Nature Connection

Because we do a lot of traveling, we get to see many of the special areas of South Carolina and North Carolina. Here, we'll take you on a virtual field trip. If you have any questions or comments, please use the link at the bottom of the page to e-mail us. Check our Archives for previous field trips.

Wildcat Wayside

This small South Carolina State Park (63 acres) is part of the Mountain Bridge area. It is wrapped around a section of Wildcat Branch Creek which flows into the South Saluda River. This is not a 'developed' state park. There is a half-mile, easy walking, path which leads to a small waterfall.

Directions: Take US 276 north from Greenville, through Travelers Rest and Marietta toward Brevard. You will see the park (a pull-off on your right) just before Highway 11 branches off to the left. For more information, check:

http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/TRAILGUIDES/hiking/1Upcountry/WildcatNature.html

Often times, we miss the little gems nestled in our communities, almost right before our eyes. Wildcat Wayside Falls is visible from Highway 276. The first picture of the falls was taken from the pull off area right along side the road. To the left of the falls is a steep set of steps and a trail that goes to the top of the falls.

From there, the trail continues through remnants of structures built by the CCC in the 1930's. (For more information on the CCC and the creation of Wayside Parks, click here) The graffiti on the side of the chimney is a reminder that the key to preservation is what we teach our children to value.

A short walk through a rhododendron thicket beside the placid little stream doesn't prepare you for the scene as you emerge. The stream changes dramatically.

You can't really call it a waterfall; the water cascades off the rock face in the narrow little channels it has carved for itself in the rock.

The moist, shaded forest floor is the perfect place for spotted wintergreen, rattlesnake plantain (one of the orchids), partridgeberry, and Christmas fern. 

And you know spring is pressing when you find the first bloom of the delicate troutlily.

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Last modified: March 17, 2001