Run the Paris Mountain Trails: A Guide to Greenville's Scenic Outdoors

Destinations Southeast South Carolina Greenville

Run the Paris Mountain Trails: A Guide to Greenville's Scenic Outdoors

Paris Mountain State Park, located just a short drive from Greenville, SC, offers an exceptional setting for running enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature while challenging their stamina. The park's network of trails meanders through a diverse landscape, providing both novice and experienced runners with a variety of terrains to conquer.

Introduction to Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain State Park is a haven for outdoor activities, with its lush forests, serene lakes, and picturesque views. The park is not only a popular spot for runners but also attracts hikers, mountain bikers, and families looking for a peaceful retreat from city life. Its rich history, dating back to the Great Depression era when it was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, adds a layer of historical intrigue to your visit.

What Runners Should Know

Trail Options: The park features over 15 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Lake Placid Trail offers a relatively flat loop around the lake, perfect for beginners, while the Sulphur Springs Trail presents a more strenuous route with its steep inclines.
Preparation: Ensure you're well-prepared with the right gear. Trail running shoes are recommended for their grip and stability. Also, carry water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
Park Hours and Fees: The park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. There is a small entrance fee, which contributes to the maintenance and preservation of the park.

Local Knowledge and Other Suggestions

Wildlife: Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally, foxes. Remember to keep a safe distance and not to feed the animals.
After the Run: After your run, take some time to relax by one of the park's lakes or enjoy a picnic in one of the designated areas.
Community Events: Check the park's calendar for running events and other community activities that you might want to join.

Getting There from Greenville

Paris Mountain State Park is just a short drive away from downtown Greenville, approximately 5 miles north via US-276 W/Poinsett Hwy. The journey should take around 10-15 minutes, making it an easy escape to nature without spending too much time on the road.

Running the trails at Paris Mountain State Park provides a perfect blend of physical challenge and natural beauty, all within close proximity to Greenville, SC. Whether you're looking to improve your running endurance or simply enjoy the outdoors, Paris Mountain offers an ideal setting.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Kitty Struxness4 months ago

Great place to go for an easy hike. Only downfall was there was so much to look at that it was hard to watch my step for all the tree roots I kept tripping over! But overall a great place to take the family, pets or bikes. Main trail that included the Lake Placid loop took a little under an hour to complete with pit stops to look at the flora and fauna. Entry fee was a little high but was an all day pass. And since there is more than just hiking in this state park, the price seems reasonable. 10/10 will hike again.

Brandon Larch3 weeks ago

Fun times at Paris Mountain State Park! So close but you still feel so far away! We had a fun Halloween camping trip! Great trail hiking too!

Jenn Mock4 months ago

We loved this place- so many hiking trails and nice wooded lots! We swimming lake was so nice and renting the paddle boats was a lot of fun! The roads are very narrow and winding getting to the camping spots. We were in our pop up camper which wasn't horrible but larger RVs could be more difficult to navigate. But we will definitely be back!

IVANNIA ARGUEDAS-KOVACHa month ago

5/5 Stars - Breathtaking Fall Beauty at Paris Mountain State Park* Date of Visit: October 26, 2024 We spent an incredible day exploring Paris Mountain State Park, and it exceeded our expectations! Although the fall colors are still developing, the scenery was stunning. *Highlights:* - Picturesque hiking trails with vibrant foliage - Serene lake views - Well-maintained facilities - Friendly park staff *Tips:* - Plan your visit soon, as peak fall colors are imminent! - Bring cameras to capture breathtaking views - Wear comfortable shoes for scenic hikes *Highly Recommended!*

Matthew M. (EvasiveVlogger)3 weeks ago

I camp here yearly and since the hurricane the park seems very under staffed with only seeing a couple rangers throughout the whole day, we camped in out spot and neither camp host or ranger ever came to check us in or even make sure we paid to camp, we had people camping next to us that didn’t even pay for their spot they just found an open one and spent the night. Camp hosts only left their camper to clean the bathrooms once a day. Hope it gets better.