happy for months after!
Winter
Go snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing, right around the corner from Bearwallow Mountain. They’ve got a great lodge to get hot chocolate at as well.
Moonshine Mountain is also another fun spot to go snow tubing. Just get there early since they don’t take reservations.
Have you hiked the Bearwallow Mountain Trail? This easy trail in Hendersonville, NC lends itself to incredible, 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about the hike, plus some cool things to do nearby Bearwallow Mountain!
Did you know you can stay in a cabin at Upstate Zipline? Set in a private and beautiful portion of Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Upstate Zipline operates cabins, tent sites, and even an event venue with options for families or groups. We got a chance to stay in a cabin and enjoy the site. WOW did our family have a blast. This is such a great place for families to enjoy some time exceptional quality time together. We’ll take you through our visit and tell you how you can plan your own stay at Upstate Zipline’s cabins.
Thanks to Upstate Zipline for inviting us to stay, zip and gem mine so we could bring this review to our readers!
Watch! Our Visit Was Epic, See For Yourself
Is it Glamping? Cabins at Upstate Zipline
I have to tell you a secret. I do not camp. Me in a tent, it’s happened like two nights in the last 20 years. It’s just not my thing. But I do love spending time by a nice campfire, listening to the birds, taking a break from the everyday hum drum, and watching my tweens and teenage kids remember that not all of life has to be complicated. It’s ok to kick back, be silly, and let the pressure of final exams and approaching SATs take the back seat for a while.
I’m not entirely sure about the definition of “glamping.” But if it involves peaceful, outdoor enjoyment, along with a comfy bed, hot shower, Keurig Machine, and a microwave in a spotless cabin, then we can definitely call our experience in our Upstate Zipline cabin a “glamping” trip.
The Cabins
In case you aren’t familiar, Upstate Zipline operates an amazing canopy zipline tour through a portion of Keowee-Toxaway State Park. The tour ends in a section of the park called Camp Cedar Creek, just a few minutes from their office location. Originally operated by the state park, Upstate Zipline has taken over managing this camp and they’ve done some awesome things for families!
Families can stay in one of two family cabins at Camp Cedar Creek that sleep 6 to 8 people. They are extremely clean and comfortable cabins, with air conditioning and a kitchenette. The cabin we stayed in had a king-size bed and two bunk beds with linens, a couch seating area, fluffy towels, a dining table that seats 6, and even a television.
And of course outside the cabin was a fireplace with a grill over the top that we could cook on, two picnic tables, and two rocking chairs on the porch. Honestly, we spent most of our time outside! We cooked over the fire both nights of our stay, hamburgers one night and hot dogs the other. And of course, there’s always room for s’mores.
If you’re not the cooking outdoors type, the cabin does have a microwave and a hot plate. There’s also a mini fridge with a freezer, a Keurig machine, plus basic utensils and dishes.
The bathrooms are located at a central bathhouse which is really only a few steps from the cabin. And what I love, love, love about this bathhouse is that each cabin is assigned a private, locking bathroom. It has a hot shower, mirror, toilet, sink, towel holders, bench, all the things you need in a bathroom. It’s clean and your family will be the only ones using it so you can leave your towels in there, toothbrush, shampoo, whatever!
You remember how I don’t camp? Normal bathhouses are part of that. This is NOT a normal bathhouse. So much better.
The two family cabins and the group cabin, more on that in a minute, are all located together on a little dead-end circle in the park. My kids brought their skateboards and loved riding them around this area. The circle would be a perfect place for small kids to enjoy scooters or bikes, so make sure to bring them along!
Group Cabin
The third cabin is meant for groups and is furnished with bunk beds, sleeping 12. It also has a kitchenette and table, plus an outdoor fireplace and picnic tables. This cabin would be good for a large family, small youth group, scouts, or any small group.
More to Love at Camp Cedar Creek
The property is located on a private cove of Lake Keowee. “Beautiful” is not a strong enough word, “stunning” and “magnificent” get a little closer. From the cabins, there is a short trail down to a driveway that ends in another dead-end circle. Here you’ll find the lake and Upstate Zipline’s The Venue.
