10 Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Greenville, SC

With its mild year-round climate, stunning natural landscapes, and countless fun activities, Greenville, SC is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. From rugged hiking in the mountains to relaxed strolling through gardens, there is something for everyone in this rapidly-growing city that never loses sight of nature. It was hard to choose, but here are our 10 favorite outdoor activities in and around the city of Greenville, SC.

1) Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile long multi-use trail system that follows the Reedy River and intersects with numerous parks within the Greenville city limits. Walking, jogging, biking, and roller skating are most popular on this paved greenway, and amenities include picnic areas, water fountains, restrooms, and bike racks. It is one of Greenville's most popular and frequented outdoor destinations. 

2) Falls Park on the Reedy

Located smack dab in the middle of Greenville, Falls Park is a scenic, peaceful getaway for city dwellers. Here you'll find public art installations, live theater and events, dozens of small gardens, and even a rushing waterfall. Meander through the park and then observe a bird's eye view of it from the 345-foot Liberty Bridge. 

3) Greenville Zoo

Located in downtown Greenville, the Greenville Zoo is one of the area's top attractions for locals and visitors alike. Relatively small and easily walkable, the zoo has beautiful grounds and is packed with interesting, fun, and educational animal exhibits. There are also special programs like camps, overnight experiences, classes for all ages, and homeschool programs.

4) Treetop Quest Greenville

Ready to kick your outdoor adventures up a notch? Treetop Quest Greenville is an aerial adventure and zip-line park that will have you flying through the trees! There are courses for every person and skill type starting at age four. Level 1 reaches up to 15 feet, while level 4 will have you maneuvering steps and ropes 60 feet off the ground. Each course takes about 30 minutes to complete.

5) Barefoot Acres

A working farm with flowers, pumpkins, strawberries, and produce, Barefoot Acres is an ideal spot for families and friends to hang out, relax, picnic, and enjoy time outdoors. For little kids (or big ones), there's a petting zoo and plenty of opportunities to learn about nature and agriculture. 

6) Lake Hartwell

The 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell offers some of the country's best fishing, particularly for striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream, and catfish. There's also camping, cabin rentals, swimming, hiking, boating, and a picnic area to host large gatherings. At less than an hour's drive from downtown Greenville, this fun-filled lake is the perfect day or weekend getaway.

7) Paris Mountain State Park

For nature lovers looking for a close-by camping experience, Paris Mountain State Park has it. Located in the city of Greenville, this park welcomes bikers, hikers, and campers to its 39 paved campsites, four lakes, and 15 miles of trails. 

8) Jones Gap State Park

A short distance away from Greenville lies Jones Gap State Park, known for its quiet and peaceful mountain terrain. Hiking is popular here as well as trout fishing in the Middle Saluda River.

9) Caesars Head State Park

Popular with sightseers, Caesar's Head State Park offers a number of spectacular views of this pristine mountain forest. From the Blue Ridge Escarpment visitors can see a spectacular view that extends into North Carolina and Georgia. Hikers can also climb to a suspension bridge that crosses Raven Cliff Falls to see a unique view of the cascading falls. 

10) Devils Fork State Park

Fed by four mountain streams and several waterfalls, Lake Jocassee, located in Devils Fork State Park, is a popular spot for trout fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. There are campsite and villa rentals for those wanting to enjoy the serenity of the lake for more than a day. 

Grab your gear — or just a great pair of walking shoes — and we'll meet you outside at any of these fanatic outdoor activities in Greenville!

If you're interested in enjoying the city's outdoor amenities year-round, there are plenty of opportunities to own a new single family home or townhome in Greenville. Cothran Homes builds new homes in South Carolina with distinctive, innovative designs in desirable locations, including Greenville. To learn more about our available or coming soon homes, please contact us at 864-421-3739 or schedule an appointment today.