A Guide to Adventure

Moonshine Falls Area (4 places!) Greenville, Cleveland, SC WILDCAT FALLS : You get two for the price of one here at the Wildcat Wayside State Park. Wildcat Falls are a very popular falls, largely because they are roadside on SC 11 (the Cherokee Scenic Highway). The first falls are in two sections with a 10-foot freefall upstream and the 20-foot cascade down a slab of exposed granite into a shallow pool. About 100 feet to the left of these falls are a number of steps that ascend to a quarter-mile trail to another falls. The trail crosses just above the 10-foot free-fall on a wooden bridge and snakes its way through the woods to a 130-foot waterslide. The photo below isolates the lower portion of the slide. Be prepared to do a little boulder-climbing to reach the base of the waterslide, but please don't attempt to climb the falls themselves. To get here : Stay on RT 276/11 west for about 5 miles past where RT 11 joins RT 276 and look for a pull off (unsigned) on the right (...

If you are from the Upstate of South Carolina, then you know the city of Greenville is packed with things to do. Shopping, dining, and recreational activities are unique and full of adventure. What you may not know is outside of the bustling downtown area (a lot of us have called it G-Vegas at least once in our lives, yes I am guilty of it too!) there are even more outdoor activities for all seasons! From swimming, hiking, and horseback riding outdoor Greenville, SC has enough adventures to keep you and your family busy making memories all year long! The Greenville Health System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 21 mile multi-use park system that runs along the Reedy River connecting Greenville County with schools, parks, and local businesses. The trail will continue to grow every year offering fun, non-motorized recreation wherever it goes. This trail was made possible by Greenville County Council who purchased the old rail bed between Greenville and Tr...

Going hiking in South Carolina during the middle a summer drought, might not sound too appealing to most people. To me, it just means finding a shorter hike with a rewarding destination at the end. Each of these hikes listed below are homegrown, under five miles, and many of them have very easy trails. They also have waterfalls, creeks, and lakes for a way to cool off after or during your hike. Well, what are you waiting for? Follow the trails all the way down to the number one hike on this list!  5. Rainbow Falls Trail-Jones Gap State Park  Marietta, SC The 3.9 mile trail can be somewhat difficult with inclines and lots of rocky paths, but the view of Rainbow Falls is so worth it. Consider camping overnight for even more adventure and more time for exploration. 4. Yellow Branch Falls- Oconee State Park- Walhalla, SC With a 3.5 mile loop to Yellow Branch Falls you can get a prime spot at the bottom of the falls. The view is not only breathtaking, but the...

Escape to this island paradise with me!  5. Bora Bora  The small island of Bora Bora (just 6 miles long and more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. Dormant volcanoes rise up at its center and fan out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the "pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals. Many of Bora Bora's beaches are manmade and not much to write home about. The pristine lagoons are another story. 4. St. Martin - St. Maarten If you associate the Caribbean with a laid-back atmosphere, a tranquil beach and a quiet sunset, then you haven't been to feisty St. Martin and St. Maarten. W...

Nothing quite says summer in the south better than being on a beautiful lake, watching the sunset, with a cold drink (sweet tea for most of us will do) in hand. On a hot summer day, there is no better way to spend the day than fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the lake. Dive into this list of the Must-See Lakes in the South, and plan your holiday vacation southern style! 5. Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina  Tucked away in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Lake Santeetlah, once known as "Lake in the Sky" has 76 miles of shoreline protected by the national forestry service. Boat rentals are available, in all varieties and sizes. Enjoy a quiet day on a canoe or paddle board, or secure an 8 person deck boat. Primitive and car camping sites are available, so there is a place for every type of camper!  4 . Lake Fontana, North  Carolina Outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers need seek no more. Opportunities for adventure abound along the untouched mount...