The BEST Things to do Near Clemson

Clemson students, alumni, and die-hard fans agree, this university is beautiful. It’s also in a beautiful place; the upstate of South Carolina. The area surrounding Clemson is filled with undiscovered gems that will leave you saying “Wow… I had no idea this was here!”

We have a list of some of the best things to do near Clemson. Whether you’re in Clemson for the weekend to see a game, or for the next four years of your life, these are a few of the best things to do near Tiger Town!

Take a Hike

Clemson is “where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness”, which means that the Blue Ridge mountains are very close by for some amazing hikes. A few of our favorites include the Table Rock Trail, Pinnacle Mountain Trail, and Tamassee Knob Trail. Click here for a complete list of the best hikes in the area!

See a Waterfall

There are over 30 publicly accessible waterfalls within an hour drive of Clemson. Yes, you read that correctly. Chasing waterfalls makes for a perfect afternoon or all-day adventure. Some of the more popular falls nearby include Issaqueena Falls and Yellow Branch Falls, but there’s so many more to discover. Click here for a list of more waterfalls in the area!

Explore a Small Town

Clemson itself is an awesome small town with so many cool things to explore. Check out Visit Clemson for more info! However, there are also several other towns and cities nearby that are worth a visit, including Pendleton, Anderson, Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, Pickens, Central, and Easley. Each one has a unique downtown with lots of local shopping and dining opportunities. Trust us, it’s worth taking a trip down the less-beaten path to these places.

Visit a State Park

When in Clemson, you are a short drive away from several state parks, and each one offers something unique. If you want to play in the mountains, then Table Rock State Park, Oconee State Park, and Oconee Station State Historic Site are where you want to be. If lake life is more your thing, then head out to Devils Fork State Park, Keowee Toxaway State Park, Sadlers Creek State Park, or Lake Hartwell State Park. Visit one for an awesome day trip or overnight camping trip, or make plans to visit them all!

Get Out on the Water

In case you didn’t already know, Clemson is a lake town. With Lake Hartwell in Tiger Town’s backyard, it’s easy to find ways to get out on the water, whether it be in a boat with your friends or on a relaxing kayaking excursion. Along with Hartwell, Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee are also less than an hour from Clemson and are great places to explore.

Looking for something a little more exciting? Then maybe the rivers are calling you! The Chattooga river is a nationally designated Wild and Scenic river where you can raft, kayak, and be amazed. We recommend going through Wildwater Ltd for adventures on the Chattooga!

For more adventures in and around the Clemson area, take a look around our website, or keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also stop by our visitor center in Pendleton!

120 History Lane

Pendleton, SC 29670