The Upstate South Carolina is abound with natural resources. The many state parks and wilderness areas give plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy the outdoors: hiking, camping, boating, rafting, and fishing are some of the activities you can enjoy with your family.
Previously, we’ve listed great places to hike in the Upstate, you may want to check this list if you love trekking. This summer, while most people are cooling down at the beach or heading at the nearest Upstate waterpark, you may want to try a different activity to pass the weekend. Why not try mountain biking? Give yourself a workout on two wheels!
If you want an alternative for road-side cycling, the Upstate offers great spots for bikers who like off-road riding. Here’s a list to get you started.
Greenville, SC – Paris Mountain State Park
It’s a great system. It has 11 miles of trail with 1065 feet in elevation gain. You will find some technical sections along the trail. There are trail maps and signs at every intersection.
Greenville, SC – Swamp Rabbit Trail
Swamp Rabbit Trail is a multi-use greenway system (walking, jogging and bicycling). It is nearly 14 miles between Greenville and Travelers Rest. It is not a dirt trail but still a great ride for everyone.
Clemson, SC – Issaqueena Lake
Issaquenna Lake is 40 miles round trip ride with 6,700 feet in elevation gain and not very technical, the main trail is flat. It is a great place to visit for a quick fast ride.
Travelers Rest, SC – Gateway Mountain Bike Park
This is a skills park that includes a mix-up of technical features throughout. The trail include lots of gnarly rock gardens, roll downs (drops), skinnies, wood bridges, some wood structures dropping off into some rollers. It is a great training ground for all mountain biking enthusiasts.
Greenwood, SC – Long Cane Horse Trail
It has 26 miles of singletrack trail that is open to horses and bikes. Start from the northern end where you are parking, that is for bike use, the northern end is for horse trailers parking lot. The trail has great flow, not a lot of technicalities, but does have more climbing than other trails in the area.
Marietta, SC – Jorge F. Arango Trail
The 5 miles loop trail has about 2,600 feet in elevation change and offers decent climbs and descents with minimal technical maneuvering. It is a great trail for 2-3 hours fun ride.
Spartanburg, SC – Croft Passage
The trail is 20 miles long, single track, and gradually ascends from 2000 feet to 2400 feet. It is a network of trails that consists of hills, jumps, logs, and single track. Each trail offers different level of difficulties.
Anderson, SC – Sadlers’s Creek
This is a great trail for beginners. It is 7.25 miles singletrack with plenty of twist and turns. It also has great views and well maintained. It flows well and very well-marked.
Greenville, SC – Lake Conestee Nature Park
It has 6 miles network of trails at the southern end of Swamp Rabbit Trail. It is a great place to visit for a quick ride after work because of its proximity to downtown Greenville. It is flat and has paved section.
READ MORE:
7 GREAT SPOTS TO HIKE IN THE UPSTATE
