This Hidden Mountain Lake Is Worth the Drive From Greenville

One of the best things about South Carolina is that you’re never too far away from an amazing outdoor adventure. Take Greenville, for example. The bustling city sits on the doorstep of endless natural playgrounds, such as Table Rock State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, and even Croft State Park. If you find yourself returning to the same spots again and again and you’re looking for a change of scenery, there’s a fabulous little mountain lake that makes for one of the best day trips from Greenville. 

What Makes This Mountain Lake So Stunning

The Parson’s Mountain Recreation Area sits along the northern portion of the Long Cane Ranger District. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy South Carolina’s natural beauty without the crowds that come with popular attractions like Table Rock State Park. The crown jewel of this recreation area is the 28-acre lake, which offers a boat ramp for non-motorized boats to explore the area from the water. Since it’s only 90 minutes away, it’s the perfect day trip from Greenville.

What To Expect When You Visit

For those who want to stay on land, the Mountain Lake Trail is the way to go. The trail is just over a mile long one way and offers a chance to wander through the beautiful dogwoods with wild ginger and sparkleberries. Combining this trail with the Tower Trail gives you a four-mile loop with just enough of a challenge to make the road trip from Greenville worth it.

As the name might suggest, the Tower Trail leads you to a fire tower (which may or may not be open during your visit). But the real hidden gems on this trail are the Civil War-era gold mines that you’ll see on your way to the tower. These mines are closed off for safety, but they offer a unique glimpse into South Carolina’s gold rush era, which ran from about 1827 until 1849 when folks abandoned the Carolinas in favor of the California Gold Rush. 

Tips for Planning Your Trip

The trail can be rather narrow and hard to follow at times, so download a trail map ahead of time. Summer is one of the best times to tackle the trail, though I’d argue it's one of the best trails to hike in the fall when you can see all those beautiful fall colors shine. Regardless of the time of year, follow the white blazes to stay on the trail. 

While this is one of the best day trips from Greenville, you can always turn the day trip into a weekend adventure. There are several campsites at the Parson’s Mountain Recreation Area where you can pitch a tent and spend the night counting the stars. For more hidden gems near Greenville, check out the Conestee Nature Preserve.