If you are thinking about spending an afternoon racing go-karts, Greenville, SC has a couple of venues nearby that offer indoor or outdoor karting. So, grab the kids for a bonding session, your significant other for a date, or your arch nemesis for a karting throwdown. Either way, check out this list of places where you can go karting in the Upstate.
Where to see the fall leaves in Upstate South Carolina? Blue Wall Preserve in Landrum, SC is one of the top options! You’ll find beautiful mountain views, reflective ponds, and even a waterfall depending on how far you decide to hike. Read on for everything you need to know from local mom, Sarah Burnett!
Quick Look at Blue Wall Preserve
Pennell Road, Landrum, SC
⏰ Open daily from 7am to 7pm
Expect limited phone service
Park in the gravel lot off Pennell Road, just outside the gate to the nature preserve
No restrooms onsite, so go before you go!
No biking, horseback riding, or camping
Fishing allowed with proper permits
Leashed pets allowed
Looking for a low-stress way to see the fall leaves without driving all the way to the North Carolina mountains? Blue Wall Preserve in Landrum, South Carolina might be your new favorite fall day trip. Just a short drive from Greenville and Spartanburg, this 575-acre nature preserve is completely free and offers mountain views, reflective ponds, and a waterfall!
This protected area is part of a larger 22,000-acre conservation effort in the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment, an beautiful area recognized for its dramatic elevation changes and biodiversity. The Audubon Society designated Blue Wall Preserve as an Important Bird Area—over 100 bird species have been seen there! Keep your eyes on the trail as you walk, and you have a decent chance of spotting some unique animal tracks…and lots of dog tracks!
The Blue Wall Preserve is an ideal hiking destination in part because you can hike different routes depending on the challenge you’re wanting. And the best news? One of the best views is available on the easiest part of the trail!
If you want the best view with the easiest hike, then I recommend just tackling what I call the First Pond Trail. When you park in the gravel lot off Pennell Road, just follow the paved road down the hill past the gate. As you approach the first bridge over Vaughn’s Creek, the path will turn to gravel.
The distance from the parking lot to the first pond in Blue Wall Preserve is a little less than a mile. You’ll find some moderate inclines along the way, but they are pretty manageable as long as you’re not carrying much. I did recently complete this trail while pushing my kids in a stroller wagon (which I do NOT recommend!) and that was a lot more challenging. Even with several stops to catch my breath, it only took us about an hour to reach the pond and return to the parking lot.
At the far point in this trail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of three mountaintops over a large, reflective pond. It is truly beautiful at any time of year, but this view is hands-down one of the most beautiful views in all of Upstate South Carolina when the fall foliage reaches peak color. The best vantage point will be right where you first find the pond, but you can check out a couple more if you follow the fork in the path to your left. This stretch of the trail dead-ends at the other end of the pond.
If you follow the fork in the path to your right, you’ll start up the more challenging Waterfall Loop Trail, also called the Twin Ponds Trail on some maps. If you follow the complete loop out and back to the parking lot, you will have hiked about 3.5 miles. Hiking without my kids (and stopping for the occasional pictures), this route takes me about an hour and half.
The Waterfall Loop Trail narrows significantly as you go along, sometimes only wide enough for one person at a time to hike comfortably. The ground is more natural and uneven, with a lot of roots and some muddy stretches along the way. It will take you up to the second pond in Blue Wall Preserve and all the way around it, before bringing you back to the fork in the trail at the first pond.
About halfway through the Waterfall Loop hike, on the far side of the second pond, you’ll find a sign for Lanny’s Cascade. Also known as the Blue Wall Waterfall, this pretty sight is just a few feet off the trail and makes an excellent picnic spot! I recommend bringing a picnic blanket, but as long as the ground’s not wet, you might also enjoy just sitting on the rocks near the base of the waterfall.
If you’re really up for a challenge, then you can hike the full 6.5-mile route through the Blue Wall Preserve to Vaughn’s Gap. This is known as the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
You’ll see your first sign for Vaughn’s gap as soon as you reach the second pond. You can follow the fork to your left to head straight to it, but I personally recommend following the Waterfall Loop down the fork to your right. Both ways will take you down the length of the pond before splitting off towards Vaughn’s gap, but following the trail to the right will lead you past the waterfall.
