There are literally hundreds of miles of trails in the valleys and mountains surrounding Spartanburg, and local outfitters are ready to fit you with gear that is appropriate for your age and skill level. For more information about these and other activities, contact the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce at 864-594-5000.

other popular activities:
biking . disc golf . family fun . fishing . golf . hiking/backpacking . hot air balloon rides . rafting . rock climbing . scenic drives . shopping . water sports . other great ideas

State Parks in the Upstate:
Caesars Head State Park
Croft State Park
Devils Fork State Park
Jones Gap State Park
Keowee Toxaway State Park
Kings Mountain State Park
Lake Hartwell State Park
Oconee State Park
Oconee Station State Park
Paris Mountain State Park
Table Rock State Park

Chimney Rock Park
If you’re ready for some exercise, we’ve got the spot for you. The Park features six different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy-to-moderate to moderate-to-strenuous. Some lead to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls; others lead through the woods through old growth forests, dazzling displays of wildflowers and interesting rock formations. The Great Woodland Adventure features fun, whimsical sculptures of some of the animals that call the Park home. Guided bird and wildflower hikes are just a few that are offered throughout the season. The Park, a Natural Heritage Area, is located 60 miles north of Spartanburg in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge. Open all year. Live it up! 800-277-9611

Appalachian Trail
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.

Jones Gap State Park
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.

Mountain Adventure Guides
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!

Mountain Bridge Wilderness & Rec. Area
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.

Pacolet River Heritage Preserve
This heritage preserve in the foothills has several interesting hiking trails that run from the parking area to the Pacolet River. c

Palmetto Trail
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.

River Birch Trail
Located within Spartanburg city limits, this trail provides an easy hike along Lawson's Fork Creek. Pets are allowed on leashes.

SC State Parks
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.

Sumter National Forest
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.

Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts. Request a FREE 32-page Visit Planner
1-800-543-2961