
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Greenville, South Carolina, United States
1. Paris Mountain State Park
A scenic trail with varied terrain, featuring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and three pristine lakes.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Lake Access: Features three picturesque lakes for fishing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the view.
- Diverse Terrain: Caters to hikers of all levels with its mix of easy and challenging trails.
2. Table Rock State Park
A family-friendly trail offering stunning panoramic views from the top of Table Rock.
- Family-Friendly: Well-marked trails and easy access make it suitable for kids.
- Panoramic Views: Features breathtaking views of the upstate region from Table Rock summit.
- Nature Observation: Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for birdwatchers.
3. Jones Gap State Park
A pristine wilderness area with waterfalls, old-growth forests, and diverse wildlife.
- Waterfall Hikes: Home to several breathtaking waterfalls, such as Raven Cliff Falls.
- Old-Growth Forests: Protects some of the last remaining old-growth forests in South Carolina.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides ample opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including bears and bobcats.
4. Gorges State Park
A beautiful park featuring the dramatic Reedy River Gorge with numerous hiking trails.
- Scenic River Gorge: Offers breathtaking views of the deep and narrow Reedy River Gorge.
- Waterfall Hikes: Includes trails leading to beautiful waterfalls, such as Twin Falls.
- Rock Climbing: Provides opportunities for rock climbing along the Reedy River Gorge walls.
5. Fork Shoals Falls Preserve
A peaceful preserve with a stunning waterfall and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Peaceful Environment: Features a serene, undisturbed environment perfect for relaxation.
- Waterfall Hike: Includes an easy trail leading to the beautiful Fork Shoals Falls.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 160 species recorded.
6. Caesars Head State Park
A popular destination offering a challenging hike to the iconic Caesars Head Overlook.
- Iconic Views: Features the famous Caesars Head Overlook with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Challenging Hike: Includes a strenuous hike to the overlook, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Geology Study: Provides opportunities to study the unique geological features of Caesars Head.
7. Keowee-Toxaway State Park
A scenic park offering a variety of trails and lake access.
- Lake Access: Offers beautiful views and access to the Keowee Reservoir.
- Scenic Vistas: Features stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and lake.
- Trail Variety: Provides a mix of easy and challenging trails for hikers of all levels.
8. DuPont State Forest
A vast forest with multiple waterfalls, scenic vistas, and horseback riding trails.
- Waterfall Hikes: Includes several beautiful waterfalls, such as High Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Horseback Riding Trails: Provides opportunities for horseback riding on designated trails.
9. Sheraton Forest Trail
A peaceful trail through a lush forest with diverse wildlife and beautiful wildflowers.
- Peaceful Environment: Features a serene, undisturbed environment perfect for relaxation.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides excellent opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including deer and bears.
- Wildflower Viewing: Offers stunning displays of wildflowers during the spring months.
10. Glassy Mountain State Forest
A forested area offering scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for horseback riding.
- Scenic Vistas: Features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, and turkeys.
- Horseback Riding Trails: Offers numerous trails suitable for horseback riding.
11. North Saluda Trail
A challenging trail offering scenic vistas and the opportunity to hike the Foothills Trail.
- Scenic Vistas: Features breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
- Challenging Hike: Includes a strenuous hike suitable for experienced hikers.
- Foothills Trail Access: Allows access to the Foothills Trail, a long-distance hiking trail in South Carolina.
12. Sarah Carlson Natural Area
A peaceful natural area with a variety of trails, wetlands, and wildlife observation opportunities.
- Peaceful Environment: Features a serene, undisturbed environment perfect for relaxation.
- Wetland Exploration: Provides opportunities to explore various wetland habitats.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers excellent opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and amphibians.
13. Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
A protected area with diverse habitats, wildlife observation opportunities, and several hiking trails.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides excellent opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, deer, and bobcats.
- Habitat Diversity: Features diverse habitats such as forests, marshes, and grasslands.
- Trail Variety: Offers several hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels.
14. Oconee Station State Historic Site
A historic site featuring a trail along the Oconee River with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
- Historic Interest: Offers insights into the history of the South Carolina Canal & Railroad Company.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities to spot a variety of bird species along the river.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers chances to observe various wildlife, including deer and river otters.
15. Reedy River Trail
A scenic trail running along the Reedy River through downtown Greenville, with numerous parks and attractions.
- Urban Setting: Passes through downtown Greenville, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
- Scenic River Views: Provides beautiful views of the Reedy River throughout the trail.
- Park Access: Connects to several parks, including Falls Park and Swamp Rabbit Trail.