Hiking
There is so much to see and do in Greenville. Please enjoy this hiking guide to help you find the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors in the upstate.
2401 State Park Rd., Greenville, S.C.
6 miles from Downtown Greenville
Route: Lake Placid Loop
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: .75 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want lake views and (mostly) flat ground. You may see wildlife like birds or turtles as you circle the lake, cross a boardwalk foot bridge + pass the swimming area.
Route: Sulphur Springs Trail
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Length: 3.6 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes, if your dog is in good shape
Hike this trail if you want to see an old water tower and dam (and hike a pretty steep hill for about .25 miles). It’s easy to get lost on this trail since it has an upper and lower section so download a map of the park to your phone before you go.
Route: Brissy Ridge Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate-Strenuous
Length: 2.4 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes, unless your dog is afraid of bicycles
Hike this trail if you want to explore a steep route along some of the Upstate’s hills. There is a hiker’s only portion (which is much steeper than the rest of the trail) and there are lots of tree roots on the ground so watch your footing. Be on the lookout for mountain bikers on the other sections of the trail. (Remember, hikers yield to bikers on the downhill.)
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Il-Park ta 'Paris Mountain
2401 State Park Road2401 State Park Rd., Greenville, S.C.
6 miles from Downtown Greenville
Route: Lake Placid Loop
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: .75 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want lake views and (mostly) flat ground. You may see wildlife like birds or turtles as you circle the lake, cross a boardwalk foot bridge + pass the swimming area.
Route: Sulphur Springs Trail
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Length: 3.6 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes, if your dog is in good shape
Hike this trail if you want to see an old water tower and dam (and hike a pretty steep hill for about .25 miles). It’s easy to get lost on this trail since it has an upper and lower section so download a map of the park to your phone before you go.
Route: Brissy Ridge Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate-Strenuous
Length: 2.4 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes, unless your dog is afraid of bicycles
Hike this trail if you want to explore a steep route along some of the Upstate’s hills. There is a hiker’s only portion (which is much steeper than the rest of the trail) and there are lots of tree roots on the ground so watch your footing. Be on the lookout for mountain bikers on the other sections of the trail. (Remember, hikers yield to bikers on the downhill.)
201 Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn, S.C.
20 miles from Downtown Greenville
Route: The Natural Trail
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for a family friendly trip with views of the Reedy River. This route extends from the tree line above the playground to the Reedy River near the shoals + features three connector trails. Within the park, the Reedy River widens to over 200 ft. in a cascade over rocks and boulders.
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Park ta 'Cedar Falls'
201 Cedar Falls Rd 201 Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn, S.C.
20 miles from Downtown Greenville
Route: The Natural Trail
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for a family friendly trip with views of the Reedy River. This route extends from the tree line above the playground to the Reedy River near the shoals + features three connector trails. Within the park, the Reedy River widens to over 200 ft. in a cascade over rocks and boulders.
158 Ellison Lane, Easley
Route: Lakeside Trail
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: 1.9 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want a leisurely walk with some historic elements (and great views of Table Rock). It’s considered to be a good alternative route for families looking to avoid steeper mountain trails. Added perk, you don’t need to worry about completing a hiking registration card for this route.
Route: Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Difficulty level: Very strenuous
Length: 4.2 miles one way
Dog-friendly: Yes (dogs are allowed but it may be difficult for them to climb up some of the large rocks)
Hike this trail if you want a serious challenge with uninterrupted mountain views from the tallest mountain in S.C. On this route you’ll encounter creek crossings with small footbridges + steep mountain slopes. On your way back, you can return the way you came or (for a less strenuous option) you can follow the Ridge Trail to the Table Rock Trail.
Route: Carrick Creek Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 2 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want to see lots of waterfalls and can handle some steep elevation changes. Be sure to check out the observation deck less than 100 yards up the trail at Carrick Creek Falls. There are three other trails in the park, including Table Rock Trail which summits Table Rock Mountain. See those here.
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Table Rock State Park
158 East Ellison Lane158 Ellison Lane, Easley
Route: Lakeside Trail
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: 1.9 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want a leisurely walk with some historic elements (and great views of Table Rock). It’s considered to be a good alternative route for families looking to avoid steeper mountain trails. Added perk, you don’t need to worry about completing a hiking registration card for this route.
