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Lake Hartwell on the SC/GA border is just about 50 miles away (although parts are much less than that). You can rent pontoon and ski boats at some of the marinas on the lake, or put a kayak or canoe in at one of the many state or county parks along its shores (although on busy weekends, the lake gets quite choppy!).
Lake Robinson is just north of Greer - about 20-25 min from downtown. It's a gorgeous area, with good views of the mountains in the distance.
Table Rock State NW of Greenville in the mountains park has a smallish lake with swimming and canoe rentals, and really nice views.
Paris Mountain State Park is within the city for all intents & purposes and has lots of hiking trails, mountain biking trail(s), swimming & canoeing on a small lake, etc.
Those are a few of the many in the area. Others will no doubt chime in with more!
If I had to pick a lake and a park it would be Lake Jocassee and Falls Park downtown. But if I was going to Lake Jocassee I have to go to Ceasar's Head for the great views.
Local lakes are not really that good. If you have a lot of money, you can live on Lake Keowee, it has some pretty spots if you don't mind living near the oldest nuclear plant in the nation.
We will be moving go Greenville this summer--which lakes are best for swimming. I read in a different thread that much of the water is polluted--true?
Not true. Jocassee has some of the most pure mountain water you'll find, but it remains cold most of the year. Keowee is clean and gets warm enough to swim. Hartwell is a huge lake, definitely gets warm enough to swim....can't say that it is pristine, with all the boating involved, but it is probably average for any large lake. Not polluted, but not pristine.
Not true. Jocassee has some of the most pure mountain water you'll find, but it remains cold most of the year. Keowee is clean and gets warm enough to swim. Hartwell is a huge lake, definitely gets warm enough to swim....can't say that it is pristine, with all the boating involved, but it is probably average for any large lake. Not polluted, but not pristine.
I was told that when Keowee was created, all the tree stumps and vegetation were removed to make it more clear and pristine - while for Hartwell the stumps and vegetation were left to make it more conducive for fishing, hence the murkier water.
Not sure how true that is - but it would make sense.
Oh, and if no one mentioned it - Lake Consetee Nature Park is really nice.
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