Nearby Towns
Come stay in one of our picturesque mountain towns — each with its own story to tell
Find Your Basecamp
Every town has its own character. Find yours.
From the bustling Ram Cat Alley scene in Seneca to the waterfall-rich solitude of Mountain Rest, each town in the Upstate Blue Ridge offers a distinct personality. Use this guide to find your perfect basecamp — then explore everything the surrounding mountains have to offer.
9
Mountain Towns
10+
Waterfalls Nearby
4
Scenic Lakes
Seneca
The Gateway Hub
The largest town in the region with shorelines on both Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell. A full-service basecamp offering chain stores, restaurants, and hotels alongside an energetic independent business community.
Must See
Ram Cat Alley — 12 hand-painted cats hidden throughout downtown Seneca. Find them all!
Walhalla
Nature's Gift to the Upstate
Nestled among the foothills, Walhalla is the gateway to Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, the Chattooga River, and the mountain wilderness beyond. Rich German heritage, a charming Main Street, and a growing local food and drink scene.
Must See
Stumphouse Tunnel — an unfinished pre-Civil War railroad tunnel now home to blue cheese aging. Bizarre and fascinating.
Westminster
Southern Charm and Apple Country
Embodies the best of small-town Southern charm. Widely known for its beloved Apple Festival each September. Gateway to Chau Ram County Park and Ramsey Creek Falls along the scenic Chauga River.
Must See
Westminster Apple Festival — one of the region's longest-running and most beloved community events. Held every September after Labor Day.
Long Creek
Distillery Country and River Access
Located in the far northwestern corner of the state, Long Creek is a destination for river seekers, waterfall chasers, and farm-to-table travelers. Home to the Chattooga Belle Farm Distillery, fruit orchards, and roadside markets.
Must See
Chattooga Belle Farm Distillery — they grow, ferment, distill, bottle, label, and sell it all on premises. A true farm-to-bottle experience.
Mountain Rest
Waterfall Capital of the Upstate
Sister community to Long Creek, Mountain Rest is where the majority of the region's waterfalls and river access are concentrated. Trailheads to King Creek Falls, Hidden Falls, Big Bend Falls, and the Chattooga River Section III and IV put-ins.
Must See
King Creek Falls — a 70-ft cascade through a laurel gorge with a family-friendly wading pool at the base. One of the best easy waterfall hikes in the region.
Salem
Gateway to the Lakes and Mountains
Located just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (Hwy 11), Salem is the gateway to Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, and the Blue Ridge Mountains proper. Home to Devils Fork State Park and Jocassee Valley Brewing Company.
Must See
Lake Jocassee by boat — see waterfalls tumbling directly into the lake, reachable only by water. One of the most unique experiences in the Southeast.
Tamassee
The Cheohee Valley
Located deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tamassee is at the heart of the Cheohee Valley — one of the region's most biodiverse and ecologically rich corridors. Ideal for those seeking authentic mountain solitude.
Must See
The Cheohee Valley in spring — wildflowers, rushing creeks, and mountain ridge views make this one of the most breathtaking scenes in the Upstate.
West Union
Keowee Lakeside Living
Situated between Seneca and Walhalla, West Union draws visitors for its Lake Keowee shoreline access and relaxed lake-life atmosphere. A quiet community with easy access to outdoor recreation.
Must See
Sunset on Lake Keowee — find a public access point and watch the Blue Ridge Mountains turn gold.
Fair Play
Lake Hartwell Country
A community of farming roots and lake neighborhoods on the southern shores of Lake Hartwell. Home to Lake Hartwell State Park, vacation cabin rentals, and the Grateful Daze Taproom — a perfect family lake getaway.
Must See
Grateful Daze Taproom at Peace of Pie — cold craft beer, pizza, and lake views. The perfect end to a day on Hartwell.
Plan Your Stay
Choose your town, find your lodging, then explore everything the Blue Ridge Upstate has to offer.