The Venue
The Venue, as the name implies, is an event venue that can be rented for events like weddings, family reunions, baby showers, birthdays, and even work retreats. With a full kitchen inside, it has a gorgeous view of the water, an outdoor stone fireplace, a fishing pier, a lake shore for relaxing, and lots of outdoor space. The Venue can accommodate groups of up to 100.
The Lake
Sit on the shore and enjoy the view of a private Lake Keowee cove. The shoreline all around the cove is tree-lined and beautiful. We saw fish jumping, turtles, and even a goose family with goslings in the lake and wandering the shore.
My children did enjoy wading in the lake, however, we were told later that alligator snapping turtles had been seen in the cove. After that, we did not swim, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to watch out for. But, we did make use of the kayaks provided by Upstate Zipline.
If kayaking is something you’d like to enjoy, just ask about them when you book. They were left for us on the shore of the lake along with life jackets and paddles. It was so easy, and such a fun way to spend the sunny afternoon!
From the shore, you can see two ziplines crossing the lake. These are part of the zipline tour, which again, is awesome. But, my kids also really enjoyed paddling out in the kayaks to watch a group come through on the ziplines. If you’re lucky you might catch a group coming through from the shore or a kayak, too. Make sure to give them a wave.
Why You’ll Want to Go
So, let’s recap. Comfy cabin, air conditioning, time spent outdoors, happy kids (and even teens!). What did we leave out?
Zipping! The cabins are just about a 5-minute drive to Upstate Zipline’s office where your family can start your zipline adventure, zip through the trees AND mine for gems! We have all the details on that in our story on Upstate Zipline.
You can zip and mine for gems without staying in the cabins, too. So, if you’re looking for a totally cool day trip, this would be fabulous.
My kids and I had never ziplined and we had the best time zipping through the trees and over the lake. It was such a great adventure to share together. The folks at Upstate Zipline are just about the kindest and most welcoming family ever. It was an absolute blast.
And then we got to mine for gems at the sluice beside the office. My kids found amethyst, fossils, coral, and all kinds of treasures. They are still having fun identifying all their finds.
For a unique family adventure, we really can’t recommend Upstate Zipline enough. Book your cabin for a couple of nights, zip, mine for gems, enjoy the lake, kayak, and most of all enjoy your family sitting together beside that campfire making s’mores. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Ready to do something a little out-of-the-box with your family to see the best of Greenville, SC? Let us introduce you to Greenville Bike Taxi, where you’ll get treated like a VIP while exploring some of the coolest places near downtown Greenville.
Imagine being in the back of a pedicab – a bike with a comfortable cart that can carry four people – cruising around downtown Greenville, taking in the sights with your kids, enjoying a couple cool shops and playgrounds, and taking photos in front of iconic places like Unity Park and the Medusa Tree, then have we got just the thing for you to do.
You may have already heard of Greenville Bike Taxi if you did the Earle Street Santas bike tour during Christmastime (wasn’t that fun?!), but if you haven’t, we will tell you all about them and their new Tikes on Trikes tour to some pretty neat places!
Phil Gonzalez grew up in Greenville and moved to the coast to go to school. In Charleston, he ended up working for a bike taxi company and loved it. He peddled all over King Street and through the historic district, taking people to restaurants, markets, bars, and on shopping trips. Literally anywhere they wanted to go.
When he decided to move back home to the Upstate, he wanted to bring that same experience to Greenville. So he did. After obtaining the necessary permits and navigating all the business paperwork, Phil opened up Greenville Bike Taxi in the spring and people have loved it.
Unity Park sign
It’s easy to see why. It’s such a unique way to get around town and since Greenville is so beautiful and since there is lots to see, it’s far from a boring way to be stuck in traffic on Main Street.
If you’re in town and want a bike taxi, you can book it right from the website. A standard ride is $7/person for 10 minutes. We’ll give you pricing info on the new kids tour below.
The Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour
We got to collaborate with Phil on putting this tour together and we can confidently say it’s awesome because you’ll get a taste of some of the most iconic places in town that kids will absolutely love.
Here’s where you’ll go on the Tikes on Trikes tour:
Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn
Poinsett Statue on Main Street
Linky Stone Park: The Children’s Garden
Unity Park
Falls Park
O.P. Taylor’s
Mast General
You’ll start and end the tour with free gifts, too, which is fantastic. We absolutely love Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn and you’ll see why when you go because you’ll get a free sample of their delicious popcorn. At the end of the tour, you’ll also get a free gift from O.P. Taylor’s and Mast General. If you haven’t stepped foot in O.P. Taylors, it is an amazing little toy shop with a wide variety of not only the latest toys but some of the very best toys and games from the past few decades. And we are big fans of Mast General for their great outdoor clothing and gear selection and candy barrels.
Skyler Burkett at Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn
At the statue of Joel Poinsett on Main Street, you’ll learn some neat tidbits about him and why in the world there’s a statue of him downtown. At Linky Stone Park, you’ll be transported to the world of Peter Rabbit.
At Unity Park, you’ll get to ride past the wind chimes and get about 10-15 minutes of playtime. The splash pad opens May 1 so bring towels if you want to do that!
At Falls Park, you’ll get to take a photo with the backdrop of the Reedy River Falls and iconic Liberty Bridge plus see the Medusa Tree. If you don’t know what that is, here’s a photo.
Medusa Tree
Overall, we had such a great time on this bike tour. The novelty of the pedicab is a lot of fun and is a unique way to enjoy our beautiful city. I think this tour would be particularly fun for someone who wants to take their kid on a one-on-one date or families who want to do an outing together and something different.
The bikes can hold up to four smaller adults or two adults and up to four kids. If you have more people than that, you can reserve two (or however many) bikes to accommodate everyone.
Tips on Enjoying the Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour
While the name is geared towards smaller kids, kids of pretty much any age will enjoy this. I took my daughters, ages 13 and 9, on the tour, and they really had a lot of fun – who doesn’t love free popcorn and Unity Park?
Since you will see a lot of the iconic places in Greenville, the tour goes by quickly. You’ll get time to enjoy each spot but not spend a lot of time so just prepare your kids, letting them know they cannot spend the entire hour playing at Unity Park. You can bribe them with the free gift at O.P. Taylors at the end of the tour!
Unity Park
The weather changes in Greenville a lot so be prepared with layers of clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You can bring water with you also.
If you want to allow your kids to use the splash pad, bring towels.
Booking Your Tikes on Trikes Bike Tour
The cost for the tour is $40/adults and $30/kids. They are an hour long and run Sundays – Fridays 11 am – 3 pm.
Maybe you’ve seen stunning photos of this mountaintop chapel and wondered exactly where it was. Maybe you’ve heard of Pretty Place, South Carolina but have never been. Well, we know exactly where it is and have experienced the utter amazement of this beautiful spot and are here to tell you all about it.
SUMMER 2026 UPDATE (and every summer from here on out): Pretty Place is closed to the public May 22 – August 24, 2026 due to extremely high volumes of visitors. The chapel will remain open for Camp YMCA Greenville and private weddings. From their post: To preserve the quality of experience and put proactive measures in place to enhance the safety of our campers, as well as for hosts of weddings and other reserved events, Pretty Place will be closed to the public each summer moving forward.
Pretty Place Sunrise
Video: Take a Peek at Pretty Place
Pretty Place
The actual name of this chapel is called the Fred W. Symmes Chapel but it goes by the more common name of Pretty Place, which I think everyone can agree is quite fitting. It is on the private property off Camp Greenville, which is owned and operated by the YMCA of Greenville. If you send your child to their summer camp, they’ll get to go here often.
Pretty Place is an open-air chapel that overlooks the Carolina Piedmont at 3,200 feet. It’s just one of those places that is difficult to put into words because of the incredible beauty that emits from the mountaintop there.
