Best State Park near Greenville? (Anderson, Saluda: buy, camping, activity)

[Doctor Mumbles]

If you could only visit one park in Greenville which is the Must See?

Paris Mountain, Caesars Head, Jones Gap or Table Rock?

Which Park will really Wow you with incredible views of the Mountains or other natural landmarks like rock formations or waterfalls? Is their one where you get to the top of a hike or the end of your trail and your reward is an Incredible breathtaking view?

Is their one Park that is more for a nice stroll....an easy day, just relaxing and another that is simply breathtaking? Or do they all have pro's and cons?

If anyone has pictures or opionions it would be much appreciated as i am coming down in mid july.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by Doctor Mumbles

If you could only visit one park in Greenville which is the Must See?

Paris Mountain, Caesars Head, Jones Gap or Table Rock?

Which Park will really Wow you with incredible views of the Mountains or other natural landmarks like rock formations or waterfalls? Is their one where you get to the top of a hike or the end of your trail and your reward is an Incredible breathtaking view?

Is their one Park that is more for a nice stroll....an easy day, just relaxing and another that is simply breathtaking? Or do they all have pro's and cons?

If anyone has pictures or opionions it would be much appreciated as i am coming down in mid july.

Yes! Here are some great questions to answer.

First off, it really depends on each person's preference as to which park is the overall best, since each has its own speciality. If I was to rate the state parks nearby Greenville in any order, I would break them into the categories each is best in.

• Table Rock - Best for rock formations, family camping, and strenuous hiking.
• Jones Gap - Best for cool valley breezes and trout fishing.
• Caesar's Head - Best for breathtaking mountain views and a moderate hiking trail to the state's signature 400+ foot waterfall (Raven Cliff Falls).
• Paris Mountain - Best for closeby outdoor family activity and mountain biking.

[Doctor Mumbles]

Thanks that was exactly the type of information I was looking for, if you are at Barleys Tap Room in mid July I will buy you a drink!

[Skyliner]

Here is a snapshot of the Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park. I was fly fishing there yesterday and it was very beautiful as always.

[WFR]

Jones Gap has limited parking so on the weekends you have to wait at times to get in. It's my favorite though.
Paris Mtn has some nice trails and I hike there frequently.

[p2y2r7o]

Yeah, I have memories of having to wait a LONG time to get in. I haven't been up there recently, but my family tried going up once and had to wait in line for over an hour. It is a nice park though.

[gnvlwvr]

There aren't alot of hiking trails but Jocassee lake is the most beautiful sight to see. The water is crystal clear. It is the furthest distance, but really worth the drive.

[tony123]

I don't remember the trail name, but just past Caesar's Head is a trailhead that will bring you all the way down to Jones Gap. I'm not in great shape, so I appreciated that it was all downhill. Of course, you have to park a car at each end to appreciate all downhill Otherwise, you gotta go back up!

I agree that all these parks have there own interest.

At Jones Gap, you can walk the trail for about a mile in and back out without it being too strenuous. There is also a 2 mile loop at Table Rock that is pretty flat. I'm commenting on these, because if you are in average shape, most other trails will be a real challenge. They are for me.

One time we went down to Ravens Cliff Falls and continued cown the valley and back up the other side behind the falls and then back to Caesars Head. Have any of you done this one? That was sun up to sun down, kick your butt hiking.