The inside scoop on exploring the great outdoors in and around Greenville

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stroll along the urban stretch of the Reedy River, a hike along one of the area’s gorgeous mountain trails that strikes your fancy, or a bike ride over one of our many paths or trails, the Greenville area offers an endless range of options to enjoy what we like to call “the other skyline.”

Set on a historic rail bed that in places runs alongside the Reedy River, the 23-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of Greenville’s most popular and accessible recreation options. The paved path bisects Falls Park on the Reedy—Greenville’s downtown oasis of green space, waterfalls, flowers, and walkways—and winds through Cancer Survivors Park before reaching Cleveland Park, the city’s largest park and home of the 14-acre Greenville Zoo (open year-round). Recently, the 60-acre Unity Park, just west of downtown, joined the lineup of signature Greenville parks.

If you're looking for more of an active adventure, look no further than Treetop Quest Greenville. With over 60 outdoor obstacles and ziplines, this aerial adventure park will challenge you and your family both physically and mentally. If you want ropes courses and racing ziplines, plus the added relaxation of a working farm—complete with flowers, pumpkins, strawberries, produce, and quiet woods to stroll through—head on over to Barefoot Acres.

Paris Mountain State Park, just 10 minutes from downtown Greenville and one of three state parks in Greenville County, offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Four lakes, a swimming area (complete with kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats for rent), a playground, 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a campground offer something for everyone.

As you head north towards more state parks, be sure to stop at Marci Jo’s Olde Mountain Store, a quaint local getaway that marks the central point between Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks and offers fresh-baked refreshments and more. Then, take a quick stopover at Wildcat Wayside, which offers a short, easy trail hike that begins with a beautiful waterfall view.

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Jones Gap State Park in northern Greenville County is home to 60 miles of hiking trails, some of which are along the Middle Saluda River, the state’s first designated Scenic River. Anglers can land a mountain trout, and hikers can enjoy the beauty of early-season wildflowers or an explosion of fall color.

Its trails link to Caesars Head State Park, known for its breathtaking panoramic views, waterfalls, and as a prime viewing spot during “Hawk Watch,” the fall migration of thousands of hawks on their way to South America (mid-September through the end of November). And it's not just hawks! Other rapid-flying raptors you may see include Bald Eagles, Mississippi Kites, American Kestrels, Turkey Vultures, and Peregrine Falcons. The sky can fill with huge flocks of birds that can contain thousands at any one time, known as "kettles," and they travel approximately 70 miles each day towards their wintering grounds. Don't forget your binoculars!

Nearby Table Rock State Park has several hiking trails, the most popular of which leads to the 3,124-foot summit of Table Rock and its epic vistas.

Raven Cliff Falls, located in Caesars Head State Park, is the tallest in South Carolina with its 420-foot drop. The waterfall itself was named for the ravens that breed in the cliffs that help to form the falls and 150+ species of ravens have been spotted in the area. There are two hiking trails to view the falls: 1) Raven Cliff Falls Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that leads to the scenic overlook where you can view the waterfalls, and 2) Dismal Trail Loop, a 6.6-mile round-trip hike that brings you to Wilderness Bridge, a unique suspension bridge that crosses over the creek at the very top of Raven Cliff Falls. If you're up for one strenuous hike, you'll never get a better view than watching the falls plunge into the depths below.

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Raven Cliff Falls is part of the Whitewater Falls chain—six falls strung along the North and South Carolina border that serve as Eastern North America’s highest series of falls. Lower Whitewater Falls, which plunges 200 feet in the Jocassee Gorges area, is a mere two-mile hike from the Bad Creek Visitor Center/Hydroelectric Station (operated by Duke Energy). If you start in Jones Gap State Park, you’ll find Rainbow Falls after a robust 2.4-mile hike—a stunning cascade that’s well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Head west and you’ll find Devils Fork State Park, which provides public access to Lake Jocassee’s 75-mile pristine shoreline and more than a half dozen waterfalls. Scuba divers can explore the now-submerged Mount Carmel Baptist Church cemetery, featured in the movie Deliverance before the lake was made. Lake Jocassee is part of the Jocassee Gorges, among “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime” by National Geographic.

Covering 18,500 acres, Lake Keowee is a boater’s paradise with wide, winding channels and 71 small islands. Jumping Rock, a 30-foot boulder where boaters gather to float, swim, and watch the daring jump into the crystal-blue waters, and Waterfall Cove, where boats form a flotilla near a towering waterfall, are must-sees.

Lake Hartwell, one of the most-visited Corps of Engineers projects in the United States, boasts nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline. You’ll find boats of every kind, including fast-running bass boats when the Bassmaster Classic comes to town.

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Didn't have room for that bike or SUP in your suitcase? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Take a Spin

EASY BIKE RENTALS

If you want to take a spin around Greenville or along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville's got quick, easy, and convenient bike rental options! Be sure to check out Reedy Rides (Downtown Greenville), Pedego Electric Bikes (Hampton Station), Sunrift Adventures (Downtown Travelers Rest), Carolina Triathlon (The Commons), and Greenville BCycle (Downtown Greenville).

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Adventurous

If you’re looking for a little more adventure in your trip, you've got options that provide a higher dose of adrenaline for rent. Sunrift Adventures in Travelers Rest rents kayaks (basic, performance, tandem, and pedal-drive), canoes, SUPs, boat trailers, bikes (road, mountain [full suspension or hard-tail], and comfort cruiser), and climbing crash pads, while you’re on the way to the lakes, mountains, or trails.

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On the Water

EASY BOAT RENTALS & TOURS

Looking for something with a little more horsepower? Check out Jocassee Outdoor Center to rent pontoons, tritoons, ski boats, and water toys to utilize on Lake Jocassee or Lake Keowee. And, if you want to let somebody else steer, check out Jocassee Lake Tours for a navigation-free experience. (They also offer both single and tandem kayak rentals, should you choose to paddle your own oar!)