Guide to Outdoor Activities in the Greater Greenville Area
Greenville’s outdoor activities are as rich and varied as its landscapes. Plan a waterfall hike in Raven Cliff Falls. Go camping in Paris State Park. Or try strolling along the urban trail of Swamp Rabbit Trail. There is a plethora of outdoor activities in and around Greenville for everyone who loves the outdoors. Check out this list of great outdoor places for you to visit:
Hiking & Camping |
Carrick Creek Trail
This is a great getaway for all. The 2 miles round trip hike highlights fun stream crossings, wonderful views of nature and wildlife, and small waterfalls. You can hike at Carrick Creek all year round, and it only takes a little over an hour to finish.
Lake Placid
This is a great getaway for all. The 2 miles round trip hike highlights fun stream crossings, wonderful views of nature and wildlife, and small waterfalls. You can hike at Carrick Creek all year round, and it only takes a little over an hour to finish.
Raven Cliff Falls
One of the most popular trails at Caesars Head is the Raven Cliff Falls trail. It is accessible year-round. There are two hikes, one to the overlook where most pictures of the waterfall are taken, and one to the suspension bridge over the top of the falls. Great easy to moderate hike. Enjoy the scenic view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in SC.
Raven Rock
Just over 30 miles outside of Greenville, this hike offers lake views, large rock formations, and a beautiful creek. Raven Rock is a great trail, not easy or difficult, you will see beautiful streams, views of lake and mountains along the way. The trail is about 4 miles round trip and can be completed in 2.5 hours.
Glassy Mountain
Glassy Mountain loop will entertain those looking for a short and easy trail with a great view. This is a great trail for all ages. It’s a short hike and can be completed in one hour and rated as easy. You get excellent views of Table Rock and Caesar’s Head.
Falls Creek Falls
This is a bit challenging trail, the hike is quite the workout because it’s a steep climb for about half a mile but the hike is worth the effort because you will be rewarded with the marvelous waterfalls. The hike time takes about 1.5 hours.
Table Rock Trail
This is a great 6.5 miles round trip hike that would reward you with stunning views at the top. The trail has some steep inclines that is quite challenging. Be sure to go during non-peak season if you want to avoid the crowd.
Biking Trails |
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Swamp Rabbit Trail is a multi-use greenway system (walking, jogging and bicycling). It is nearly 14 miles between Greenville and Travelers Rest. It is not a dirt trail but still a great ride for everyone.
Paris Mountain State Park
It’s a great system. It has 11 miles of trail with 1065 feet in elevation gain. You will find some technical sections along the trail. There are trail maps and signs at every intersection.
Issaqueena Lake
Located in Clemson, SC. Issaquenna Lake is 40 miles round trip ride with 6,700 feet in elevation gain and not very technical, the main trail is flat. It is a great place to visit for a quick fast ride.
Gateway Mountain Bike Park
This is a skills park that includes a mix-up of technical features throughout. The trail include lots of gnarly rock gardens, roll downs (drops), skinnies, wood bridges, some wood structures dropping off into some rollers. It is a great training ground in Travelers Rest for all biking enthusiasts.
Jorge F. Arango Trail
This trail system in Marietta is a 5-miles loop trail has about 2,600 feet in elevation change and offers decent climbs and descents with minimal technical maneuvering. It is a great trail for 2-3 hours fun ride.
Croft Passage
The trail located in Spartanburg is 20 miles long, single track, and gradually ascends from 2000 feet to 2400 feet. It is a network of trails that consists of hills, jumps, logs, and single track. Each trail offers different level of difficulties.
Sadlers’s Creek
This is a great trail for beginners located in Anderson, SC. It is 7.25 miles single-track with plenty of twist and turns. It also has great views and well maintained. It flows well and very well-marked.
Lake Conestee Nature Park
It has 6 miles network of trails at the southern end of Swamp Rabbit Trail. It is a great place to visit for a quick ride after work because of its proximity to downtown Greenville. It is flat and has paved section.
Swimming, Boating, & Fishing |
Lake Keowee
Lake Keowee is a man-made reservoir created to serve the needs of Duke power. It was also made for public recreational purposes such as boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming.
Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina and is one of the largest and most popular recreational lakes in the southeast. The lake is close to Greenville and can be reached in just under an hour making it a popular weekend destination for any kind of water recreations as well as camping and biking.
Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is located in the Northwest part of the state in Seneca, SC. This lake is a great destination for fishing and boating.
Saluda Lake
Saluda Lake is the largest lake near Greenville, SC. Public can access the two ramps and rent fishing boats and kayaks. Along with motorized boat access not far from the park, a half-mile trail provides lake access to fishing. Swimming is at your own risk.
Lake Greenwood
Lake Greenwood extends into three counties Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties. Lake Greenwood’s fresh water lake is fed by the Saluda and Reedy River. It is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, skiing, wakeboarding and other water sports.
Lake Robinson
Lake Robinson is a man-made 800-acre fishing lake located in Greer, SC. Lake Robinson is owned by Greer Commission of Public Works who also owns Lake Cunningham.
Lake Cunningham
Lake Cunningham is 376 acre lake. it is located north of Greer on State Highway 101. Facilities on the lake include boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic shelters. Greer Public Works regulates the lake with strict regulations including boating permit prior to launching a boat, no fishing around the dam area, and creel limits.
Lake Bowen
Lake Bowen is an Upstate lake encompassing 1,534 acres and 33 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Spartanburg County. Lake Bowen offers many recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, tubing and water skiing.
