Residents of Greenville and surrounding cities are lucky to be so close to some of the best hiking trails east of The Mississippi. Sitting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Upstate is surrounded by lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains that are ready to be explored. So, whether you have never hiked a day in your life or you’re a serious Thru-Hiker, there is something for everyone in the Upstate!
The Best Hiking Trails Near Upstate SC
Ashmore Heritage Preserve
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“No explanation is necessary; nature’s beauty under your feet and through your eyes.” – Diane Maxwell
Ashmore Heritage Preserve is less well known than some of the other hiking spots on this list, but it is no less beautiful. The preserve trails will take you by a river, lake, and waterfall! The trails are rated moderate to hard, so be prepared for a little workout. If you hike up to Chandler Rock you will be rewarded with a nice view of the surrounding area.
Caesars Head State Park
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One of the most popular sighting seeing spots in South Carolina, Caesars Head is named after the granitic gneiss outcropping atop the dramatic Blue Ridge Escarpment. You will often find people hawk-watching in the park. Raven Cliff Falls is a must-see; the 420-foot waterfall is best viewed from the suspension bridge.
Richard Cox III recommends Caesars Head State Park.
Lake Conestee Nature Park
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Greenville residents don’t have to travel very far to immerse themselves in the wild.
“Everyone thinks about getting to a high place when hiking, but Conestee Park is entirely different; It’s a lowland. I challenge anyone to find a more accessible marsh area for a wide range of hiking ability then the 400+ acres around Lake Conestee. If you park behind the baseball facilities and walk across the Reedy River, an entirely different side of nature is immediately accessible. We’ve never failed to see a variety of turtles, and we’ve often seen snakes, herons, geese, ducks, and many other birds. Occasionally, you might see a muskrat or a beaver. You’ll see the river, a lake, and even a waterfall. I recommend going from late fall to early spring.” – Matt Carter
Jones Gap State Park
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“Just 30 minutes from downtown Greenville, Jones Gap offers hiking for any level.” – Eric Mitchell
Jones Gap State Park has a lot of great trails for more serious hikers. Many of the hiking trails intertwine and connect enabling you to hike for as long as you’d like. The park has 18 wilderness campsites.
Kristy Tarallo recommends Rainbow Falls trail (4.3 miles), which is one of the most popular sights in Jones Gap.
There is a fish hatchery exhibit on the premise, perfect for field trips. You are also allowed to trout fish in designated areas along the river.
Paris Mountain State Park
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Paris Mountain is a monadnock, a mountain that rises up out of otherwise flat land. There are 4 lakes on the property and a swimming area that is open during the summer months.
Paris Mountain State Park is a very popular hiking spot in the Upstate. Jennifer Davis says a lot of her clients love hiking the trails there. Jenny Weathers also recommends the view at Paris Mountain.
The Park’s history is tied to Greenville, you can learn about how the mountain used to provide water to the city in the Park Center.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
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Running through the heart of Downtown Greenville along the Reedy River, The Swamp Rabbit Trail is popular among Greenville natives. The paved trail was originally opened back in 2009; it has grown over the years to be 22 miles long. There are plans to further expand the trail in the near future.
Roger D. Johnson recommends the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Table Rock State Park
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Hike to the Top of Table Rock for an amazing view of the surrounding area. The 3000-acre park holds two lakes, over 90 campsites, and even a wedding venue!
A few of our Agents recommended Table Rock State Park as being the best Hiking spot in the Greenville Area.
“Table Rock 100%, offers plenty of options in trails from beginner to those wanting to be challenged.” – Cindy Marchbanks
“Table Rock the whole way!” – Laura Mesa
Twin Falls
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Twin Falls aka Reedy Cove Falls, aka Rock Falls, aka Eastatoe Falls (Yes, they really go by all of those names.) is a hidden gem in Pickens!
“Twin Falls in Pickens is a very short hike to the lookout but the view is gorgeous.” – Kelsey Day
You need to go see these dual falls because they are beautiful. The very short, 0.25-mile trail is just icing on the cake for non-hikers.
How many of these Upstate Hiking Trails have you been to?
Were there any must-see hiking spots that we missed?
Let us know in the comments below!
