HIDDEN TREASURES #2

Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands.

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway

Photo by Nicholas T.

One way to start your exploration of the little-known mountains in South Carolina is by driving along S.C. Highway 11, also known as the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. Curving through what is called Upstate South Carolina, the highway winds along the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains past an interesting blend of Civil War history, scenic vistas and quaint mountain towns. The 112-mile byway — listed by motorcycleroads.com as “[one] of the best motorcycle roads east of the Mississippi” — follows what was once a trade route used by the Cherokee Indians and European fur traders.

Neighbors Help Neighbors

A photo essay that celebrates the volunteer spirit of the grassroots group Hurricane Helene WNC and speaks to the resourcefulness, collaboration and hard work embodied by thousands and thousands of volunteers, first responders and aid workers across the region after Hurricane Helene.

The Resonator, a century-old modified pump organ, is the centerpiece of one of the House of Art’s permanent exhibits, surrounded by creepy computer junk and red and blue and green neon lights

Halloween Approaches, and Night School Is in Session

The House of Art in Bluefield, West Virginia, looks like a haunted tower, making it the perfect location for its sixth annual haunt event: Night School. The Night School will be open every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 31.

Rows of vendors under pop-up tents are filling a grassy area at the annual Affirming Sumner Pride celebration in Middle Tennessee. Pride flags are hanging on some booths

‘The Most Perfect Act of Love’

Hundreds of people attended the second annual Affirming Sumner Pride celebration on a 24-acre farm dubbed “Fruity Farm” in Bethpage, Sumner County, Tennessee.

An Indiana bat in a white-gloved hand with a black background

Signs of Life: Endangered Bats Found in Nantahala for First Time in More Than a Decade

In the Nantahala National Forest, a team of biologists spotted Indiana bats, an endangered species that hasn’t been seen in North Carolina for the last 11 years.

Dan Buchanan stands in front of Double Island Volunteer Fire Department's fire engine

‘First Line of Defense’

During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.

Alice and Gary Stevens stand on their new 40-foot bridge with their dog in Watauga County, N.C.

The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery

Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.

One response to “HIDDEN TREASURES #2 – South Carolina”

Mark

June 11, 2012

I have to absolutely agree that Hwy 11 is one of the prettiest drives. When I first moved to SC I would take 11 every chance I got, even if it meant it would take longer. It is that pretty. And there are plenty of great places to stop along the way to eat, shop or just enjoy nature. Highly recommend!

HIDDEN TREASURES #2 – South Carolina

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway