This Hike Will Lead You To One Of The Most Enchanting Spots In South Carolina
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Paris Mountain State Park has the distinction of being the South Carolina State Park nearest in proximity to downtown Greenville. In under 15 minutes, you can travel the 6.5 miles it takes to get from Main Street to this fantastic resource just outside of town.
It's a local favorite for a quick escape from a busy day. Paris Mountain State Park, although small in comparison to other state parks, boasts nine hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, and from three-quarters of a mile in length to 3.5 miles. They're all spectacular with many things to see and admire along the way.
The Lake Placid Trail is a .75 mile loop around Lake Placid at the entrance to the park. It's rated "easy" and is for the most part a level hiking experience, except for the deep slopes (some with primitive steps) that carry you below the dam.
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You'll start your walk just inside the park at the Picnic Shelter on the Lake Placid Trail Loop. Enjoy the meandering trail along the lake's edge. At the far end you'll descend to the money shot.
The spillway from the dam is both beautiful and calming. And yes, you CAN see it from the highway as you enter the park, but from your car you can't stand on the viewing platform with the spillway's water rushing under your feet. Nor can you feel the damp cooling breeze created from the water's swift movement over the edge of the dam and down the block wall.
This is truly a wonderful spot to hike to in the Upstate. Enjoy!
Do you have a love for waterfalls? You’ll love these seven unbelievable South Carolina waterfalls hiding in plain sight…no hiking required!
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