Route: Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Difficulty level: Very strenuous
Length: 4.2 miles one way
Dog-friendly: Yes (dogs are allowed but it may be difficult for them to climb up some of the large rocks)
Hike this trail if you want a serious challenge with uninterrupted mountain views from the tallest mountain in S.C. On this route you’ll encounter creek crossings with small footbridges + steep mountain slopes. On your way back, you can return the way you came or (for a less strenuous option) you can follow the Ridge Trail to the Table Rock Trail.
Route: Carrick Creek Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 2 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want to see lots of waterfalls and can handle some steep elevation changes. Be sure to check out the observation deck less than 100 yards up the trail at Carrick Creek Falls. There are three other trails in the park, including Table Rock Trail which summits Table Rock Mountain. See those here.
108 Residence Dr., Sunset, S.C.- 32 Miles from Downtown Greenville
Route: Natural Bridge Nature Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate-strenuous
Length: 1.3 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want views of Lake Keowee, mountain laurel, and natural blueberry bushes. Natural Bridge Nature Trail is aptly named for the natural bridge that allows you to cross Poe Creek.
Route: Raven Rock
Difficulty level: Moderate-strenuous
Length: 4.4 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want a longer outing on land that Cherokee Indians once traversed. This trail starts at the Meeting House + is well-marked. Wildlife in this park includes white tail deer, chipmunks, and salamanders.
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Keowee Toxaway State Park
108 Residence Dr108 Residence Dr., Sunset, S.C.- 32 Miles from Downtown Greenville
Route: Natural Bridge Nature Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate-strenuous
Length: 1.3 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want views of Lake Keowee, mountain laurel, and natural blueberry bushes. Natural Bridge Nature Trail is aptly named for the natural bridge that allows you to cross Poe Creek.
Route: Raven Rock
Difficulty level: Moderate-strenuous
Length: 4.4 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want a longer outing on land that Cherokee Indians once traversed. This trail starts at the Meeting House + is well-marked. Wildlife in this park includes white tail deer, chipmunks, and salamanders.
8155 Greer Hwy., Cleveland, S.C. | 32.4 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Natureland Trail, The Dismal Trail + Gum Gap
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Length: 8.8 miles
Dog-friendly: No
Hike this combination of trails if you want an all day hike with steep ledges, great views, and a suspension bridge. If you want the waterfall view without the distance and difficulty, hike up Raven Cliff Falls Trail to the overlook.
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Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center
8155 Geer Hwy 8155 Greer Hwy., Cleveland, S.C. | 32.4 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Natureland Trail, The Dismal Trail + Gum Gap
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Length: 8.8 miles
Dog-friendly: No
Hike this combination of trails if you want an all day hike with steep ledges, great views, and a suspension bridge. If you want the waterfall view without the distance and difficulty, hike up Raven Cliff Falls Trail to the overlook.
Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd., Marietta, S.C. | 39 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Rainbow Falls Trail
Difficulty level: Strenuous (but also the most popular in the park)
Length: 2.2 miles one-way
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for waterfall views or bird watching. Other great waterfalls to see in Jones Gap State Park include: Falls Creek Falls, Jones Gap Falls, and Silver Steps Falls. Jones Gap State Park has limited parking, so get there early. There is also little-to-no cell phone coverage.
Route: Hospital Rock Trail (part of the Falls Creek Falls Loop)
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Length: 4.4 miles one-way
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for a serious challenge – it’s identified as one of the “most rugged and difficult trails in the state.” Legend says Confederate deserters hid out under Hospital Rock during the Civil War.
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Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap RdJones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd., Marietta, S.C. | 39 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Rainbow Falls Trail
Difficulty level: Strenuous (but also the most popular in the park)
Length: 2.2 miles one-way
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for waterfall views or bird watching. Other great waterfalls to see in Jones Gap State Park include: Falls Creek Falls, Jones Gap Falls, and Silver Steps Falls. Jones Gap State Park has limited parking, so get there early. There is also little-to-no cell phone coverage.
Route: Hospital Rock Trail (part of the Falls Creek Falls Loop)
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Length: 4.4 miles one-way
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for a serious challenge – it’s identified as one of the “most rugged and difficult trails in the state.” Legend says Confederate deserters hid out under Hospital Rock during the Civil War.
Pisgah National Forest, 1600 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, N.C. | 39 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Appalachian District: Max Patch Mountain Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 1.5 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for 360-degree vistas of Mount Mitchell + the Great Smoky Mountains. Max Patch runs next to the Tennessee state line and is a great option for picnics. It’s listed as one of the most popular Appalachian Trail hikes in N.C.
