State Parks in the Upstate South Carolina

Explore the Natural Beauty of South Carolina’s Upstate

The Upstate region of South Carolina offers some of the state’s most spectacular natural landscapes, where rolling foothills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. Within an hour of Greenville, you’ll find pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, mountain summits with panoramic views, and miles of trails through old-growth forests. Many of these parks were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and remain on the National Register of Historic Places, combining natural beauty with historical significance.

Standard admission for South Carolina State Parks is $8 for adults, $5 for SC seniors (age 65+), $4 for children ages 6-15, and free for children 5 and under. Many parks have free admission days. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.

Paris Mountain State Park

Just 6 miles from downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain serves as the city’s backyard wilderness. This 1,540-acre park features a unique monadnock—a lone mountain rising above otherwise flat terrain. Once Greenville’s primary watershed, the park preserves old-growth hardwood forests and offers quick outdoor escapes without leaving the metro area.

The park centers around four lakes, with Lake Placid being the main attraction for swimming during summer months. The 13-acre lake features a designated swimming area with a beach. Kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals are available on weekends. Mountain Lake, Buckhorn Lake, and North Lake (a 15-acre reservoir accessible via a 2-mile hike) provide additional fishing and scenic opportunities for bass, catfish, and bream.

Paris Mountain offers 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The Sulphur Springs Trail is widely considered the park’s most scenic route, winding along deep ravines and running streams with waterfall and lake views. The North Lake Trail Loop provides a moderate 2-mile hike to the reservoir, while the Fire Tower Trail challenges hikers and bikers with a steep 400-foot elevation gain through poplar, maple, oak, and pine forests.

Location: 2401 State Park Road, Greenville, SC 29609
Best for: Families, beginner hikers, mountain bikers, swimming, quick day trips

The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

Approximately 45-60 minutes from Greenville, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area encompasses over 13,000 acres of protected mountain woodlands connecting Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks with more than 50 miles of hiking trails.

Caesars Head State Park

Perched at 3,208 feet above sea level atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Caesars Head takes its name from a distinctive granite outcropping resembling a helmeted Roman emperor. USA TODAY recognized it as the “#1 Hidden Gem of South Carolina.” From the main overlook, just a short walk from the Visitor Center, you can see sweeping views of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and even spot Greenville in the distance.

The park is home to Raven Cliff Falls, South Carolina’s tallest waterfall at 420 feet. The challenging 6.6-mile round-trip trail leads to a suspension bridge spanning the river just above the falls. Don’t miss Devil’s Kitchen, a narrow rock crevice just off the main overlook that Native American legend says was created when the devil poured hot liquid over the rock and cracked it.

Caesars Head is renowned for world-class hawk watching during fall migration and provides access to the extensive Foothills Trail system. The park offers primitive trailside camping for backpackers.

Location: 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635 (28 miles from Greenville)
Best for: Experienced hikers, waterfall enthusiasts, photographers, bird watchers

Jones Gap State Park

Jones Gap provides the peaceful beauty of a deep mountain cove where the Middle Saluda River—South Carolina’s first designated scenic river—winds through pristine wilderness. This 3,964-acre park serves as the perfect counterpart to Caesars Head within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

Two main trails lead to spectacular waterfalls. The Rainbow Falls Trail is a challenging 5-mile round-trip hike to a 100-foot free-falling waterfall with smaller cascades below. For an easier adventure, Jones Gap Falls offers a 50-foot waterfall accessible via a moderate 2.6-mile round-trip hike. The Middle Saluda River invites visitors to wade, fish for mountain trout, or simply cool off after hiking.

The historic Cleveland Fish Hatchery, South Carolina’s first state-owned and operated fish hatchery, now serves as an educational exhibit. The park shines during spring with wildflowers lining the trails and again in fall with brilliant foliage. Seasoned backpackers can reserve hike-in primitive campsites.

Location: 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC 29661 (32 miles from Greenville)
Best for: Waterfall seekers, anglers, backpackers, wildflower viewing

Table Rock State Park

Located 36 miles from Greenville along scenic Highway 11, Table Rock State Park features one of South Carolina’s most iconic natural landmarks. The distinctive flat-topped mountain summit inspired the Cherokee name “Sah-ka-na-ga,” meaning “Great Blue Hills of God.” Cherokee legend tells that the mountain served as a table from which the Great Spirit ate his meals.

The 3,083-acre park offers diverse recreation centered around two beautiful lakes. The 36-acre Pinnacle Lake features an old-fashioned swimming hole complete with a high dive, while the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy provides excellent fishing and boating. Kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals are available seasonally at the Lake Pinnacle boathouse.

Table Rock’s trail system caters to all abilities. The easy 1.9-mile Carrick Creek Nature Trail loops around two creeks with small cascades and seasonal wildflowers. The challenging Table Rock Summit Trail climbs 2,000 feet over 3.5 miles (6.7 miles round-trip), rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic views from the 3,124-foot summit. The trail passes Governor’s Rock overlook and includes a shelter built by the CCC. A fork in the trail also provides access to Pinnacle Mountain, the highest peak in South Carolina at 3,415 feet.

Location: 158 E Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671
Best for: Serious hikers, families, photographers, camping, special events

Devils Fork State Park

This park on pristine Lake Jocassee, approximately 65 minutes from Greenville, offers an unmatched mountain-spring-fed lake experience. The crystal-clear waters of the 7,565-acre lake remain mostly undeveloped, with Devils Fork serving as the only public access point. The lake is surrounded by the spectacular Jocassee Gorges, creating a stunning natural playground.

The park is famous for waterfalls accessible only by boat and some of the best trout fishing in South Carolina. Villas with lake views provide upscale lodging options, while camping facilities accommodate those seeking a more rustic experience. The swimming beach, boat ramp, and marina make this a premier destination for boating, kayaking, and water sports.

Location: 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC 29676 (42 miles from Greenville)
Best for: Boaters, kayakers, anglers, water sports enthusiasts

Planning Your Visit

The Upstate’s state parks shine year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. Spring brings wildflowers and full-strength waterfalls with comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer is ideal for lake swimming and water activities, though you’ll want to arrive early as this is the busiest season. Fall delivers spectacular foliage and ideal hiking weather with fewer crowds, plus hawk migrations at Caesars Head. Winter offers peaceful, uncrowded parks with views through bare trees, though some facilities may be closed.

For day trips, bring plenty of water (at least one liter per person), snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a trail map or GPS device, first aid supplies, and comfortable hiking shoes. Dress in layers for changing weather, especially at higher elevations. For camping trips, make reservations online at reserve.southcarolinaparks.com and arrive prepared with appropriate gear.

Safety is paramount when exploring these parks. Stay on marked trails, check weather conditions before heading out, tell someone your plans, watch for wildlife including black bears and venomous snakes, and know your limits when choosing trails. Cell service can be limited in mountain areas, so download offline maps before you go.

Special Programs & Resources

South Carolina State Parks offer several programs to enhance your experience. The Ultimate Outsider Program lets you collect stamps at all 48 state parks to earn prizes. The Junior Rangers Program provides educational activities where kids can earn badges. Annual park passes offer savings for frequent visitors.

Most Upstate parks provide accessible parking, paved pathways to main facilities, accessible restrooms, and some accessible trails. Contact individual parks for specific accessibility information.

For more information, visit southcarolinaparks.com or follow #SCStateParks on social media to see other visitors’ adventures and share your own experiences.

Last Updated: November 2025