Butterfly Adventure

Roper Mountain Science Center has brought back Butterfly Adventure this June, working out the kinks to make the second year of this exhibit a success! In addition to the butterfly adventure habitat, the Harrison Hall of Natural Science and the Living History Farm & Schoolhouse are open to visitors, ensuring that a visit to Roper Mountain this summer is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Butterfly Adventure is open from 9am to 3pm. We timed our visit to arrive early, as we remembered the long lines and extensive wait times last year (see my post A butterfly adventure). However, we need not have bothered, as throughout the day there really weren’t any lines. We were able to stay in the butterfly room in Fred W. Symmes Tropical Rainforest Conservatory for over 30 minutes, and even then only left because the boys were ready to explore further.

Similar to last year, both Discovery Rooms are dedicated to fun activities. In addition to meeting the resident animals that call Roper Mountain home, the boys were able to make a variety of crafts to take home with them. The Design Lab was also a hit in this regard; while the older boys designed their own butterfly to test in the wind tunnels, Vilis made a balloon butterfly, complete with beating wings.

The Ecology Lab and Marine Lab had the usual exhibits, plus a few special displays. On Thursdays and Fridays you can make your own seed balls in the Ecology Lab, and there is a special animal talk in the Marine Lab on Thursday and Friday at 1pm.

On your way to the Living History Farm make a loop in order to swing by the Fossil Pit, the Butterfly Garden, and the two treehouses. Then, across the pond the WildWood play area is a new addition to the RMSC playscape. The natural play area makes use of blocks, bridges and slides for hours of play for all ages; we usually spend quite a bit of time here, but today we still had the farm to explore!

We met the baby lambs at the barn; these tiny little guys were only about a week old! Make sure to stop by at 10am or 12pm when the lamb feeding takes place. On Fridays Red Clay Soap does presentations on the health benefits of goat milk, but volunteers are on hand to help children pet the baby goats throughout the week.

Kids also enjoy the school house craft at 9:30am, and ‘school lessons’ are taught at 11am while storytime is at noon. I recommend a stop in the heritage garden – there is so much in bloom! Finally, a visit to the Kitchen Cabin brings historic food preparation to life.

The cardoon is related to the artichoke

A visit to Butterfly Adventure is included in a RMSC membership, and tickets can be reserved ahead of time. For those visitors who are not members, admission is $8 for adults, $7 for children 4 to 12, and free for 3 and younger. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 9am to 3pm with the last entry at 1:30pm. Butterfly Adventure will be closed Sundays, Mondays, and July 4^th, and runs through July 7^th. Please visit the RMSC website for more information. 

Food on Friday: Piney Mountain Bike Lounge

There is one spot that definitely needs to be on your bucket list this summer if you live in Greenville and have kids who enjoy riding bikes – Piney Mountain Bike Lounge!

Piney Mountain is a cross between a bicycle shop and a taproom, complete with a pump track out back! Located between downtown and Paris Mountain, the Lounge caters to mountain bikers on their way to and from the mountains. It has also become a gathering spot for the local community to come together and share their love for riding – or share their love for craft beer while their kids are busy wearing themselves out on the dirt bike course!

Our most recent visit was a weekday. The boys were all still running full steam, wearing on my last nerve. We still had several hours of daylight, and so we loaded up three kids, three bikes and three helmets and headed to Piney Mountain Road.

Although the exterior looks much like it did when it was the Landscapers Supply, the interior has been completely revamped. On one side is the bar, serving up craft beer alongside what is the bicycle repair space. On the other side is a lounge, complete with couches, a foosball table and handlebars in the place of mounted trophies. The center is filled with all the latest cycling gear and bicycles, trail maps on the walls of favorite dirt biking destinations in the area. Finally, in the back you’ll find the former loading dock, converted to outdoor patio. Full of picnic tables, the space overlooks the pump track, a small, looping trail system that you can ideally ride continuously without pedaling.

Since their grand opening in March, Piney Mountain has settled in with a rotation of food trucks to make the Lounge truly a one-stop evening hot-spot. With Upstate favorites such as Automatic Taco, Ellada Kouzina and Chuck Truck each night, for the current schedule check the website or follow Piney Mountain Bike Lounge on facebook. For the beer enthusiasts, a list of the 14 regional and local craft beers on tap can be found here. The pump track is closed when it’s wet for safety reasons as well as to protect the track, and a waiver must be signed before use. Usually one of us will take the boys & bikes around to the track and get them set up, while the other orders food and beer and gets settled in at one of the tables by the track – then it’s just a matter of shouting out a few encouraging words to keep them circling the track while we enjoy our meal.

The lounge

Piney Mountain offers a variety of tune-up and service options as well as a demo option if you’re looking to buy a bicycle but not quite ready to commit. For those with kids in middle or high school that might be interested in a mountain biking team, NICA (the National Interscholastic Cycling association) is coming to Greenville and often meets at Piney Mountain – check out Upstate Composite on facebook for more info.

When it comes down to it, I’m really more of a Swamp Rabbit Trail gal than a Paris Mountain cyclist, but it really doesn't matter: Piney Mountain is a great addition to the Upstate's cycling scene, as well as to the north-Greenville community. Whether you’re looking to get your bike ready for the season, catch up with friends after a day at Paris Mountain, or just ‘cycle’ through some of that energy in the kids on these long days, make sure to swing by the Lounge this summer!

Worn out!

For more information about Piney Mountain Bike Lounge go to www.pineymtb.com.

You can also follow them on twitter and instagram. For a similar experience, check out The Hub in North Carolina, the bike shop, outfitter and tavern on the Pisgah National Forest.

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve

The first time I ever turned off of Highway 276 onto Persimmon Ridge Road was almost ten years ago; we were in pursuit of a geocache (which is still there!) and had turned off on a steep, narrow, gravel road that was so full of ruts we quickly turned our old Taurus around to get wheels back on the pavement before the thing fell apart!

The sign at the eastern trailhead

Fast forward a decade and the gravel road is now pretty much a two-lane highway: still gravel, but otherwise unrecognizable. Our sedan was easily able to handle the grade of what is a steep mountain road, but although we saw more than one SUV and truck, this time we weren’t the only ones with two-wheel drive.

The granite outcrop and Heritage Falls

Persimmon Ridge Road connects with Highway 276 on both ends, 1.25 miles east of Wildcat Wayside to ¾ a mile north of Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. It is only 3.5 miles long, but will take significantly longer to travel than the paved 276 as it winds its way along the southern edge of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Along with the previously mentioned Bald Rock, this section of Mountain Bridge is home to three other Heritage Preserves: Watson-Cooper, Ashmore, and Eva Russell Chandler - our destination this gorgeous spring day.

Heritage Falls where the granite outcrop starts getting slick and steep

The 253-acre preserve is right on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and the area is well known for its biodiversity and ecological communities. Owned and managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources, Eva Russell Chandler is home to several rare plant species including Grass-of-Parnassus, Indian paintbrush and Divided-Leaf Groundsel. The Preserve is also primitive in terms of amenities, with few trail markers, no restrooms, and a parking area that runs on the side of ‘wide spot in the road.’

The sign, gate and old road next to the parking area

Going north on 276 from Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, make a right on Persimmon Ridge Road in ¾ a mile: the turn-off can be easy to miss, but it’s the first turn and is right in a curve. Proceed on Persimmon Ridge for ½ mile where you’ll see a turnout on the south side of the road; the old roadbed is gated, but please do not park in front of the gate as this provides access in case of emergency/fire.

The Eva Russell Chandler loop trail totals about ½ a mile, and emerges back out on Persimmon Ridge Road just a couple hundred feet down the road. To start, follow the old roadbed until the trail turns off to the east into the hardwood forest: look for the series of wooden steps leading up to the trail as the sign seems to have gone missing. After crossing a little foot bridge, you’ll soon come to an old homesite, made known by the chimney and stairs that still stand on site.

Soon you’ll emerge on the granite outcrop with a beautiful view of the Upstate. Here Slickum Creek flows down the edge of the escarpment providing for a unique ecological community at its base – a cataract bog. Cataract bogs form where a permanent stream flows slowly over a steeply sloped rock outcrop, a thin layer of soil forming just on the edge. The loop trail does not take you to the base of the falls, which are known as Heritage Falls or Slickum Falls, and it is dangerous to try to descend the slick granite face. There have been fatalities at this site; the rock face is steeper and slicker than it appears. To reach the base of the falls it is advisable to take a second trail, which although longer, circles around at a more moderate pace (see here for trail info).

