Orange sunsets over blue mountains. Rolling hills covered in green trees, rocks and brown leaves. Lakes at the base of deep valleys, being filled up by tall waterfalls. There’s something otherworldly about the Appalachian Mountains. If you live in Greenville, you’re lucky enough to be within a few hours’ drive of some of its best trails. Here’s our list of the best hiking near Greenville SC.
See: Closest Beaches Near Greenville, SC
Table of Contents
- Easy hiking near Greenville SC
- Moderately Challenging hiking near Greenville SC
- Challenging hiking near Greenville SC
- Hikes of varying difficulty near Greenville SC
Easy Hiking Near Greenville SC
Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is perfect for those looking for a scenic hike but can’t handle serious elevation gain. It’s right off of the Graveyard Fields overlook, which is one of many beautiful stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s almost completely flat and either paved or part of a boardwalk.
The biggest challenge this trail offers is parking. Due to its accessibility, it tends to fill up quickly on weekends. Make sure you arrive early.
If you’re up for more hiking, leave the trail halfway through the loop and head up to the Upper Falls Trail.
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 144 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Drive from Greenville: 1 hr 52 minutes
Cost: Free
Max Patch
Max Patch is one of the highlights of the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a flat bald just like Black Balsam Knob, resulting in a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains upon reaching the top. Bring lunch and sit for a while, or hike along the trail for a bit longer.
*If you’re looking for a backpacking trail, the 22-mile stretch from Max Patch to Hot Springs is great.
Fun fact: the Tennessee/North Carolina border goes right through Max Patch’s parking lot. You’ll be able to say you hiked through two states!
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 308 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Drive from Greenville: 2 hr 20 minutes
Cost: Free
Yellow Branch Falls
The Yellow Branch Falls Trail is a beautiful hike through the woods to a 50 ft waterfall. It’s located in the Sumter National Forest near Walhalla, SC and is perfect for families looking for a day out.
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 475 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Drive from Greenville: 1 hr 14 minutes
Cost: Free
Moderately Challenging Hiking Near Greenville SC
Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob consists of my favorite hiking near Greenville SC. Being a bald, the peak contains 360° views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s a part of the 33-mile Art Loeb Trail, so there is plenty of hiking to do afterwards if you’re interested. I recommend checking out Sam Knob.
Arrive early, as it’s very popular but has few places to park.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 354 ft
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Drive from Greenville: 1 hr 52 minutes
Cost: Free
Looking Glass Rock
In the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock makes for some great hiking near Greenville SC. Getting there is an easy drive up to Brevard and through the Pisgah Highway, which also features Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, John Rock and more. Just watch out for bikers.
The hike is fairly tough and ends with a spectacular view of the forest (and nearby John Rock).
Don’t skip out on Brevard once you’re done either. The Pisgah Tavern is right at the entrance of the highway and Main Street is great for walking. I recommend D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors and Highland Books.
See: Independent Greenville Bookstores
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,676 ft
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Drive from Greenville: 1 hr 25 minutes
Cost: Free
John Rock
John Rock may be on the opposite side of the mountain range, but it’s only a few minutes’ drive away from Looking Glass Rock. Just like its partner, it’s a moderately challenging hike, albeit slightly longer. I recommend it slightly more than Looking Glass Rock due to the variety in its ecosystem, a similar view from the top and plenty of parking spaces. In the first mile, you’ll pass both a river and a series of campsites.
Similar to Looking Glass, it summits on a section of rock jutting out from the mountain.
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,066 ft
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Drive from Greenville: 1 hr 28 minutes
Cost: Free
Challenging Hiking Near Greenville SC
Mt. Leconte via Alum Cave Trail
Mt. Leconte is perhaps most famous for the Leconte Lodge & cabins at its peak, which are only accessible by foot and feature bunk beds, hot meals and an incredible view. However, reservations fill up quickly. If you can’t book your spot in time, the hike itself is still worth doing.
Distance: 11 miles (5.5 miles out and back)
Elevation Gain: 3,061 ft
Difficulty: Very challenging
Drive from Greenville: 2 hrs 56 minutes
Cost: $5 a day. Read more about parking passes here.
Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park
If you’re up for a steep climb, the view and waterfall at the top of this hike are spectacular. Jones Gap also features plenty of campsites if you prefer to stay overnight.
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,181 ft
Difficulty: Very challenging
Drive from Greenville: 56 minutes
Cost: $6 for adults, $3.75 for SC seniors (age 65 & older), $3.50 for children ages 6-15, free for ages 5 and under.
Table Rock
Table Rock is one of the signature hikes of South Carolina. It consists of a strenuous climb up over 2,000 ft of elevation through the scenic woods of Table Rock State Park. You’ll pass streams, waterfalls, wildlife and more. The view at the top is well-earned.
If you’re interested in something harder, check out nearby Pinnacle Mountain Trail. It begins at the same place, but goes to the top of a nearby, slightly taller mountain.
If you’re capable, both trails are essential South Carolina experiences.
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,316 ft
Difficulty: Very challenging
Drive from Greenville: 42 minutes
Cost: $6 for adults; $3.75 for SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 for children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under are free.
Hikes of Varying Difficulty Near Greenville SC
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is the perfect place for hiking near Greenville SC if you’re looking to spend a day outdoors with your family. There are trails for hikers of all ages and styles, as well as great accessibility options for non-hikers.
If you’re a completionist, park on the lower lot and take the Four Seasons Trail to the bottom of Hickory Nut Falls in a moderately challenging, 0.7-mile trek. From there, you can take the Outcroppings Trail (or elevator) to Chimney Rock itself, a gargantuan rock jutting upwards from the side of the mountain. The walk is nicknamed the “Ultimate Stairmaster”, due to being 494 steps from the bottom to the top. On the way, see the Grotto, Subway and Pulpit Rock, which are all great places to view Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the lower valley.
The shortest and most strenuous hike in the park begins there and leads to Exclamation Point. Finish up with a 2-mile round trip to the top of Hickory Nut Falls.
Parts of “The Last of the Mohicans” were filmed in Chimney Rock as well, so Michael Mann fans should watch out for recognizable spots.
Distance: Varies
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Varies
Drive from Greenville: 1 hr 13 minutes
Cost: $17 for adults, $8 for children 5-15 and free for ages 4 and under.
