Planning on Hiking This Weekend?

Here is a list of great hiking spots in the Upstate. The Upstate offers a wide variety of hiking trails for all ages, you can always find something that meets your fancy from easy natures trails to rugged climbs with stunning views of the mountains.

 

Carrick Creek Trail

This is a great getaway for all. The 1.5 miles round trip hike highlights fun stream crossings, wonderful views of nature and wildlife, and small waterfalls. You can hike at Carrick Creek all year round, and it only takes a little over an hour to finish.

Directions: From Greenville head north on highway 276 to highway 11. Follow highway 11 until you see the park entrance. You can find the Carrick Creek Nature Center and the trailhead is behind it.

 

 

 

Lake Placid Trail

This trail is located at Paris Mountain State Park and is a perfect quick getaway because of its proximity to Greenville. The 1.2 mile hiking trail can be finished in 1 hour and all you need is a good pair of hiking boots.  You can find waterfalls, and bridges along the way. There are also other activities you can do in Lake Placid such as boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, biking and picnics.

Directions: To get there from downtown Greenville, drive north on US 276. At the intersection of SC 253, turn right and bear left at the next light to stay on SC 253. Drive 2.5 miles and turn left onto State Park Road (S-23-344). The park entrance is on the left. From the entrance, drive a short distance to the picnic shelter and parking area on the right.

 

 

Raven Cliff Falls Trail

One of the most popular trails at Caesars Head is the Raven Cliff Falls trail. It is accessible year-round. There are two hikes, one to the overlook where most pictures of the waterfall are taken, and one to the suspension bridge over the top of the falls. Great easy to moderate hike. Enjoy the scenic view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in SC.

Directions: To get there from Greenville, drive on US highway 276. Continue to the parking area for the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, which is 1 mile past the park visitor center.

 

 

Raven Rock

This is a great trail, not easy or difficult, you will see beautiful streams, views of lake and mountains along the way. The trail is about 4 miles round trip and can be completed in 2.5 hours.

Directions: To get there from Greenville, head on highway 276 to highway 11. Proceed west on highway 11 to first road on right after junction with highway 133. Turn right to reach the Park Office, hiking trails, lake access, camping area and cabin.

 

 

Glassy Mountain

This is a great trail for all ages. It’s  a short hike and can be completed in one hour and rated as easy. You get excellent views of Table Rock and Caesar’s Head.

Directions: To get there from Greenville, head west on highway 183 through Berea towards Pickens. Cross Highway 153 in Pickens County and proceed about five miles and look for South Glassy Mountain Road on the right. Turn here and proceed up the mountain until you come to the trailhead just past Glassy Mountain Church Rd. on the right.

 

 

Falls Creek Falls

This is a bit challenging trail, the hike is quite the workout because it’s a steep climb for about half a mile but the hike is worth the effort because you will be rewarded with the marvelous waterfalls. The hike time takes about 1.5 hours.

Directions: From Greenville, head to highway 276 past Highway 11 intersection and continue to River Falls Road. Head toward Jones Gap SP and turn right on Duckworth Road, continue to Falls Creek Road. Take a right proceed past the Bible camp and over a little bridge. The trailhead is on the left.

 

 

Table Rock Trail

This is a great   6.5 miles round trip hike that would reward you with stunning views at the top. The trail has some steep inclines that is quite challenging. Be sure to go during non-peak season if you want to avoid the crowd.

Directions: To get there from Greenville, drive north on highway 276 until it joins highway 11. Stay on highway 11 when it branches from US 276 and continue for approximately 7 miles. Enter the West gate of the park and follow the signs to the day use parking lot and nature center.

 

 

 

 READ MORE: Greenville’s Best: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Greenville

 

 

 

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