Falls Park on the Reedy Visitor Guide
Discover Downtown Greenville’s Most Photographed Landmark
When locals in Greenville say “meet me at the park,” they almost always mean Falls Park on the Reedy. This 32-acre urban oasis in the heart of downtown Greenville is where a powerful waterfall cascades through meticulously landscaped gardens, spanned by an architectural marvel unlike any other bridge in America. Falls Park isn’t just Greenville’s most popular attraction—it’s the symbol of the city’s remarkable transformation and the place where the community gathers to work, play, and celebrate life.
Once hidden beneath a highway bridge and surrounded by neglected industrial buildings, Falls Park now stands as one of the finest examples of urban renewal in the United States. The park opened in its current form in 2004, and since then, it has welcomed millions of visitors who come to experience the rare sight of a waterfall in the middle of a thriving downtown. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a regular looking to explore more, this guide will help you make the most of your Falls Park experience.
The Iconic Liberty Bridge
The centerpiece of Falls Park is the Liberty Bridge, a 345-foot curved suspension bridge that seems to float above the Reedy River Falls. Designed by Boston-based architect Miguel Rosales and completed in 2004, this $4.5 million structure is the only bridge of its kind in the United States. The bridge’s distinctive design features a curved deck with a radius of 214 feet, supported by a single suspension cable on one side only, providing completely unobstructed views of the waterfall below.
The bridge itself is an engineering marvel. At just 8 inches thick and 12 feet wide, the concrete reinforced deck is cantilevered toward the waterfall and inclines 12 feet from east to west. Three primary cable systems work with and against each other to support the bridge and maintain its dramatic curve. Despite appearing delicate, the bridge can safely hold approximately 1,300 people at one time, built to safety standards well beyond its actual physical capacity.
At night, soft blue lighting transforms the bridge’s appearance, making the concrete surface appear even more delicate and ethereal. The Liberty Bridge creates what Rosales described as an “amphitheater effect”—standing on the bridge, you’re surrounded by cables behind you while enjoying a completely open view of the cascading waterfall ahead. Named in honor of Liberty Corporation founder W. Frank Hipp and his family for their contributions to Greenville, the bridge has received numerous awards for architecture and urban excellence, including the prestigious Arthur G. Hayden medal for innovative design in 2005.
The Reedy River Falls & Natural Beauty
The falls themselves are what make this park truly special. The Reedy River drops dramatically through the park, creating a powerful display of cascading water that’s surprisingly impressive for a downtown location. The sound of rushing water, the cool mist on warm days, and the sight of sunlight sparkling on the falls create a sensory experience that helps visitors forget they’re in the middle of a city.
Below the falls and Liberty Bridge, shallow areas of the river invite visitors to wade and cool off during summer months. It’s common to see families, children, and even dogs playing in the water on warm days. The riverbanks feature rocky outcroppings and shady spots perfect for picnicking, reading, or simply watching the water flow by.
The park’s 20 acres of terraced gardens are maintained by a dedicated staff of seven gardeners who create stunning seasonal displays. Flagstone walkways wind through the sloped landscape, guiding visitors through carefully designed plant combinations featuring native shrubs, colorful flowers, ferns, and ornamental grasses. The landscaping demonstrates how to beautifully manage sloped terrain, with stone walls, rock features, and flowering beds creating interest at every turn.
Tucked throughout the gardens are comfortable benches offering rest stops with scenic views. Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy morning coffee, read a book, or have a quiet conversation, you’ll find peaceful nooks throughout the park. The open green spaces invite picnicking, casual games, and relaxation, while the shaded areas provide cool respites during hot South Carolina summers.
Historical Significance
Falls Park is considered the birthplace of Greenville. In 1768, Richard Pearis, Greenville’s first European settler, established a trading post at the falls. The site remained a hub of industry for over a century, with textile mills using the waterpower of the Reedy River. The remains of a grist mill built in 1776 are still visible in the park today, connecting visitors to this industrial heritage.
By the mid-20th century, the falls were nearly forgotten, hidden beneath the six-lane Camperdown Bridge and surrounded by deteriorating industrial buildings. In 1967, the Carolina Foothills Garden Club acquired 26 acres from Furman University and began the long process of reclaiming the area as parkland. The vision accelerated under Mayor Knox White’s leadership in the late 1990s, culminating in the controversial but ultimately celebrated decision to remove the Camperdown Bridge in 2002.
The transformation from neglected industrial site to stunning urban park required bold vision and significant investment. Landscape architect Andrea Mains led the design team from Arbor Land Design, creating the master plan that would become today’s Falls Park. When Mains first visited the site 38 years ago, she found it covered in kudzu with exposed sewer pipes crisscrossing the area—and most Greenville residents didn’t even know the falls existed.
Art & Architecture
As you enter the park from Main Street, you’ll be greeted by Bryan Hunt’s 16-foot bronze sculpture “Fall Lake Falls,” which sets the artistic tone for the entire park. This installation is just one example of how Falls Park seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature.