Once you’ve traversed the length of the pond, you’ll see a second sign for Vaughn’s Gap. This is where the Blue Wall Passage separates from the Waterfall Loop Trail, and it will take you into tougher terrain and elevation gains.
No Cell Service: It’s important for hikers to note that cell service is virtually nonexistent in the Blue Wall Preserve. I managed to get one bar at the top of Pennell Road, but it took a lot of walking around to find it. I highly recommend downloading any maps you want on your phone before you go. You may also want to text a family member or friend where you are hiking and how long you expect to be gone when you are at least a few minutes out from the preserve. Once you get close, there is no guarantee that you’ll find a signal.
Limited Parking: The parking lot for Blue Wall Preserve is very small, and this is a popular local hike. When I’ve visited right when the preserve opens at 7am, I have usually been the only one in the parking lot, especially in the cooler months when the sun rises later. When I’ve visited around 9am, there have typically been several cars already there. By 11am, even on a weekday, the parking lot is usually full. I recommend getting there as early as you can, and try to carpool if you’re hiking with a group.
Trail Safety: This might go without saying, but these trails are going to take you through secluded woods, near mountain drop-offs, and across multiple water features. I definitely recommend the buddy safety so you’re not out there hiking alone, and you’ll want to wear good shoes, bring a water bottle, and consider bug spray or even bear spray. Be vigilant on the trail, and keep a close eye on any children with you.
Hiking with Kids: If you’re hiking with children, I recommend a chest or backpack carrier for little ones and letting school-aged kids walk along with you. I did push a stroller wagon on the First Pond Trail once, so it’s possible, but I don’t think I’ll be doing that again and don’t recommend it for anyone else. My preschooler probably could have handled hiking the First Pond Trail, but I would be concerned about the drop-offs along the path, especially as we crossed a couple bridges over the water. Talk to your kids about trail safety, the importance of staying close and listening, and what to do in different emergency situations before hiking with them.
Blue Wall Preserve Policies: The preserve is open 7 am to 7 pm. Pets are welcome, but they must be on a leash. No horseback riding, biking, motorized vehicles, smoking, or camping is allowed in the preserve. Fishing is allowed in the twin ponds with proper permits. There are no restrooms on-site, and all visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Location: Pennell Road, Landrum, SC
Hours: Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Blue Wall Preserve Website
Visiting Landrum? Get some ideas about where to eat and more things to do!
Find more amazing places to see Fall Colors near Upstate, SC
Looking for a free place to enjoy the great outdoors with your family in Inman, South Carolina? This growing city offers some of Spartanburg County’s finest parks!
Read on for our complete guide to family-friendly parks in Inman.
Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Bowen—the largest lake in Spartanburg County—Anchor Park is a fantastic spot for families seeking a mix of play and water fun. The park features a fully fenced playground with separate play structures for younger and older kids, swings, and sensory play options, all easily supervised from nearby picnic shelters. A paved path loops around the play area, perfect for walking, biking, or chalk art.
Water lovers will enjoy easy access to fishing (with piers and shoreline spots), kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. The park offers dedicated launch areas for both powered and non-powered watercraft, with permits required for boats. Limited life jackets are available to borrow.
With plenty of shaded picnic spots, restrooms near the playground, and breathtaking wraparound views of Lake Bowen, Anchor Park is an ideal blend of outdoor relaxation and family fun.
Location: 10 Anchorage Way, Inman, SC 29349
Holston Creek Park is a recreation and nature park located just outside central Inman. It’s known for its sports amenities, including baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, the region’s top disc golf course, and mountain biking trails. You will find an all-ages playground complete with swings, right next to the covered picnic pavilion and public restrooms.
A paved walking trail takes you the short distance down to two ponds, where you can fish with appropriate permitting. Dogs are permitted in the park on-leash. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views of nature, catch a game, or just let your kids run and play in the great outdoors.
Location: 7561 New Cut Road, Inman, SC 29349
Inman Mills Park, tucked quietly behind the historic mill village in Inman, SC, offers a neighborhood atmosphere. The park features a small playground, a swing set, basketball court, tennis court, and two pickleball courts alongside a covered picnic shelter. This area of the park is perfect for a quick and casual play session with family or friends, and the larger baseball/softball field is used for youth sports in the area.
