Are you an outside lover? Or are you just looking to get out of your home for a few hours? Either way, Greenville has you coated. With so many state parks within an hours drive and with the Blue Ridge Mountains close by, there’s so much to explore. Here are my favorite locations to go hiking near Greenville, SC.
Now “the outdoors” and Greenville have both grown in recognition just lately. Anyone who lives in Greenville knows that individuals are moving here on an everyday basis. (I can’t blame them actually.) And with 2020 being what it was, more and more people are hitting the paths.
What I mean by all of that is that, properly, many of the locations featured right here are actually extremely popular. Expect trails to be more crowded and parking lots to fill up by 9am on weekends year spherical (you can thank our delicate winters for that). So if you want to escape the crowds, attempt to go to the much less well-liked areas or trails. This might mean you’ll miss the view, however, on the opposite hand, you might not need to share your hike with lots of of others.
One last item to contemplate are the charges to enter the under parks and such. When contemplating your outing, bear in mind entry fees might apply. For example, South Carolina State Parks have an entry fee. But some North Carolina ones don’t. I don’t mind paying a small entry fee to assist my parks. But it’s something to remember.
Lastly I’ve discovered, placing together this listing, that I even have my favorites. The ones I tend to return to again and again. But I’ve made it a aim to strive a quantity of new places. And as I do, I’ll be adding them to this listing if I deem them worthy.
Hiking Near Greenville SC
Under 1 Hour Away From Greenville
Paris Mountain State Park
Travel Time: minutes
This is the closest state park to Greenville, SC and it’s the one I head to most frequently once I just have a couple of hours and don’t want to overthink it. I’ve hiked most of the trails in the park. For a longer description of every trail, take a look at my Paris Mountain Hiking Guide.
Trails are dog friendly with a 6ft leash.
Lake Placid Loop
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: .75 miles (under 1 hour)
* I love the waterfall by the dam.
Upper Mountain Loop
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: three mile loop (1-1.5 hours)
* I’m unsure what to name this route, but it’s a loop of the upper trails (Brissy Ridge-> Kanuga -> To Firetower -> Firetower -> Sulphur Springs). It’s fairly stage and is my no 1 go to hike.
Sulphur Springs Trail
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: three.6 mile loop (2 hours)
* This longer loop goes from the decrease part of the park up to the top and back down once more. It’s a fairly tough climb if you’re not in hiking form, so make certain you’re ready. And I’d do the loop counter clockwise so you’re coming down the steepest half.
Read Next: Paris Mountain Hiking Guide
Lake Placid LoopConestee Nature Preserve
Travel Time: minutes
When I want something more than only a walk however lower than a state park, I like to move to Conestee Nature Preserve. Plus they recently did a lot of upkeep within the Preserve and the paths now have blazes and higher indicators, and there’s a new map with route recommendations that can help you navigate.
Check out the map (a link to the latest ought to be discovered on that page) earlier than you go. You can also find the map at most entrances (check the kiosks) as nicely as at a number of intersections within the Preserve.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Yellow Route
* Difficulty: Easy
* Access: Via the Reedy River Bridge Entrance (E2) behind the North Entrance to Conestee Park.
* Length: 2.2 mile loop (1-2 hours)
* This loop heads into the park towards the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It’s got a good mix of paved walkways, boardwalks, and remark decks. It’s pretty busy as I feel like this is the principle entrance to the Preserve. But if you’re on the lookout for extra trails, there are loads of them on this area. (Want a route with a more pure surface? Try the green route!)
Pink Route
* Difficulty: Easy
* Access: Near the Conestee Mill off of Spanco Dr (S1). The car parking zone here is small.
* This out and back and trail is an extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The trail is paved and is a pleasant little walk, however it is farther away from the opposite trails in the Preserve. It additionally feels farther away than the bustling space around Conestee Park.
Cedar Falls Park
Travel Time: 30 minutes
This small county park has lots to offer. You can piece collectively a quantity of of the walking trails for a pleasant little hike. The Reedy River widens right here and you can see remnants of old dams as well as a couple of small waterfalls as the river cascades over the rocks and boulders. Plus restrooms, sand volleyball, and a giant playground.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Forest + River + Nature Trail
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: ~2 miles (1 hour or so)
* If you park on the main lot (the one by the shelter & bathrooms) and head in the direction of the waterfall along the paved Forest Trail. Then you can head down to soak up all of the dams/rapids. (And even study somewhat concerning the Cherokee who lived right here and the dams you possibly can still see the remnants of.) Then head again alongside the longer Nature Trail to make this an honest little hike.
Table Rock State Park
Travel Time: forty minutes
I think Table Rock is among the markers of the Upstate. Every time I see it along Highway 11 it nonetheless strikes me with its beauty. And though the quintessential hike is the hike to the highest of Table Rock, the park has several other choices to select from.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Carrick Creek Trail
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: 2 miles (1 hour or so)
* I like this trail as it’s a bit more difficult than the Lakeside Loop Trail, but doesn’t include intense climbs. You’ll have fantastic views of small waterfalls alongside the creek.
