The Hagood Mill Historic Site invites families, nature lovers, and curious minds to celebrate the return of the Mountain Roots Herb Festival on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This exciting Third Saturday event celebrates all things outdoors and herbal.

The event showcases the natural beauty of the site and offers a full day of outdoor fun and educational opportunities. Guests can take part in a variety of hands-on workshops, including:

• Guided Bird Walks
• Nature Photography Sessions
• Plant Medicine Workshops
• Mushroom Foraging Excursions

Live music will fill the air from the Historic Stage as guests enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of spring in the South Carolina foothills. The grounds will be buzzing with living history demonstrators, and the 1845 water-powered gristmill will be in operation—offering guests a chance to take home freshly stone-ground products.

In addition to workshops and demonstrations, the festival also includes a wide range of outdoor games and activities such as archery, pickleball, horseshoes, ping pong, disc golf, archaeology adventures, and kids’ crafts, making this a perfect outing for families and nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Guests are encouraged to explore the many artisan vendors and discover handmade herbal products, crafts, and one-of-a-kind goods. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own chairs and enjoy a full day of activities on the grounds.

Admission is $5 per person for ages 10 and up, and children 9 and under are free. Admission includes access to the entire Hagood Mill Historic Site, including the Heritage Pavilion and the renowned Hagood Creek Petroglyph Center.

Hagood Mill Historic Site is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the mill operates rain or shine on the third Saturday of each month.

The site is located at 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC, just three miles north of Main Street Pickens off Highway 178, or 5.5 miles south of Scenic Highway 11.

For more information, please call (864) 898-2936, visit the Hagood Mill Foundation Facebook page, or go online to visithagoodmill.com.

Located in the heart of Pickens, South Carolina, Hagood Mill Historic Site is a treasured destination dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. Established in 1845, the site features a historic gristmill, cultural exhibits, and a vibrant calendar of events showcasing traditional arts, music, and history.

Home to the South Carolina Rock Art Center, Hagood Mill serves as a hub for education, discovery, and preservation of Native American rock art and other significant cultural artifacts. Through its programs and initiatives, the site fosters a deep connection to the past while inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect South Carolina’s unique history.