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Submission
From I-385: Take exit #40 onto N. Pleasantburg Rd (Hwy 291) for approximately 4 mi. Take a rt on Piney Mountain Rd. Go to the 1st light and turn rt. Park is 2 mi. ahead on the left. From Asheville: Take Hwy 25 towards Greenville. Turn left onto State Park Rd in Travelers Rest. Drive 8 mi (road will change names to East Mountain Creek). Take a ri onto State Park Rd., entrance .8 miles on left.
Great place for the family! We completed the blue trail. My 13, 8, and 6 year old kids made it with ease under that 1.5 hr timeline. Please leave it better than you found it. We bring bags and pick up trash to pay it forward to those not as considerate. Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
A great little place not far from Greenville, South Carolina. The hike around the lake was nice and relaxing. It looks like they have plenty of activities in warmer months with a beach, kayaks, and more. It makes me a but jealous that we don't have it more where we live. Also, we hear a strange howl (definitely not a dog or coyote) that responded to the distant train. I'm not sure what it was, but the nature center and gift shop might have had the answer.
Paris Mountain SP is a hiker and mountain biker dream. There are many trails of varying difficulty covering over 15 miles. The park itself is one of the smaller parks in the state system but has lots to offer.
The campground area is tight to maneuver with narrow roads and some sharp turns. The camp sites are well spaced out so you have plenty of room without being on top of your neighbor but there is limited parking space. It was hard for us to park our tow vehicle and second vehicle in the space. The parking pads were well maintained and the hookups were in good condition with no problems. Water pressure was average. Despite the website stating the campsites are level, there is a decent amount of grade so bring plenty of leveling blocks, especially for your front jack, mine was extended to it's maximum in order to detach from the truck with a 4x4 block under it. The camp area is VERY wooded with a full canopy. It's amazing how full the canopy and when we left the park it seemed 50% brighter!
The roads in the park are narrow, barely wide enough for two cars and with the many twists and turns it can be challenging for long campers to navigate. The shoulder is at least 4-6 drop off the paved road if you get too close when trying to get over for oncoming traffic.
The restrooms were clean and well maintained. The shower facilities were setup well with a solid wooded swing door on the outside with a chain lock. The shower had its own curtain. Although tight, it was typical and functional. Water pressure was decent and water was warm (not hot).
The campground is a short .5 mile hike, either by road or trail, to the park store/ranger station which is right on Lake Placid. The store has limited supplies and gifts but is well maintained and has an interpretive area with lots of information about the history of the park. Along the lake is a nice beach area with various wooden loungers. There is a roped off swimming area. The water was very clear. There is a rental shop for kayaks and pedal boats that rent for $5/30 minutes. The rental includes the life jacket. There is also a stand of free loaner jackets for the swim area. At the opposite side of the lake is a dam/spillway that is picturesque and peaceful to listen to and observe. Across the street from the store is a large parking area with a huge open field with a volleyball net and playground.
The trails are in great condition and are well marked and well traveled. Bring good hiking boots and you'll be set! Trails are Easy, Moderate, and Strenuous difficulties. One of the trails leads to an outdoor amphitheater. There was a live band playing while we were there with more planned for the month. There were also several bike repair stations located throughout the park. There is a lot of natural beauty on the trails with various wildlife and interesting rock formations.
While I'm not sure I'd go camp for camping due to the tight roads and smallish campsite, I would definitely go back for a day visit to hike more trails and enjoy the beauty of the park.
We had a lot of fun at this State Park. The park staff was very accommodating. The other visitors were friendly and generally in good spirits. There were many hiking trail options and other activities to partake in, such as swimming, paddle boating or watching the free concert at the outdoor amphitheater. They also offer at least one location in which an electric vehicle can be charged for free. Would recommend!
Short visit to check out the environs. It is a lovely park with nice warm-season amenities.
The park office/gift ship has a few exhibits focused on the creation of the park by the CCC and the nature found in the area.
A good selection of short trails of varying degrees of difficulty but longer hikes can be accomplished by linking a few together.
Mountain biking is popular here, but some trails are designed for hikers only. Pay attention to the trail map if biking.
The camp grounds looked more than adequate for those with tents or small camper rigs. Larger rigs are not really suited for this park.
The picnic grounds are very nice with shelters, bathrooms, etc. Reservations may be needed in high season to ensure a space for groups.
Its proximity to Greenville makes it a very easy day trip for residents.