Table Rock Trail
* Difficulty: Strenuous
* Length: ~7 miles (5-6 hours)
* I consider this to be the principle hike within the park. It’s a tricky climb up to the top of Table Rock, however the views are wonderful. If you’re not up to hiking the whole method, there’s a halfway level that has one hell of a view.
Read Next: Hiking the Table Rock Trail [Trail Guide]
Jones Gap State Park
Travel Time: 40 minutes
Jones Gap is an attractive, but small state park. The parking there’s very, very limited. If you intend on going, get there early within the day (weekend especially). And I’d be certain to have a backup plan if it’s full.
Trails are dog friendly with a 6ft leash.
Jones Gap Falls
* Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
* Length: three.2 miles (2ish hours)
* This trail follows the Middle Saluda River. It undoubtedly goes up, however there aren’t any intense steep sections. The waterfall will be on your right because the trail retains going uphill following the stream.
Rainbow Falls
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: 4.4 miles (2.5-4 hours)
* The first mile or so of this trail isn’t so unhealthy because it follows the Middle Saluda River. After it crosses over the river though, the trail begins to climb. And climb. (There is over 1,200ft of elevation acquire here.) If you’re up for it although, the waterfall on the finish is gorgeous.
Caesars Head State Park
Travel Time: 55 minutes
Part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, Caesars Head looks like a small park. But it’s got hundreds to supply. The Raven Cliff Falls hike was the one of many first hikes I did within the area (years before I began this website), and I want to return to get some proper pictures of it. I don’t love the hiking maps online though, so I would cease by the visitor heart to snag some correct maps when you hike the less popular trails.
Some trails are dog friendly. I’ve indicated which under. Check at the Park Office for details on others.
Raven Cliff Falls
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: four miles (3 hours)
* Dog Friendly: Yes
* Trailhead: One miles past the Visitor Center
* This trail will take you to the Raven Cliff Falls Overlook (which is throughout a small valley from the waterfall). The trail does have a fair quantity of up and down (specifically down to the viewpoint), so be prepared for that. But you by no means go away the highest of the escarpment which is very good. And although the view of the 420ft Raven Cliff Falls is set far again, it’s still fairly impressive.
1 – 1.5 Hours Away From Greenville
Dupont State Forest
Travel Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Dupont State Forest is situated over the border in North Carolina and it’s a tremendous location. There are dozens of trails and completely different sorts of hiking alternatives. Plus so many waterfalls. But this forest is very well-liked. Be certain to get there early.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Three Waterfall Hike
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: ~5.5 miles (3+ hours – factor in time on the waterfalls)
* This hike is pretty amazing. All three of these waterfalls (Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls) are tremendous impressive waterfalls. And if you want to cool down, you’ll have the ability to wade in the waters beneath Hooker Falls & High Falls.
Stone Mountain
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: 2.eight miles (2-2.5 hours)
* Stone Mountain is the best level within the space and has some impressive views (especially if the leaves are down). And it’s not as in style as some of the waterfall trails in the area.
High FallsWhitewater Falls
Travel Time: 1 hour minutes
Want to see to the tallest waterfall this aspect of the Rockies? Enter Whitewater Falls. Now this waterfall is cut up into 2 sections that are accessed very differently. The Upper section is in NC, and has a brief stroll to a viewing platform. The Lower part is definitely a hike, is much less busy, but is no less impressive.
Trails are canine pleasant with a 6ft leash.
Lower Whitewater Falls
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: ~4.6 miles
* Trailhead: Located on Bad Creed Rd (off of SC-130)
* The viewing platform for the lower falls is about throughout the valley from the waterfall. You’ll see most of it via a break in the timber. I nonetheless really enjoyed the hike and the view, however don’t count on to be shut.
Upper Whitewater Falls
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: ~0.6 miles (less than an hour
* Trailhead: Located off of NC 281
* Walk to the again of the parking zone and comply with the paved trail. You can see a glimpse of it if you attain the top of the trail. But for a more in-depth look, take the steps to your proper down to the viewing platform.
Read Next: Hiking the Whitewater Falls Trails [Upper & Lower Trail Guide]
Upper Whitewater FallsChimney Rock State Park
Travel Time: 1 hour quarter-hour
This small but super impressive state park is known for Chimney Rock – monolith that’s turn out to be an iconic site on this a half of North Carolina. As well as taking within the sites from Chimney Rock itself, there are a couple of hikes on this space.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Exclamation Point
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: lower than a mile (30 minutes)
* This short trail starts opposite the steps to Chimney Rock and continues up the mountainside. You’ll stop by the Opera Box, Devil’s Head, and finish at Exclamation Point with sweeping views of the Hickory Nut Gorge round you. If you need extra, proceed along the Skyline Trail.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: 1.5 miles (1 hour)
* If you want a straightforward, mostly flat trail, then this one is for you. Plus it’ll take you to the bottom of Hickory Nut Falls (a 404ft tall waterfall). A viewing platform is place proper at the base the place you’ll nearly fill the mist on your face.