Camp Greenville has existed since 1912 but Pretty Place was built much later, in 1941, thanks to Mr. Fred Symmes. It was renovated in 2012 and 2018.
The inscription on the large beam overlooking the mountains in front of the giant cross is from Psalm 121. This is the full verse with the inscription italicized: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Visiting Pretty Place
Camp Greenville graciously lets the light of Pretty Place shine and is open to the public when not otherwise in use, which is most Saturdays and Sundays, especially during warmer weather when it’s wedding season. Go Google “pretty place” and “wedding” and you’ll want to get married there, or go find someone to marry solely to get married at Pretty Place.
Pretty Place is open daylight to dusk, schedule permitting, and is the perfect place to capture a beautiful sunrise. The roads are typical windy mountain roads to get up there so during the wintertime, it’s important to check the weather before you head out. It’s about an hour from Greenville.
Need to Know Before You Go
It is imperative that you check the public schedule online before you go. Check it the night before. Check it the morning of. You won’t be able to get it if it is closed for a private event. Find the Pretty Place schedule online here.
Bathrooms: There are no restrooms on site between December 1 and March 15 so plan accordingly. There are port-a-potties other times of the year.
Pretty Place is crazy popular for sunrises. I got there on a Good Friday morning about 15 minutes before sunrise and had to park down the street a half mile and walk to the chapel. Normally, there is no hike as there’s a parking lot next to the chapel. There were probably about 500 people there so be sure to allow plenty of time before sunrise if you need to walk a bit.
Visiting Pretty Place is free of charge but of course, they do accept donations.
No alcohol, pets, or smoking are allowed.
Visitors are asked to be respectful. For me, the mountains always bring a sense of peace and solitude. It’s no different at Pretty Place. The vast mountains, the breathtaking scenery, the reminder of the chapel as a place of prayer – it’s all peaceful.
Don’t litter. Pick up after yourself. Be a decent human.
Love alpacas and mini-animals? Take a trip to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC for a fun day trip with your family!
Media tickets were provided for this review, which was updated in January 2024.
The drive up to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC is probably worth the trip alone. The beautiful scenery of mountain peaks and valleys, eventually wind their way to the feet of the Smoky Mountains, where the farm is situated. Winchester Creek Farm, about a 90-minute trip from the South Carolina Upstate, has alpacas and many miniature animals like cows, horses, and donkeys, as well as super fluffy sheep and an adorable little Juliana pig.
Looking for a playground to visit? You may want to check out West Greenville Community Center’s playground in Greenville!
It’s winter and, yes, it can be cold. Really cold. However, we also get the occasional 60 degree day, in January. You know the kind. When you absolutely must spend as much time outside as possible, before it turns cold again. That’s the perfect day for one of the many awesome parks in Greenville!
Recently, I took the kids to a playground at the West Greenville Community Center. In case you haven’t noticed, Greenville’s West End is bursting with new life. The small, quaint streets are lined with art galleries, vintage shops and to-die-for restaurants. Tucked off the main road, away from all the activity, we found Greenville Rec’s newest addition to the community. It’s not very big, but the boys and I were impressed.
A little about West Greenville Community Center’s playground
There’s ample space to throw down your picnic blanket. The next time we go, I plan to park myself under the huge Oak Tree. If the ground doesn’t appeal to you, there are two really nice, new tables and benches. The park has two regular slides, one double slide, several climbing apparatus and monkey bars. In spite of the cold, we had a really nice time.
There’s good news and bad news for parents of younger children. The good news is, there’s mulch. The bad news is, there’s mulch. You’ll want to use the set of eyes in the back of your head for the little ones who put anything and everything in their mouths.
Honestly, there’s only so much a girl can write about a playground. So, here’s a short list of comments thrown at me from the back seat on our way home:
“Do we have to leave?”
“Even though there aren’t any swings, it was still fun.”
“Can we come back tomorrow?”
“I’m glad we didn’t have to drive far.”
“I really want to ride that spin around-thingy again!”
