by: Cullen Mann (@cullen_mann), a traveling Greenville native with a passion for the outdoors.
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Have you considered exploring off-the-beaten-path locations for your next adventure outdoors?
We are blessed with gorgeous SC State Parks just a short drive from Greenville, but I often find myself seeking alternative hiking spots as Fall leaf-seeking crowds descend.
With mixed emotions, this longtime local shares my favorite hidden gems you may enjoy as well:
Ashemore Heritage Preserve – The trail network is conveniently located less than a mile off HWY 11 and truly offers something for everyone. From the marked Persimmon Ridge parking area, Lake Wattacoo is a 20-minute walk for easy adventures and a picnic (1.46 miles round trip and recently maintained). For more serious adventurers, the four-mile Mountain Bridge Passage trail meanders uphill with several creek crossings to connect you to the Pinnacle Pass Trail – a spur to both Caesars Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park. Pro tip: Create a loop or shuttle with friends by connecting the various parks. Difficulty: Easy to Hard. (35 min from Greenville)
Chestnut Heritage Preserve – Oak Grove Rd, Landrum, SC 29356 – This rolling out-and-back trail rewards at the end with the South Pacolet River. After the first 2.8 miles, the river is a perfect lunch spot and place for your canine companion to cool off before the hike back up and over Squirrel Mountain. Pro tip: Reward yourself afterward with a Restaurant 17 cocktail and views on their patio. Difficulty: Moderate. Cocktail add-on: Easy. (40 min from Greenville)
Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve - Horsepasture Rd, Sunset, SC 29685 – Park at the main Laurel Valley Access lot and walk a half mile up the gravel road to the gated trailhead on your left. From there, it’s just another 1.7 miles to the Narrows Falls and an afternoon hammock by the river. Three campsites were recently added at the end of the trail just steps from the rainbow trout occupied stream. Plan for the hike back uphill to take twice as long as the decent. Pro tip: Watch the sunset at Sassafras Mountain Overlook on your way home, just a ten-minute detour. (1 hour from Greenville)
Pleasant Ridge Park – 4232 Hwy 11, Marietta, SC 29661 – Mountain bikers rejoice! This Greenville County Park offers 7+ miles of flowing singletrack available for daytime biking seven days a week (unlike Paris Mountain State Park, which closes to bikers on Saturdays) and night riding on Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to the groomed trails, Pleasant Ridge offers significant infrastructure for picnics and gatherings with no admission fee. Pro tip: Refuel afterward at Sidewall Pizza in Travelers Rest. (30 min from Greenville)
For a comprehensive map that covers all these locations and many more, pick up the “Blue Wall” map by Pisgah Map Co from your favorite local outfitter.
