This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge lines to end in Maine. Along the way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina. For more information on the trail, and day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian Trail Conference. Call 828-254-3708 for more information.
Hiking & Backpacking
Find the best hikes in Spartanburg and the Upstate including detailed trail maps, guides, shops, and trail descriptions.
Candler, NC
1410 Pisgah Highway
Guided backpacking and rock climbing adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. No experience necessary – we supply the gear. See you in the mountains!
Greenville County, SC
Picnicking and trailside camping in one of South Carolina’s most pristine wilderness areas in the Upcountry can be enjoyed at this 3,346-acre park. Located in the 10,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area, this park encompasses the Middle Saluda River, designated the state’s first scenic river. In addition, the park is an access point to the Foothills Hiking Trail.
Authentic general store featuring quality goods, traditional clothing and custom fit shoes. Since 1883, Mast General Store has been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. Discover for yourself why….. some times are just too good to leave behind, and why it is a simple pleasure to just browse throughout the store.
AppalachianTrail.com offers extensive information relating to the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Thousands of AT trail hikers have shared their advice, photos and stories for others. From various wildlife you might encounter on the Trail – to the best movies featuring the AT – we have it covered. You can read other hiker’s stories, discover the highest peaks, famous places and attractions on the Appalachian Trail, and research communities along the way. We strive to be your all-everything reference when planning your AT hike and learning about the history of the trail.
The majority of state park trails are considered nature/walking trails because of short length and/or relatively flat terrain. The 14-mile Table Rock trail is difficult terrain and the 15-mile Kings Mountain trail is moderate. Other trails are located at Caesars Head, Jones Gap, Paris Mountain, Oconee and Keowee-Toxaway State Parks. Shorter nature trails located at Croft, Sadlers Creek and Lake Hartwell State Parks. Call the park or S.C. State Parks at 803-734-0156.
American Whitewater restores rivers dewatered by hydropower dams, eliminates water degradation, improves public land management and protects public access to rivers for responsible recreational use. The website lists whitewater sites in Spartanburg and surrounding counties, and across the state.
Greenville County, SC
More than 11,000 acres and 50 miles of trails connect to the Sumter National Forest with one trail leading to the Foothills Trail. This network of trails provides an excellent view of scenic vistas, including Raven Cliff Falls. Primitive trailside camping is permitted by registering with a ranger. Call Caesars Head State Park at 864-836-6115 or Jones Gap State Park at 864-836-3647.
More than a rock, Chimney Rock Park in Lake Lure, North Carolina is a mountain of possibilities. Enjoy a leisurely walk or a challenging hike out to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Sign up to take a rock climbing clinic or spend a half or full-day taking rock climbing instructions. Bring a picnic or pick up a Hiker’s Lunch and savor the views. Take the kids and the dog on the Great Woodland Adventure trail. There’s no shortage of ways to find yourself breathless. Check out our special events and group activities. Just 60 miles north of Spartanburg. Open all year. Live it up!
Starting from the parking area, this somewhat challenging trail in Spartanburg County has something for just about everyone. There is enough climbing, fast down hills, and hard packed sections, which allow fairly high speeds to satisfy the intermediates and experts, but may be too much for beginners. Several connector trails provide variation and new challenges, especially the Idaho pass, which is more technical.
This trail system provides a variety of hiking conditions, following mountain tops and paralleling streams and the Chattooga River. More than 70 miles of trails provide hikers challenging experiences, beautiful vistas and solitude. These trails also connect with extensive trail systems in the Chattahoochee and the Nantahala National Forests. Campsites available. Contact Sumter National Forest, 864-638-9568.
Located within Spartanburg city limits, this trail provides an easy hike along Lawson’s Fork Creek. Pets are allowed on leashes.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden is a diverse 295 acres of natural landscapes, display gardens, and miles of streams and nature trails. Together with distinguished education and outreach programs, a nationally recognized nature-based sculpture collection, and the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, the SCBG is a premier site for experiencing nature and culture.
Anderson, SC
One of the country’s best-known scenic highways is also the starting point for hiking trails that traverse the Parkway. Popular spots include Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Fields and its beautiful waterfalls, Mount Pisgah, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Call 828-298-0398 for more information.
George Vanderbilt spent many years traveling the world to find that filled his magnificent house. Take home your own by shopping online or by strolling through our charming estate shops.
Not yet completed, this trail will eventually link the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Several passages are currently open in Santee Cooper Country. For more information, contact the Palmetto Conservation Foundation at 803-771-0870.
Pickens and Oconee Counties, SC
The main stem of this nearly 100-mile long hiking trail extends from Table Rock State Park in Pickens County to Oconee State Park in Oconee County. The trail crosses some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the Southeast and provides access to Sassafras Mountain, the highest peak in South Carolina, and to major mountain streams and breathtaking views. Contact the Foothills Trails Conference, PO Box 3041, Greenville SC 29602; 864-233-9403.
This heritage preserve in the foothills has several interesting hiking trails that run from the parking area to the Pacolet River.
Western North Carolina Area
When you’re in Spartanburg, you’re just over an hour away from the nation’s leading home furnishings resource and a shopping experience you’ll never forget. See a thousand lines in nearly a hundred beautiful factory stores, outlets and galleries. Ideas galore. Famous North Carolina prices. On-site hotel, restaurant, shipping service. Visit hickoryfurniture.com.
More than a rock, Chimney Rock Park in Lake Lure, North Carolina is a mountain of possibilities. Enjoy a leisurely walk or a challenging hike out to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Sign up to take a rock climbing clinic or spend a half or full-day taking rock climbing instructions. Bring a picnic or pick up a Hiker’s Lunch and savor the views. Take the kids and the dog on the Great Woodland Adventure trail. There’s no shortage of ways to find yourself breathless. Check out our special events and group activities. Just 60 miles north of Spartanburg. Open all year. Live it up!
AppalachianTrail.com offers extensive information relating to the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Thousands of AT trail hikers have shared their advice, photos and stories for others. From various wildlife you might encounter on the Trail – to the best movies featuring the AT – we have it covered. You can read other hiker’s stories, discover the highest peaks, famous places and attractions on the Appalachian Trail, and research communities along the way. We strive to be your all-everything reference when planning your AT hike and learning about the history of the trail.
The State Theatre of North Carolina, and one of the finest local playhouses in the United States. Highly acclaimed throughout the theater world. The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina. Check the web site for schedule: www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in the Great Smoky Mountains. Tuckasegee River Excursion (3½ hour round trip), Nantahala Gorge Excursion (4½ hour round trip) and the Gourmet Dinner Train (2½ hours) are just a few of the wonderful excursion trips available to passengers.