A Day in Pickens, SC

There’s something about a charming mountain town that speaks to the soul and invites the passing traveler to stop by and stay awhile. Pickens is a small tucked away into the hills of the Appalachian mountains, just beyond the Blue Wall, known as the Blue Ridge Escarpment to others. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself passing through Pickens, South Carolina, here are the places you don’t want to miss.

To fuel your day, you probably need a delicious coffee or a home-cooked meal. Luckily, Pickens has some great coffee shops and restaurants to check out before you start exploring:

Coyote Coffee

Bee Well Honey Natural Market

You Drive Me Glazy Mini Gourmet Donuts

Garren’s Cafe

Village Inn

Gatehouse Restaurant

Street Tacos

Auntie Anne’s Kitchen

Pumpkintown Mountain Opry

Aunt Sue’s Country Corner

Downtown Pickens is a beautiful stretch of history with a backdrop of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Take some time to stroll down main street and check out some of the shops such as Brownstone Spa and Boutique, Antiques and Uniques, Serenity at Sunset, and Brock’s Department Store.

There’s also plenty of shopping to do beyond downtown. For an old-time general store and great ice cream and hot dogs, head over to Burgess and Taylor General Store. To gear up for some time outdoors, Southern Appalachian Outdoors needs to be on your list.

While downtown, take some time to walk or bike down The Doodle Trail, a rails-to-trails partnership between the City of Pickens and the City of Easley. Don’t worry if you forgot your bike, Bee Well offers bike rentals!

Pickens is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It is home to two South Carolina State Parks, the iconic Table Rock State Park and the lovely Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Head over to Table Rock to hike to the summit and take in the views, paddle on a kayak on Lake Oolenoy, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Keowee-Toxaway offers beautiful views of Lake Keowee and houses the official visitor center for the Jocassee Gorges, named by National Geographic as one of the world’s last great places.

There is no short supply of scenic views in Pickens. If you’re looking for a scenic overlook, then there are two that need to be on your list. Glassy Mountain offers beautiful views of the Blue Wall and is a short drive from downtown Pickens. Sassafras Mountain is the tallest point in South Carolina and offers 360 degree views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

After all of this exploring, it’s time for a drink! Pickens has some great places to get a glass of locally made wine or a pint of craft beer.

Appalachian Ale House

Burning Brick Tavern

Lazy Bear Winery

Victoria Valley Vineyards

If a one-day stay isn’t enough, we don’t blame you! There’s so much to do and see in Pickens that one day can’t possibly fit it all in. Table Rock Inn and Table Rock Inn and Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park offer lovely accommodations that are extremely close to all of the great nature, shops, and restaurants that Pickens has to offer.

Download our visitor's guide app to make your trip planning a breeze. With our visitor's guide app, you can easily plan out your day as you explore the small towns, waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views in Lake Hartwell Country. It's convenient, easy to use, and FREE!

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For more information on our region in the South Carolina mountains, visit lakehartwellcountry.com. You can also keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram. We'll see y'all soon!