The northwestern corner of South Carolina is a mountainous region well suited to producing fruit.
Long Creek & Mountain Rest are home to several orchards and by mid summer they’re harvesting tree ripened peaches, blueberries, grapes and early varieties of apples. Chattooga Belle Farm also grows “exotic” fruit which includes: arctic kiwis, figs, pawpaws, pears and persimmons that will be ready to harvest in August.
Closer to September you’ll be able to purchase lots of apple varieties, as well as muscadines and grapes.
Plan a day visiting the area where you can play on the Chattooga or Chauga Rivers, or hike to incredible waterfalls. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the fruit stands so you can take home delicious Oconee grown fruit.
For six decades the orchard growers in Long Creek and Mountain Rest have participated in the annual SC Apple Festival that takes place up the road in Westminster, SC.
The Apple Festival is a fun outing where you can stroll down Main Street and shop at vendor booths selling apples, handmade arts, crafts, jewelry and more.
You can expect food trucks serving festival fare, along with fun and games for the kids–bouncy houses and rides.
In Long Creek you can cool off by swimming in the Chattooga River. Two popular places to access the river are by hiking 1/4 mile from the Bull Sluice or Woodall Shoals parking lots.
If you’re looking for a full day on the water, read our Chattooga River Rafting article.
Like to hike? Long Creek Falls, Opossum Creek Falls, Brasstown Falls and Riley Moore Falls are popular trails in/near Long Creek.
Mountain Rest has even more waterfalls to explore! Oconee State Park is there and Stumphouse Park has a cool tunnel, Issaqueena Falls and mountain bike trails.
Stop by one of the roadside markets for farm fresh fruit and homemade treats. Peaches, nectarines and blueberries should be available for a few more weeks; a wide variety of apples will be ready after mid-August through October.
When your stomach starts rumbling for more than fruit, head to Belle’s Bistro, Humble Pie, Willie’s Tavern or Brasstown Creek Gathering Place BBQ. Â
The area is rural which means there isn’t an abundance of places to stay. But you can find camping, unique accommodations and vacation rentals in both Long Creek and Mountain Rest.
Read our comprehensive visitors guide for more details or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on things to do in Oconee County, SC.