Route: Appalachian District: Linville Falls
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 2.2 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want epic views of Linville Gorge’s enormous waterfalls. This route gives hikers access to three waterfall overlooks and at the end, you’ll find southbound views of the gorge itself. We recommend trying this hike during the summertime – if you head there in the morning, you may catch fog lifting from the valley + the sun rising on the opposite ridge.
Route: Pisgah District: Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: 1.4 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want to experience Black Balsam Knob, the 23rd highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 ft. (an elevation of 6,214 ft.). This hike is incredibly unique since you are hiking among the balds rather than a steep incline. Pro-Tip: The best time for this hike + camp is late April-October. This part of the Parkway is closed during winter.
Route: Pisgah District: John Rock
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 5.7 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for a “ranger favorite.” The trail is forested with waterfalls + great views year-round. Hiking with youngins? There’s a small paved trail behind the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. You can also plan a visit to the Fish Hatchery.
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Pisgah Forest
Pisgah National Forest, 1600 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, N.C. | 39 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Appalachian District: Max Patch Mountain Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 1.5 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for 360-degree vistas of Mount Mitchell + the Great Smoky Mountains. Max Patch runs next to the Tennessee state line and is a great option for picnics. It’s listed as one of the most popular Appalachian Trail hikes in N.C.
Route: Appalachian District: Linville Falls
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 2.2 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want epic views of Linville Gorge’s enormous waterfalls. This route gives hikers access to three waterfall overlooks and at the end, you’ll find southbound views of the gorge itself. We recommend trying this hike during the summertime – if you head there in the morning, you may catch fog lifting from the valley + the sun rising on the opposite ridge.
Route: Pisgah District: Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail
Difficulty level: Easy
Length: 1.4 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want to experience Black Balsam Knob, the 23rd highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 ft. (an elevation of 6,214 ft.). This hike is incredibly unique since you are hiking among the balds rather than a steep incline. Pro-Tip: The best time for this hike + camp is late April-October. This part of the Parkway is closed during winter.
Route: Pisgah District: John Rock
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 5.7 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re looking for a “ranger favorite.” The trail is forested with waterfalls + great views year-round. Hiking with youngins? There’s a small paved trail behind the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. You can also plan a visit to the Fish Hatchery.
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir., Salem, S.C. | 40 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Oconee Bell Nature Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate-strenuous
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want to spend the day relaxing by a pond. This hike starts in the parking lot near the Ranger Station and is well-marked (making it a great option for first time hikers). The path leads you through a hardwood forest and along a creek. DYK Devils Fork State Park gets its name from a rare wild flower?
Devils Fork Camp Site
498 Turkey Ridge RdDevils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir., Salem, S.C. | 40 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Oconee Bell Nature Trail
Difficulty level: Moderate-strenuous
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you want to spend the day relaxing by a pond. This hike starts in the parking lot near the Ranger Station and is well-marked (making it a great option for first time hikers). The path leads you through a hardwood forest and along a creek. DYK Devils Fork State Park gets its name from a rare wild flower?
DuPont State Forest, 1300 Staton Rd., Cedar Mountain, N.C. | 43 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Stone Mountain
Difficulty level: Difficult
Length: 2.65 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re interested in the views from 3,620 ft. (the tallest summit in the park). A shorter route is available off Sky Valley Rd., but note – this path does not avoid the steepest sections of the hike. Fun fact: Scenes from The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans were filmed in this state forest.
Route: Bridal Veil Falls
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 4.6 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re a photographer looking to snag some long-exposure waterfall shots. Bridal Veil Falls drops in two series – the first being a freefall and the second being “veil-like sheet” falls across a rock outcrop. An overhanging ledge allows you to walk along the backside of the waterfall.
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DuPont State Recreational Forest Visitor Center
89 Buck Forest RdDuPont State Forest, 1300 Staton Rd., Cedar Mountain, N.C. | 43 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Stone Mountain
Difficulty level: Difficult
Length: 2.65 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re interested in the views from 3,620 ft. (the tallest summit in the park). A shorter route is available off Sky Valley Rd., but note – this path does not avoid the steepest sections of the hike. Fun fact: Scenes from The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans were filmed in this state forest.
Route: Bridal Veil Falls
Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 4.6 miles
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hike this trail if you’re a photographer looking to snag some long-exposure waterfall shots. Bridal Veil Falls drops in two series – the first being a freefall and the second being “veil-like sheet” falls across a rock outcrop. An overhanging ledge allows you to walk along the backside of the waterfall.