Location: 10 Little Street, Inman, SC 29349
Leroy Mathis Park in Inman, SC, is a fully fenced, family-friendly park just minutes from downtown. It features two separate playgrounds for different age groups, a paved 0.15-mile walking trail, and covered picnic shelters with grills. The fenced design and clear visibility make it a safe, convenient spot for parents to watch their kids while they play or practice riding bikes.
Beyond play, the park includes covered outdoor fitness equipment and amenities like restrooms and parking on both sides of the park. Its location near the Inman Library and local shops makes Leroy Mathis Park a perfect spot for a half-day outing, whether you’re visiting or live nearby.
Location: 50 Bishop Street, Inman, SC 29349
Sealy Park is a small fenced green space located near Inman Elementary School. It offers a swing set under mature shade trees. There is no designated parking area, and it is used primarily by local residents.
Location: 20 Sealy Circle, Inman, SC 29349
Looking for more places to play?
Check out our huge guide to great Spartanburg Parks beyond Inman!
If you are looking for biking, walking, and running all in one place, then you have to try out the Doodle Trail! Easley, SC decided to pave a route out of an old train track path, located in Pickens County, while also adding a park for kids to enjoy. If you love exploring Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail or The Mary Black Rail Trail in Spartanburg, you’ll want to check out the Doodle Trail.
If you are looking for more outdoor fun to be had in Pickens or Easley, Kidding Around has guides to spending the day in each town.
Spending Day in Pickens, SC | Spending a Day in Easley, SC
The Doodle Trail is an 8.5-mile Rail Trail that connects Easley and Pickens. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t learned of it until recently. That funny name kind of sticks with you once you hear it, though. The name of the trail is a remnant of the day when it was a working train track.
In 1898, the train service carried passengers and cargo back and forth between the towns, without the ability to turn around on its return to Pickens. So it scurried backward from Easley like a doodlebug, hence the name. The paved trail opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2015 and has only grown in popularity over the last decade!
We like parking where the original trailhead is at the Easley Doodle Park. The park has restrooms, a playground, a picnic area, and a place to rent bicycles for use on the trail. The trailhead, a mile-long extension, is closer to downtown near the Silos. My kids love the park, and we can’t visit the trail without stopping there.
There is a Little Free Library location, as well as the Born Learning Trail. According to the United Way of Pickens Website, “Born Learning Trails are interactive, walkable trails of signs for caregivers and children which foster early learning opportunities. Each sign suggests fun outdoor games designed to boost children’s language and literacy skills while helping families get active together.”
There are three more of these trails in the area:
There are so many things to see while you’re on the trail. On our last visit, I asked my kids to pretend we were pioneers and to look for things we could forage to eat. As I’m sure you can imagine, it was interesting. Kind of like a real-time Oregon Trail, minus rampant dysentery.
We found grapes, mysteriously hanging from trees over the trail. The kids loved looking for things we might eat if we were making our way across the frontier. We found a stream to drink from (not really, PLEASE do not do this), trees for shelter, and other ways to survive our imaginary trip. My kids got so creative, and it made the trail so interesting.
The trail is paved, wide, and very stroller and bike-friendly. We haven’t made it from one end to the other yet, but every time we go, we walk a little further before turning around. It’s made a great goal for the kids and me to go on a round-trip in one visit.
Doodle Trail
Railroad Street, Pickens, SC
You will have a blast when you Spend a Day in Easley, SC!
Love to bike? Check out these family-friendly biking trails near Greenville, SC for a biking adventure.
When it comes to ghost stories, most people picture creaky houses or misty graveyards. But in the Southeast, waterfalls have their own haunted legends.
From spectral maidens to mysterious portals, these cascades are said to hold more than rushing water.
If you’re looking for a new kind of thrill this fall, here are five haunted waterfalls within a day’s drive of Greenville, South Carolina. Visit them if you dare and let us know if you hear whispers over the roar of the rushing water.