Visit West Greenville Community Center for yourself
Sadly, Scuffletown Food Truck Park will close its doors to the public on November 30th, 2024.
A new food truck park, the first of its kind in the Upstate, is open in Simpsonville, SC. There are six food trucks and a special addition for little kids. Read on to learn all about it.
When Justin and his wife, Allie, moved to the Upstate, they couldn’t find something they had become familiar with in their home out West: a dedicated spot for food trucks where families could hang out with each other and their kids could play. So they decided to start one.
The Scuffletown Food Truck Park opened in December 2023 and has been busy ever since. We’ve got all you need know to visit and have a blast with your family.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park food truck
About the Scuffletown Food Truck Park
Justin and Allie knew they wanted a place in Simpsonville with a variety of dedicated food trucks and a space to have a fun time together for families, couples, and everyone in between.
Justin is a former firefighter but now runs the food truck park full-time. It has gotten a fantastic reception in the community and after visiting, it’s easy to see why. Imagine a smaller version of the outdoor space at Swamp Rabbit Cafe but with food trucks.
They have a picnic area enclosed on three sides, a taproom where guests can pour their own beers, a platform for bands, and a fully enclosed play area with a sand pit.
The Food Trucks
The food trucks at the park are all stationary and have their spot for a year. They have all kinds of food options from sweets to ramen to BBQ to Columbian cuisine.
Here’s a list of the food trucks at the park:
Too Sauc’D Up – they serve all kinds of chicken wings.
Rad Dad’s BBQ – they have BBQ, nachos, and grilled cheese.
Duck Donuts – they have amazing donuts.
BirriaBoy – they serve ramen, tacos, and burritos.
Half Rooted – they are a Columbian eatery with burgers, empanadas, arepas, and yuca fries.
One Love Fusion Foods – nachos, tacos, and rice bowls are their specialties.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park food truck
Having all these options are just perfect for families because people can have what they want. We got kids dishes at One Love Fusion and Rad Dad’s BBQ and they were both delicious. The BBQ kid nachos at One Love Fusion were especially amazing and pretty big for a kid size. The fries and pork sandwich at Rad Dad’s didn’t disappoint either. They had lots of BBQ sauces to choose from, which I really enjoyed.
Most of the food trucks we checked out had at least one dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
The Taproom
The Taproom at the food truck park is pretty cool. It’s an entire wall of beer that is self-serve. You control the amount of beer you have and you are charged by the ounce.
I tried the Keeping It Teal from Snafu Brewing Company in North Charleston and whoa. It’s a fruity sour with raspberries and a hint of cotton candy. I’d have that again in a heartbeat.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park Taproom
They have a large variety of beer and you can try as many as you like because you’re in charge of the pours. So fun.
If you need even more variety, there are canned beers available as well.
The Playground and Sand Pit
Here’s where the Scuffletown Food Truck Park really shines and where it’s incredibly obvious that Justin and Allie are parents.
The sand pit is huge and they have those small digging toys where you sit and pretend you’re a big dig operator. Please tell me I’m not the only one who does (*ahem, did*) this. There are sand toys and a small play apparatus.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park sandpit
And the entire area is totally fenced in. Fenced in. No kids are escaping. You can hang out with your delicious food and beer on a nearby picnic table under a heat lamp while your kids get their energy out in the playground. It’s absolutely perfect for parents and a much-needed addition to this area.
Hours of Operation
The hours are a little confusing as the taproom and food trucks all kind of operate on different schedules. Before you go, be sure to check the Scuffletown Food Truck website to make sure the truck you want or taproom is open.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park outdoor area
Taproom hours
Sunday and Monday: 11 am – 8 pm Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm
For the food truck hours, follow Scuffletown Food Truck Park on social media as they regularly post the updated hours.
If you’re out hiking with kids anywhere in the Upstate, SC – or anywhere actually – we’ve got a list of 10 things you may want to consider carrying with you.
Our area boasts hundreds of miles of trails, from an easy stroll to strenuous trails up mountaintops. Lots of these trails are perfect for kids! I’ve come to enjoy hiking with my family, rarely hitting the same trails twice because there are just so many to choose from.