The Falls Park Center, near the Main Street entrance, provides visitor amenities including restrooms, information, and a restaurant. This structure, along with other park buildings, maintains the aesthetic harmony of the space while providing necessary services.
Throughout the park, you’ll notice thoughtful architectural details from the stone walls and terraced gardens to the elegant lighting and carefully placed seating areas. Every element was designed to enhance rather than compete with the natural beauty of the falls and river.
Year-Round Events & Activities
Falls Park serves as Greenville’s outdoor living room, hosting numerous events throughout the year that draw locals and visitors alike.
Upstate Shakespeare Festival runs from late May through July, presenting free professional performances of classic Shakespearean plays on the TD Amphitheater stage. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy world-class theater under the stars. Performances are approximately two hours long and showcase plays like Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Wine and beer are available for guests 21 and older with a $1 wristband. The festival has been a Greenville tradition for over 28 years.
Moonlight Movies offers free outdoor film screenings on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer months (typically May through September). Family-friendly classics play at dusk (around 8:00-8:30 PM) on a large screen in the park. Local food trucks and Poppington’s Popcorn provide snacks, so arrive early to grab dinner before the show. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a light jacket as temperatures cool in the evening.
Reedy River Duck Derby takes place each spring, when thousands of rubber ducks are released to float over the falls in a fundraising race. The family-friendly event includes activities throughout the park such as face painting, crafts, live music, and food vendors. It’s one of Greenville’s most beloved community traditions.
Artisphere is Greenville’s premier arts festival held each May, taking over Main Street from City Hall to the West End. The three-day event showcases hundreds of visual artists, performing artists, musicians, and culinary talents. Falls Park becomes part of the festival landscape with activities, performances, and art installations.
Fall for Greenville is the city’s largest festival each October, featuring over 40 restaurants offering 200+ menu items, seven stages of live music, cooking demonstrations, competitions, and kids’ activities. Falls Park serves as one of the central gathering points during this weekend celebration.
Private events, wedding ceremonies, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations regularly take place throughout the park, taking advantage of its stunning natural backdrop.
What to Do at Falls Park
Walking & Exploring – Multiple paved pathways wind through the park at various levels, creating easy loops or longer walks depending on your energy level. The paths are stroller and wheelchair accessible, with ramps and gentle inclines throughout most of the park.
Photography – Falls Park is Greenville’s most photographed location, and it’s easy to see why. The Liberty Bridge from various angles, the falls in different lighting conditions, seasonal gardens, and the interplay of architecture and nature provide endless photo opportunities. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly beautiful lighting.
Picnicking – Multiple grassy areas and shaded spots invite visitors to spread blankets and enjoy outdoor meals. The park is adjacent to numerous downtown restaurants, making it easy to grab takeout and dine al fresco.
Wading & Playing – During warm months, shallow areas below the falls are popular for wading and cooling off. Children love playing in the water while parents relax on the rocky riverbanks. Dogs on leashes can also enjoy the shallow areas.
Swamp Rabbit Trail Connection – Falls Park serves as a key access point for the 28-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail. Rent bikes from nearby Reedy Rides and explore the paved trail that follows the Reedy River from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest.
Relaxing & People Watching – Sometimes the best activity is simply sitting on a bench, listening to the waterfall, and watching the parade of visitors from around the world who come to experience this special place.
Tips for Your Visit
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park involves some sloped pathways and stairs. Bring water, especially during summer months. The park provides some shade but can be warm on sunny days. If visiting for evening events, a light jacket is recommended as temperatures drop after sunset. Photographers should consider visiting at different times of day to capture the falls in various lighting conditions. The blue-lit Liberty Bridge is particularly stunning at night.
For the best experience during busy weekends and events, arrive early to claim good spots and avoid parking hassles. Consider combining your Falls Park visit with other downtown Greenville attractions to make a full day of exploring. The park connects to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, offering opportunities to extend your outdoor adventure.
Why Falls Park Matters
Falls Park represents more than just a beautiful green space—it’s the heart of Greenville’s remarkable transformation. The park’s creation demonstrated what’s possible when civic vision, thoughtful design, and community investment come together. From a neglected industrial area hidden beneath a highway, Falls Park emerged as one of America’s finest urban parks, helping revitalize downtown Greenville and setting the standard for how cities can reconnect with their natural assets.
Today, Falls Park consistently ranks among the top city parks in the United States. USA Today readers named it one of the Top 10 Best City Parks in 2025. It remains the top attraction in Greenville on TripAdvisor and continues to draw visitors from around the world who come to experience the rare beauty of a waterfall in the heart of a thriving city.
Whether you’re visiting for an hour or spending an entire day, Falls Park on the Reedy offers an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Greenville—beautiful, welcoming, and full of unexpected delights.