Tucked away on a scenic mountain road in the northwestern corner of the Palmetto State is a little known restaurant. It’s located in a part of the Sumter National Forest that touches the borders of both Georgia and North Carolina. Not only is the restaurant beautiful, but it’s located near some very picturesque natural attractions, delivering outrageous mountain views, stunning waterfalls and lakes. Let’s take a closer look.
Mountain Rest Cafe is known for their delicious country cooking and for being so close to some of Oconee County's fabulous outdoor attractions. (We'll get to those later.)
After you finish having one of every great thing on the menu, you'll be happy to know that Mountain Rest Cafe is surrounded by amazing outdoor attractions that'll help you walk off those calories. Take a look:
4.1 miles from Mountain Rest Cafe sits one of the state's most picturesque waterfalls, Yellow Branch Falls. The trail out to the waterfall is moderately difficult and 3.5 miles round trip. The payoff is finding yourself at the base of this 50-foot beauty. More information on the trailhead and the waterfall can be found at this link.
Located just 3.2 miles away in Walhalla, Stumphouse Tunnel is rich in South Carolina's railroad and mining history. A trailhead in this park also leads to Issaqueena Falls.
Just 2.9 miles up the road you'll find Oconee State Park. Hiking, biking, fishing and camping are at your fingertips in this popular upstate park. Spending the weekend? Rent one of the parks' 20 well-appointed cabins.
Hike an easy half mile through the Sumter National Forest to get to this 60-foot waterfall rolling down Station Mountain. The trailhead is located just 13 miles from Mtn. Rest Cafe in Mountain Rest. More information about where to locate this waterfall can be found on the SC Parks All Trails page.
The Upstate of South Carolina is a wonderful spot to take a day trip or a mini “staycation.” Be sure to add beautiful little Mountain Rest Cafe to your itinerary. If you’ve already hit this South Carolina mountain eatery, we’d love to hear about it in our comments!