Tucked inside Stumphouse Park, Issaqueena Falls is one of South Carolina’s most beautiful and eerie spots. Legend says an Indian maiden named Issaqueena leapt from the falls to escape capture and now haunts the area. Visitors sometimes claim to hear distant screams or feel sudden chills, even on hot summer days. While at the park, explore the pre-Civil War Stumphouse Tunnel, which has chilling ghost tales of its own.
Local lore says a doorway to another realm flickers behind Connestee Falls. Some believe the door once connected to a lost settlement hidden deep in the forest. Though the falls sit on private property, visitors can view them safely from a nearby overlook. No portal-hopping required. After your visit, stop by Cedar Mountain Outpost for a hearty meal or frosty beverage.
Deep in Pisgah National Forest, hikers whisper about a witch who guards Dismal Falls. Her eyes glow white, and she vanishes before anyone can get close. Those who’ve tried to reach the top report strange lights and an overwhelming sense of dread.
The trail is remote and rugged, so this one’s for seasoned explorers only.
Cherokee legend tells of the Little People, mystical beings who dwell in caves and crevices throughout Tallulah Gorge State Park. The little ones are mostly playful, though some tales describe them as tricksters. This is especially true if visitors disrespect their land.
Locals say the Little People gather near Hurricane Falls at night, hidden just out of sight among the rocks and mist.
Ruby Falls draws thousands of visitors for its breathtaking underground waterfall, but staff and guests alike have reported strange happenings. Lights flicker, bulbs unscrew themselves, and unseen hands tug at clothing.
Maybe it’s the cave’s damp air. Maybe it’s something else.
Ready to chase ghosts through the mountains? These haunted waterfalls promise beauty, mystery, and a few goosebumps along the way.
Which haunted waterfall would you most like to visit?
Want more haunted spots to visit?
Check out these Haunted Places in the Upstate
Inside: Discover why North Spartanburg Park (also known as Miracle Park) is one of the best parks in Boiling Springs for families with young children.
Quick Look at North Spartanburg Park
💲 Cost: Free admission and parking
🕘 Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
📍 Location: 1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316
🛝 Playground: Fully fenced, age-appropriate for preschoolers
🚶♀️ Trails: 0.5-mile paved walking trail
🏟️ Athletics: Baseball/softball fields, BMX track, fitness equipment
🍽️ Amenities: Picnic shelter and concessions during events
🚻 Restrooms: Onsite, located just past the playground
As a parent of young children, North Spartanburg Park is one of my favorite spots in the area, but it took me a while to understand it. First of all, while it is in the northern part of Spartanburg County, its address is actually in Boiling Springs. And then I found it was often going by another name—Miracle Park—so which is it? The answer: A bit of both!
North Spartanburg Park is the name of the larger park complex, but inside it, there is also another mini-park, this one called Miracle Park. Miracle Park is Carolina Miracle League’s adaptive sports area within the larger North Spartanburg Park, and it is designed specifically with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.
When you first pull into the parking lot of North Spartanburg Park, you’ll be on top of a hill overlooking the property. Fork to the left, and you’ll find the exercise equipment looking out over the larger sports complex. Follow the hill down to the right, and you’ll find even better parking, conveniently located next to all the best amenities for parents and kids.
I usually park next to the big sign for Miracle Park, as this leads into the playground. This fully fenced playground makes it easy to relax while keeping eyes on your kids, thanks to great visibility from one end to the other.
The play equipment is perfect for preschoolers, with some climbing elements that older toddlers and early elementary kids will also enjoy. Just be watchful, because a few higher areas may require closer supervision if you’re visiting with the littlest ones. There are sensory stations around the playset, as well as a swing set with standard swings, baby swings, and accessible swings.
One of my favorite features is the paved loop wrapping around the inside of the fence, which makes it so much easier to get in with a stroller. It provides a great space for kids to play with sidewalk chalk, scooters, and more within the safety of the fence. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the benches shaded by mature trees, and trash cans for easy cleanup inside the fence.
Just outside the gate, there is a small covered picnic shelter with a view of the playground—an ideal setup for birthday parties or family meetups! If your group is larger, there is another covered picnic shelter within walking distance. While you cannot see the playground from this picnic shelter, it does have the added convenience of being right next to the restroom facilities.
