Blue Ridge Mountains

The Escarpment is the line at which the quiet majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range plunges down towards the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina. This sheer drop, created by the movement of tectonic plates and the erosive force of water, is home to a mountainous biome of unique beauty. The 10,000 acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area encompasses the Escarpment's vast array of waterfalls, hardwood forests, and mountain streams, as well as a diversity of plant and animal life. Visitors of all ages can experience the natural gems of the region through the Wilderness Area's many trails and State Parks. Travelers may explore the Escarpment's countless streams and waterfalls in Jones Gap State Park, home to the rushing waters of the Saluda River. Here, visitors can find the famous Rainbow Falls - a towering 100-foot wall of granite, water, and mist. Hiking enthusiasts can seek mesmerizing views of the Escarpment from the many scenic overlooks at Caesars Head State Park. Others may venture to Bald Rock for stunning panoramic views of the Upstate's mountains. Still others may choose to sit in peaceful reverence in the pews of the iconic Symmes Chapel at Pretty Place, an open air sanctuary that looks out over the rolling hills of Greenville County. Regardless of age or skill level, the Blue Ridge Escarpment holds unique wonders for the nature lover in all of us.