What I find fascinating about the cataract bog community is that not too far away you’ll find various lichens and prickly pear cactus, two plants that can grow in harsh, dry conditions. Both plant communities are fragile; please exercise care to protect this beautiful area.

prickly pear cactus

From the scenic viewpoint over Heritage Falls, the loop continues back north along Slickum Creek. The forest floor is covered with a dense thicket of Southern Lady, New York and Christmas ferns, and the sound of running water surrounds you as you hike. You’ll emerge back to Persimmon Ridge Road 100 yards from the parking area at another Preserve sign.

While we saw a few other hikers at the granite outcrop, we pretty much had the place to ourselves considering it was a holiday weekend. We emerged from the forest energized, but hungry, and piling back into the car we backtracked to Bald Rock, where we spread our picnic blanket out and enjoyed the afternoon sun. Two granite outcrops, two very different experiences….

Swimming holes in Upstate SC

On these hot, lazy summer days there is nothing better than packing a few beach towels and your bathing suits and heading to a nearby swimming hole to cool off! It’s light outside until after 8pm, which is great for those who want to avoid the hottest hours of the day and spend a lazy afternoon on the beach of one of the refreshing lakes in the Upstate. Meanwhile visitors to one of the dozens of mountain creeks will find cool temperatures in the forest shade, enchanting waterfalls, and plenty of places to splash away the longest days of the year. Whether you’re headed to one of our beautiful State & County Parks, or to the rivers of the nearby National Forest, you’ll want to jump right in to these swimming holes in the Upstate!

Bull Sluice on the Chattooga

STATE PARKS

The closest lake with a public swimming area is in Paris Mountain State Park. Access to the swimming area at Lake Placid is included with the park entry fee, and a lifeguard is on duty while the swimming area is open; for hours see the State Park website. Swimming is not allowed in any of the other three lakes in the park.

Carrick creek cascade

Another State Park that has a lifeguard on duty is Table Rock. The Pinnacle Lake swimming area features a high dive board, low dive board and sandy beach. Wading is also allowed at your own risk in Carrick Creek near the observation deck (Table Rock State Park 2017 beach & swimming hours). Oconee State Park a little further down Highway 11 also has a designated swimming area with a lifeguard on duty, and low & high diving boards. However, the park’s main lake has been drained for emergency maintenance, so check with the park directly to check if open.

Swimming is permitted in Lake Keowee, but there are no designated swimming areas within Keowee-Toxaway State Park and lifeguards are not present. We enjoy hiking the Natural Bridge Trail loop and finding a spot to cool down in Poe Creek as an alternative to swimming in the lake! There are a dozen small pools and rapids that are perfect for some water fun. Nearby Devil’s Fork State Park also has no lifeguards, but a popular swimming spot in Lake Jocassee is near concessions on Buckeye Drive. A strip of beach with shallow water attracts a crowd on hot days, or if exploring Lake Jocassee by boat head out on the water to swim in one of the many waterfalls.

Lake Jocassee

For swimming on Lake Hartwell, head out to Twelve Mile Recreation Area, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. In addition to the sandy beach, you’ll find a playground, drinking water, and flush toilets.

WATERFALLS AND SHOALS

One of the top destinations in the Upstate for summer water fun is Long Shoals Wayside Park. Here Little Eastatoe Creek flows through flat, gently sloping shoals to form a natural waterslide – complete with plunge pool at the base! Located just off the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, you can bring a picnic and spend the entire day exploring. The facilities are very primitive, but do include a picnic area.

Long Shoals Wayside Park

Another popular spot is Wildcat Wayside. The pool beneath the 10-foot cascade can get pretty crowded during the weekends, but your visit can be combined with a trip to nearby Caesars Head or Table Rock State Parks for a full day of fun.

Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River is a challenging rapid for kayakers, but a few hundred feet below the rapids is a sandy beach area. This beautiful region is part of the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of Sumter National Forest; amenities include parking, restrooms and drinking water.

Also on Sumter National Forest you’ll find one of our favorite swimming holes, Riley Moore Falls. The huge pool, a large sandy beach with gradual entry, and the 50 feet wide waterfall make it a one-of-a-kind summer destination. However, you’ll want to prepare for the hike in to the falls; bring a picnic and plenty of drinking water in addition to your swimsuits on the two-mile round trip hike.

To the southeast of Greenville, 10-foot high Horseshoe Falls on Cedar Shoals Creek has long been popular with the locals as a picnic area and swimming hole. Part of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the falls are just a short hike from the parking area on Horseshoe Falls Road.