I’ve been hiking with my youngest from the time she was just three months old and strapped to me in a baby carrier (she’s eight now) and time in nature is something that has become almost a weekly ritual for us. There has been a lot I’ve had to learn, including what to carry with me when we hike.
Nature Equals Adventure
I wasn’t always so interested in hiking with my kids though. Hiking with kids is an adventure in itself. I started hiking just a handful of times a year with my two kids. I then added more and more hikes every year, learning something new every time.
Now it’s an adventure I take with my two kids that we all enjoy and love. Remember to start with easy trails. Be careful not to overestimate your – and your kids’ – abilities and get in a situation that you aren’t prepared for. Older kids can typically handle more challenging hikes, plus they can help carry more items!
But what do you bring with you? That’s what I’m going to cover here. Most seasoned hikers will tell you to bring the “Ten Essentials” – wise advice, whether its a local trail or national park. These essentials vary a bit and I’ll add some to this list but will also incorporate what I’ve learned in my years of hiking experience as well.
If you’re thinking of getting started hiking find more tips for hiking in our Newbie Guide to Hiking, which you may want to take a look at first.
10 Things to Take With You When Hiking with Kids for a Successful Hike
#1 Water
Don’t forget the water, especially in the summer. Getting dehydrated should not be on your to-do list. Make sure all the tops of the water bottles are closed tight and aren’t leaking into your backpack (I’ve learned the hard way on this one). There are also kid-friendly backpack style water bottles like this one. In cases of emergency, I also carry a LifeStraw, a straw with a personal water filter you can use and drink safely from streams or other water sources.
#2 Snacks
Snacks on hikes are vital. They almost made it to the top spot in this list. Kids are whining? Give them a snack. Kids complaining they are tired? Give them a snack. You want your kids to make it to the waterfall? Bribe them with a snack. Kids love a good snack after a long hike!
#3 First Aid Kit
I always have carried band-aids with me but have since added more to my little portable First Aid Kit – namely antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, Neosporin, and After Bite to deal with stings (this is the product I’ve used the most).
#4 Sunscreen
We do a lot of hiking and swimming in the summer and carrying extra sunscreen is important.
#5 Map
I always screenshot a map of the trail I’m planning to hike on my phone and then take a photo of the map, if available, at the trailhead, if I don’t have a hard copy. This is especially key in more remote places that are less traveled. I used the AllTrails app but love Gaia as it’s usually more accurate. Maybe even plan out a scavenger hunt along the trail for fun!
#6 Trash bag
I always carry a plastic grocery bag we use for trash, both ours and the trash we find on the trail. Pack out what you pack in – a big part of the Leave No Trace principles. If you have a kid in diapers, take those diapers out of the forest with you and dispose in a trash can. Same with dog waste – it’s not ok to leave waste on trails or in trash bags on trails.
#7 Flashlight or headlamp
I’ve never had to use this on a hike but always carry it just in case. In our area, it’s not uncommon to read local news stories about people getting lost in the woods, especially over the summer since more people are out on the trails then.
#8 Pepper spray or some kind of protection
I’ve never had to use this but after an alarming number of loose dog encounters, I now carry both pepper spray and a small, handheld zapper. A lot of people like to carry bear spray in the off chance of an encounter with aggressive wildlife.
#9 Rain poncho
Getting caught in the rain, especially if it’s cold or when a chance storm hits, isn’t fun. Keeping kids protected with lightweight rain gear is a good idea.
#10 Firestarter
Bring matches and something to use for tinder (dryer lint works great) in case you need it.
Some other suggestions that may be helpful are a knife, a plastic tarp you could use as a makeshift shelter, and extra socks. If you’ve got a baby with you, be sure to bring extra diapers and wipes.
Looking for an affordable place to ski with the family? KAG Contributor Lacey Keigley took her daughter to Appalachian Ski Mountain. While this review was written a few years ago, the post has been updated for the 2025-26 season.