Sumter National Forest – Andrew Pickens District
Travel Time: 1 hour quarter-hour
Sumter National Forest is damaged into three districts. The Andrew Pickens District is in the north west nook of the state in Oconee County. This stunning area has an abundance of mountains and waterfalls to discover.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Station Cove Falls
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: 1.75 miles (1 hour + factor in time on the waterfall)
* Trailhead: Small pull off.3 miles past the Oconee Station State Historic Site entrance.
* This is a principally flat and straightforward trail. Just a easy out and again to an attractive 60ft tiered waterfall. The parking area is type of small, however you could also park on the Oconee Station State Historic Site and take the nature trail over.
Station Cove Falls Trail Guide
Pisgah National Forest – Pisgah Ranger District
Travel Time: 1 hour minutes
Pisgah National Forest is a huge area in North Carolina and is actually split into three different areas. The Pisgah Ranger District is the closest region to Greenville. You’ll discover some straightforward hikes, loads of waterfalls, and great views here.
Trails are dog friendly with a 6ft leash.
Moore Cove Falls
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: 1.2 miles (1 hour + factor in time at the waterfall)
* Trailhead: Along 276 in Pisgah National Forest (between Looking Glass Falls & Sliding Rock)
* You can really walk behind (or even under) this 50ft waterfall. Since it’s a fairly simple hike, many individuals exit of their bathing fits.
Looking Glass Rock Trail
* Difficulty: Strenuous
* Length: ~6 miles
* Trailhead: Located on National Forest 475 Rd (off of US-276)
* I would say Looking Glass Rock is the enduring web site for this district. (Or Looking Glass Falls…) And climbing to the highest of it was the very first thing I wished to do when I saw it. And the views from it have been excellent. However, the slope of the granite is very steep on the prime. If you are afraid of heights, I would keep away.
Read Next: Hike to the Top of Looking Glass Rock [Trail Guide]
Gorges State Park
Travel Time: 1 hour half-hour
Hiking to Rainbow Falls was one of many first hikes we did in North Carolina once we moved to the Upstate. This isn’t the identical waterfall at Jones Gap either. (Rainbow Falls is a popular name for a waterfall.) But Rainbow Falls isn’t the only hike (or waterfall) right here. Be positive to verify the state park website for extra trails!
Trails are dog pleasant with a 6ft leash.
Rainbow Falls
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: three miles
* It’s a little bit of a hike right down to this waterfall (and subsequently back up), however this is one large waterfall. And I’ve heard that you can continue past Rainbow Falls to see a smaller Turtleback Falls.
Gorges State ParkWhiteside Mountain (below)
1.5 – 2 Hours Away From Greenville
Whiteside Mountain Trail
Travel Time: 1 hour forty minutes
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: ~2 miles
* Dog Friendly: Yes
* Trailhead: Outside of Highlands off of Highway 64
* This mountain (and its trail) near Highlands, NC is a loop trail that can take you as much as the top of Whiteside Mountain and along the highest of it for some fairly amazing views. I was actually blown away by them (even on a cloudy day). Be positive to stroll the whole loop to get the full expertise.
Read Next: Your Dog Friendly Weekend Guide to Highlands NC
Blue Ridge Parkway
Travel Time: 1 hour minutes
The Blue Ridge Parkway is fairly superb. We’ve pushed several totally different sections of it. But here I’m trying to spotlight my favourite trails that you can reach within 2 hours of Greenville. However when you have extra time in your hands, think about driving more (in both direction) for some pretty outstanding views.
Trails are canine friendly with a 6ft leash.
Devil’s Courthouse
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: rather less than a mile (30min – 1 hour)
* Trailhead: Park at the Devil’s Courthouse Overlook (MM 422ish)
* This trail is super quick, however will present you with some of the best views in the area. However it is a robust climb up to the viewing platform, so be prepared.
Black Balsam Knob
* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: 1.5 miles (1ish hour)
* Trailhead: Located on Black Balsam Road(off of the Blue Ridge Parkway)
* This is an easy out and again trail that can take you into the Shining Rock Wilderness and to the top of the Black Balsam Knob for some wonderful views of the surrounding region.
Read Next: Black Balsam Knob Hike [Trail Guide]
Glen Falls Trail
Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: ~2 miles
* Dog friendly: Yes
* Trailhead: Along Glenn Falls Road outdoors of Highlands, NC
* This trail, like the Whiteside one above, can be exterior of Highlands, NC. The trail switchbacks down the mountain, looping back in the course of the creek several occasions. And there are some pretty good views of the cascades on the way down. But know that it’s all downhill, and then all uphill.