Reflections of South Carolina

By Robert C. Clark, Tom Poland and Mary Alice Monroe

A pictorial essay that showcases the natural beauty of the Palmetto State and its inhabitants

From the Appalachians to the Atlantic, South Carolina's awe-inspiring beauty is revealed in this visually stirring and heart-warming tribute to one of America's favorite vacation destinations. Rich with more than 250 stunning photographs, this second volume of Reflections of South Carolina uncovers the geological, natural, and cultural grandeur the Palmetto State packs into 32,000 square miles. A foreword by New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe complements the photographs and text.

In a landscape abundant with waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and surf, South Carolina overflows with flora and fauna, as well as astonishing vistas. On their new journey, photographer Robert C. Clark and writer Tom Poland set out on a path of discovery that reveals charming country stores, water-powered gristmills, enchanting meadows, and extraordinary people and places. From angles high and low, this keepsake book illuminates the state's summits, swamps, shores, and islands that brim with life, beauty, and culture. Turn the pages and explore the mountain majesties, fruited plain, and shining sea—South Carolina holds so much of what makes this country "America the Beautiful."

Reflections of South Carolina, Volume 2 documents the state's surprising variety as well. You can stand atop Sassafras Mountain in August and yet feel fall's chill or walk Charleston's cobblestone streets in shorts in the middle of February. Clark and Poland advise visitors and residents alike to take their time exploring South Carolina and whenever possible to take the road less traveled—for the next turn might reveal an antebellum-era slave chapel, a farmer peddling honey and tomatoes, a mountain's reflection in a sparkling lake, or a peach orchard exploding pink. What could be next? A praise house? An unforgettable character? Art on an abandoned boat? Discovery makes a great companion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
• Release date: Jun 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781611173949

Robert C. Clark

Robert C. Clark is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and his photographs have appeared in National Geographic books, Newsweek, and the Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications, as well in photographic awards annuals such as Print and Communications Arts. Together with Poland he co-authored Reflections of South Carolina (volumes 1 and 2).

Book preview

The Upcountry

Realm of Peaks, Vales, and Falls

— Middle Saluda River

Looking like something in an enchanted forest, the Middle Saluda has a fairy-tale-like story. It was the first river protected under South Carolina's 1978 Scenic Rivers Program. Roughly five miles of the Middle Saluda and its major tributary, Coldspring Branch, enjoy a 600-footwide scenic corridor from U.S. Highway 276 to one mile upstream of the defunct Cleveland Fish Hatchery. The river, located in northern Greenville County within Jones Gap State Park, drops nearly 1,000 feet in four miles. Its clear, cold water supports self-sustaining trout populations. Scenic River

— Table Rock

The mountains serve up surprises. Round a curve and a panorama you'll long remember swings into view. And the seasonal beauty here is unforgettable. Fall's fiery colors paint the hills like nowhere else. How about geological astonishment? Alien-like vernal pools bless granite with exotic life. And how about the never-ending clash between water and stone that grinds mountains into beach sands?

Not all is brute force and boulders, however. Daydream about the peak where the Great Spirit dined, now named Table Rock. Vineyards, old stone churches, gristmills, historic homes, and inns? They're here in South Carolina, as are mill villages, ruins, and a city with a heart of white water. The country's oldest continuously running town clock is here as well. Old and new make a compelling mix.

Atop mountains, within woods, along waters, and across fruited vales you'll unearth treasures. Discover raging rivers, green summits, rocky gorges, rare flowers, silver shoals, and something precious. Solitude. Early morning's fog banks and haze-covered mountains belong to you. No clamoring crowds here.

In the Piedmont, old gold mines run beneath a town in a vicinity that offered fleeting refuge to French Huguenots. A historic mill, haunted cemetery, and vanquished place of worship—they're all here. Dip down into foothills country where the land softens and kudzu mobs deep woods like a topiary artist gone mad, then turn north and drive the winding road to South Carolina's rooftop. Get out and behold the Upcountry. The promise of frost chills the air as you watch an October sun sink. Up high you can see for miles and miles. The land ripples, rises, and folds. Valleys deepen; the horizon draws back. And everywhere autumnal ensembles of leaves perform. As nighttime draws nigh, yellow, red, orange, and cinnamon tones darken until the ultimate shadow reigns