Our Community
Civic Interests:
The City of Pickens is rich with dedicated, active, civic-minded people. Pickens boasts of over 30 civic, special interest and volunteer groups and organizations that work toward the betterment of our community and its citizens.
Religion:
In 1868, after the town was founded, the first place of worship was a one-room office of an attorney beside the courthouse and was called Pickens Court House Methodist Church. Today, there are many faiths and denominations represented in Pickens and the surrounding area.
The City of Pickens and the Pickens Chamber of Commerce invite you and your family to come and see for yourself why Pickens is such a great place to live and work. In this brochure, we have high lighted just some of what Pickens has to offer but some things cannot be put into words. You will also find that “Welcome to Pickens” is not always spoken with a Southern accent! Please contact Pickens City Hall or the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce for any questions you may have and for additional information.
Statistical Source: 2003-2004 Pickens County Profile-SC, Appalachian Council of Governments
Tourism:
Nature based tourism abounds in Pickens County. Hiking trails, including access to Foothills Trail and Appalachian Trail, cool mountain lakes, waterfalls, scenic vistas, trails for horse back riding, camping and boating are just a few of the many opportunities available. Pickens County sports two State Parks and one County Park, each with a variety of outdoor activities.
In addition, historic and cultural sites are easily accessible. An award winning art and history museum, The Pickens County Museum, sits conveniently in downtown Pickens. Close by, the Hagood-Mauldin House, full of period furnishings, art and a lovely rose garden, welcomes visitors. Three miles north of town, the historic Hagood Mill stands, with regular corn grindings demonstrated by our volunteer miller. Antique shops and lunchtime refreshments are available in downtown Pickens and on Scenic Highway 11. The golfing visitor can play one of the beautiful courses close by and others can shop the largest Flea Market in the Upstate.
Recreation:
Recreational opportunities for residents of all ages are available in Pickens. The YMCA of Pickens County has a beautiful facility with pool programs, youth teams, and a full fitness studio. Senior citizens enjoy many activities in our local Senior Center and through the Pickens County Seniors Unlimited programs. Our City Recreation Department has a full program of children’s sports teams and volunteer opportunities for the sports minded adult.
The Playground of Promise is a perfect example of the “volunteer spirit” in Pickens. Funded in part by local industry and grants, it was the hundreds of volunteers working together that built the playground to give endless hours of enjoyment to the children of Pickens.
The Town Creek Trail is located adjacent to the Pickens Playground of Promise on Homestead Road. The Trail offers beautiful vistas along Town Creek and a nice leisurely stroll through the woods. An easy 2.5 mile walk, the trail showcases native plant and animal life as well as picturesque shoals in the creek. Parking for the trail is on West Jones Avenue off Hwy. 178 North.
The new Pickens Recreation Center was opened in March 2005 to the delight of the citizens of Pickens and surrounding areas. The center consists of Recreation Department offices, two full size gyms, meeting rooms and a full service concession area. The Recreation Center is funded by a 2% hospitality tax in the City of Pickens.
