5 Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures to Experience in Greenville, SC
The Greenville, South Carolina area is the perfect combination of urban and suburban.
But, you might be more of the outdoorsy type.
Or, maybe you just want to get out of the house and do something outside every now and then.
What you might not know is that the Greenville area harbors quite a few scenic locations, perfect for explorations as well. You just have to know where to look for them.
So, here’s a look at what the Greenville, SC area offers in terms of unforgettable outdoor adventures.
1. Hike, Fish, or Boat at Devils Fork State Park
Devils Fork State Park is home to Lake Jocassee. And, this 7,500+ acre lake will get you out on the water in every way possible.
You can bring your own boat and fishing rods and test your luck at catching some of the local trout and bass. Or, maybe you’d rather rent a canoe or a kayak and experience a sense of serenity instead.
Try to find the hidden waterfalls along the lake while you’re out on the water!
You can even bring your SCUBA gear and explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee or go for a quick swim anywhere in the lake.
The trails offered at this park will give you a glimpse at the pure natural beauty of Greenville, SC. Hop onto the 1.5-mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail to walk along the creek and see some of the natural wildflowers that Greenville grows.
Camping and lodging are also available.
2. Go Exploring at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers an impressive 10,000+ acres of South Carolina wilderness. And, in every nook and cranny of this park, you’ll find a little piece of beauty you didn’t expect to see.
Most importantly, this wilderness area is the perfect destination for hikers.
Making the trek up to the 300 foot tall El Lieutenant Rock Dome or Caesar’s Head, you’ll check out South Carolina from a view you’ve never imagined. These scenic overlooks will give you an unmatched view of the mountains and trees in the distance.
But, maybe you can’t handle a 5-mile hike just yet.
Well, load up your SUV with a bicycle for each family member. It’s time to hit the miles of trails with your favorite mountain bike instead.
If you make your way down to the Middle Saluda River, you might even want to spend a few hours on shore fishing with your family. This park truly has everything you could want in a wilderness area.
3. Get On the Ropes Courses at the Phoenix Center
Spending time outdoors doesn’t always have to be as organized as a 3-mile hike. So, why not use your time outside as a bonding activity for your family and friends?
That’s exactly what the ropes course at the Phoenix Center is for.
Invite a group of up to 14 people and head on down to the center. Make sure you eat a good breakfast and stay well-hydrated, as you might spend up to eight hours on the ropes course.
A ropes course is the perfect opportunity to work on team-building and bonding. As a team, you’ll have to collaborate and communicate about the most effective ways of handling the low and high ropes courses.
Will your team complete each element?
Or, will you butt heads trying to come up with a solution?
Either way, your relationship will be forever changed once you leave the ropes course at the Phoenix Center. This location also makes a great team-building activity for businesses and corporations.
4. Ride Thrilling Water Slides at Otter Creek Waterpark
When your children are too young for ropes courses and hiking adventures, you can still have a little family fun in the summer.
That’s where Otter Creek Waterpark enters the picture.
This waterpark contains tons of attractions, perfect for just about every member of the family.
You can lounge around at the 7,000 square foot leisure pool as a family and catch some rays. Or, you can experience an exhilarating ride down one of the four 32-foot water slides in the park.
And, that’s just the beginning.
If you’re planning to spend the day, you can even rent out your very own cabana. This is the perfect way to stay cool in the hot summer sun while enjoying the company of your loved ones.
5. Try Out Whitewater Rafting & Ziplining at Wildwater
If you really want an unforgettable experience, you’ll want to make the trip down to Wildwater just 60 miles from Greenville.
The first thing you’ll want to do is get out on the water.
Gather up your family and friends and spend the next seven hours on the Chattooga River. As a team, you’ll work to power through the white water rapids of this beautifully scenic river.
But, perhaps you’re not much of a water person.
That’s okay because there’s a zipline canopy tour available as well. You’ll soar through the trees of the wilderness for over ½ mile (combined) across ten separate zipline features.
And, since you’re making quite the trek to Wildwater, you might not feel up to driving back home at the end of your adventure.
The good news is that Wildwater actually offers luxury cabins for guests. For less than $80 a night, you and your family can shelter in one of the facility’s luxury cottages or group houses.
Conclusion
It’s time to get out there and experience the hidden natural gems of Greenville.
If you like exhilarating adventures, you’ll have to try whitewater rafting and ziplining at Wildwater. Or, get lost in the treetops on the Phoenix Center’s ropes course as you bond with your friends and family.
And, both Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and Devils Fork State Park can get you out in the wild and out on the water if you’re more of a nature lover.
Then there’s Otter Creek Waterpark, which is the perfect destination for families with young kids.
[Client bio]
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech at Greenville to help them with their online marketing.