Horseshoe Falls in Musgrove Mill Historic Site

  

There are dozens of waterfalls in the Upstate, but exercise extreme caution when wading and splashing. While you’ll often see other visitors climbing the waterfalls, venturing off the path is dangerous and can result in injury and death. In addition to swift currents, slick rocks and steep drops, other hazards include poison ivy, snakes and ticks.

COUNTY PARKS

The smaller county parks scattered across the Upstate don’t have designated swimming areas and lifeguards, but they do have plenty of creeks, waterfalls and shoals for water play. From sandy beaches to small rapids, Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County is a great destination for water adventures. There is a good swimming hole on Ramsey Creek at the bottom of Chau Ram falls, and swings and playground equipment provide a break from the water play.

Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the state, and in addition to the historic bridge and grist mill foundations you’ll find Beaverdam Creek, a small creek that is great for cooling off on a hot summer day. Nearby picnic tables make it a convenient picnic-and-play spot.

Campbell's Covered Bridge

Pleasant Ridge County Park is better known for its bike trails, but Leroy Smith Nature Trail offers easy access to Pleasant Ridge Falls – a great spot for splashing around.

IS THE REEDY RIVER SAFE FOR SWIMMING?

However appealing the Reedy River may be on a hot day, it is not safe for swimming. Bacteria levels are tested regularly, and results from sections in Travelers Rest all the way to Lake Greenwood are in excess of federal standards. Despite its pleasant appearance, the Reedy River is contaminated with high concentrations of harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections to humans. For these reasons wading, swimming, and climbing on the rocks in Falls Park and Cedar Falls Park are prohibited, and you would be smart to keep children and pets out of the river.

Sandy beaches, natural sliding shoals, waterfall pools – it’s easy enough to stay out of the Reedy when you’ve got all these options! Whether you need a break from the sweltering humidity, are looking for a day trip with a cool-down at the end, or just want to take a refreshing dip without the chlorine, there’s something in the Upstate for everyone. Did your favorite swimming hole make the list? 

Five on Friday: the June edition

June in Greenville brings the start of summer vacation, with plenty of festivals, programs and adventures to keep the kids busy and the parents from losing their cool. Here are a few things that we’re looking forward to…

1. Butterfly Adventure at Roper Mountain Science Center. The live butterfly exhibit is returning for the second year in a row, bringing an up-close experience with hundreds of butterflies in the RMSC greenhouse. The exhibit was opened yesterday and will run through July 7^th – and it’s free for RMSC members! For my review, please visit my post A butterfly adventure, and for more on hours and for tickets visit the RMSC website.

2. Now that the hot weather is here to stay we’ll be heading to Long Shoals Wayside Park for some fun in the water! As it runs down a smooth slab of algae-covered rock, Little Eastatoe Creek provides a gentle water slide that ends in a plunge into a shallow pool at the base. Read more about the park and the natural water slide in my post A waterslide at Long Shoals Wayside Park. 

3. Another hot weather favorite is a trip to Stumphouse Tunnel. The interior stays cool even in the hottest summer days, and the chance to use headlamps and splash around in a ‘cave’ brings excitement to those seemingly endless days. For everything you need to know about the tunnel and nearby waterfalls read my post Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel, and if you’re in the mood to try the blue cheese that was once produced in the tunnel, stop by Clemson and the ’55 Exchange on the way home.

4. Summer solstice, the longest day of the year, falls on Wednesday, June 21^st this year. This is an important holiday for Latvians, and we’ll be celebrating with the local Latvian community with a bonfire, flower wreaths, cheese tying and a feast of Latvian proportions! Want to know more about Jāņi, the Latvian celebration?

Jāņi – the folklore

Jāņu siers – how to tie the cheese

Jāņi Chatenet – A glance at celebrating in France

Jānis – the name day tradition

Līst kā pa Jāņiem – why it always rains on Jāņi.

And also important, a list of the stores in the area that carry European foodstuffs! 

5. Looking for some summer fun that has an educational aspect mixed in to keep those little minds sharp through the coming months? You might want to try one of the many educational programs at the County and State Parks in our area. One of our favorites is the Paris Mountain Ranger-led Creek hike, where the kids get to explore a creek ecosystem and then take their catch back to take an up close look under the park microscope. Programs offered this month include National Trails Day Celebrations at Croft, Jones Gap and Table Rock State Parks, Frontier Encampment at Oconee Station State Historic Site, a Twilight Paddle at Chester State Park and Lessons from Nature at Paris Mountain. See SC State Parks website for full schedule.