Pleasant Ridge County Park: Trails, Fishing & Outdoor Fun Near Greenville, SC

Have you visited Greenville’s Pleasant Ridge County Park?
Just north of Travelers Rest in Marietta, SC, Pleasant Ridge County Park is one of the best local outdoor destinations near Greenville, SC. It is definitely one of our favorites, although we’re nowhere close to exploring all it has to offer. Part of the Greenville County Parks Department, this beautiful, historic space has hiking and biking trails, a fishing lake, a playground, and several historical markers.

Enjoy the outdoors? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiking Near Greenville, SC, and explore more outdoor trails, with lots of hiking options for all ages and abilities.

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Things to Do at Pleasant Ridge County Park

Pleasant Ridge Park has several amenities for Upstate, SC to enjoy. Scattered throughout the park are picnic tables, picnic shelters, basketball courts, public restrooms, and several small brooks and streams. There is a playground at Pleasant Ridge, but it is relatively small, with basic equipment.

Trails at Pleasant Ridge County Park

Pleasant Ridge Park has both easy and moderate trails, ranging from .03 miles to 6 miles, suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers. Pleasant Ridge County Park is a popular destination for mountain biking in the Upstate.

Just off the playground is the steep entrance to the Leroy Smith Nature Trail, which takes you to a pretty little waterfall near an old moonshine site, Pleasant Ridge Falls, and the remains of an old gristmill. This is somewhat of a rugged trail, not appropriate for strollers, bikes, or anyone who needs assistance walking. The beginning of the trail is steep wooden steps which my three-year-old handled very well. You can access the fishing lake by taking the 0.3-mile Leroy Smith Lake Trail right off the nature trail.

The 6-mile JFA Trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers and follows a rotating directional schedule. The trail is open 7 days per week, and you can access it from Shelter #1. Be sure to check the information boards located throughout the park to find updates on the trails. If you are looking for a gentler climb to the upper sections of the trails, take Sassy’s Pass off of the JFA trail.

Fishing at the Lake

Fishing is allowed at the lake, and is open to anyone. Ages 16 and older must have a fishing license (check the Greenville County Parks website for current regulations).

The park does have limitations on how many fish you can take home, and you can find those guidelines on the Pleasant Ridge Park website. You will also find a weekly Trout Stocking Summary. The summary can come in handy when knowing what to expect in terms of available catch. The park does not allow boats, so off-bank fishing is what you will expect.

Picnic Shelters & Rentals

Planning a birthday party, reunion, or group outing? Pleasant Ridge County Park has several reservable picnic shelters:

• Shelter #1 & #2: $165 (all-day rental)
• Shelter #3: $115 (all-day rental)

Shelters include picnic tables and access to nearby restrooms and park amenities. Reservations can be made through the Greenville County Parks system.

Special Events at Pleasant Ridge County Park

Pleasant Ridge is also home to Camp Courage for children with cancer and other blood diseases. It is also home to Camp Spearhead for children with special needs.

A retreat center, which includes dining lodges, meeting rooms, and cabins for overnight stays, is available to rent for weddings, reunions, and other events.

What to Know Before You Go

• Trails range from easy to moderately difficult, with some steep sections
• The Leroy Smith Nature Trail is not stroller-friendly
• Mountain biking is popular, especially on the JFA Trail
• Fishing is bank-only (no boats allowed)
• A South Carolina fishing license is required for ages 16+
• Cell service can be spotty in wooded areas

Tip: Check trail direction signs before biking—the JFA Trail rotates direction for safety.

What is your favorite thing to do at Pleasant Ridge Park?

Looking for more parks in Greenville? Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Parks in Greenville County and explore more places to play outside!