While enjoyed by families from every walk of life, Miracle Park inside North Spartanburg Park is a gift to the community from the special folks at Carolina Miracle League. This non-profit invites children with physical and other challenges to participate in organized athletics through its inclusive baseball league.
Miracle Park was custom designed to provide a safe and accommodating space for all children to play together, with features like a wheelchair-accessible synthetic turf for rounding the bases. Their fully fenced playground was also designed with inclusivity in mind, and features accessible swings, a ramp up to the playset, and multiple sensory stations.
Every player in the league is matched with a volunteer buddy, who supports them on and off the baseball field. If you have a child who might be interested in this experience, or if you might be interested in volunteering or coming to cheer on a game, then contact the Carolina Miracle League team at 864.641.7739 to find out more!
If you head back out to the parking lot from Miracle Park, you can look across it to see the larger sports complex. There are four ballfields with a beautifully flat, paved walking trail that runs in a half-mile loop around them. It’s wide enough for strollers, accessible, and perfect for parents looking to get in a walk while their kids ride scooters or bikes alongside.
There is a shallow swale which runs alongside the path to help channel rainwater away from the park’s amenities. If you’re letting your littlest family members run and walk alongside you, just keep a close eye so they don’t take a tumble into the mud or any standing water that might be left after heavy rains.
One of North Spartanburg Park’s most exciting features is hidden from sight unless you know where to look for it. Head back up to the top parking lot, and you’ll find Spartanburg County’s very own BMX track tucked beside it.
The BMX track is not currently available for use, but interested families can contact Spartanburg BMX to ask for any updates on the track’s reopening to the public. Spartanburg BMX is a member of USA BMX.
Address: 1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
Contact: Spartanburg County Parks
Less than 5 minutes from downtown Inman, Leroy Mathis Park is a fully fenced park with two kid-friendly playgrounds, a walking trail, and more for families to enjoy. Kidding Around’s own Sarah Burnett shares why this park makes the perfect addition to your day in Inman, South Carolina.
Quick Look at Leroy Mathis Park
💲 Cost: Free admission and parking
🕘 Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
📍 Location: 50 Bishop Street, Inman, SC 29349
🛝 Playground: Fully fenced, playsets for different ages
👟 Trails: 0.15-mile paved walking trail
🏟️ Athletics: Covered fitness equipment
🚻 Amenities: Picnic shelters, grills, and restrooms
Our family first discovered Leroy Mathis Park after a morning storytime at the Inman Library. This was one of the many weekly storytimes offered by Spartanburg County Public Libraries, and the staff there entertained our kids with great songs, stories, and even a coloring activity afterward. It was a fun start to our morning out, but we weren’t ready to go home!
After so much time indoors, I knew my oldest in particular would be itching for some sunshine. I looked up nearby parks on my phone, and the rest is history! Leroy Mathis Park is only two minutes from the Inman Library, and about the same distance from the heart of downtown Inman. Whether you live in Inman or are just visiting this wonderful city in Spartanburg County, Leroy Mathis Park will make an easy and worthwhile addition to your day!
If you are anything like me, you are ecstatic anytime you discover a new playground that is enclosed with a good fence. Kids are quick! And fences make any playground experience so much easier for parents and safer for the children to enjoy. Leroy Mathis Park is fully fenced with a gated entrance at each end, with parking areas on both sides.
Both gates can be latched shut and seen simultaneously from most spots in the park, including the two covered picnic pavilions. Another standout feature of this park is the excellent visibility from end to end, making it easy for parents to supervise their children no matter where they decide to play.
The park offers two fun playsets, one for preschoolers and one for ages roughly 6 to 12 years old. These playsets are a good distance apart, which can make a big difference in keeping kids in their age-appropriate areas. There are standard, baby, and accessible swings, as well as a concrete cornhole setup you can use if you bring your own beanbags!
Another thing that makes this park a family favorite? The easy, 0.15-mile paved walking loop inside the fence. When you add this to the clear visibility and wraparound fencing, it makes Leroy Mathis Park one of our top picks for little ones learning to ride tricycles, bicycles, and more. Plus, it gives parents and caregivers a convenient option to stretch their legs or get some steps in without ever losing sight of their kids.
For those wanting to exercise, don’t miss the outdoor fitness equipment, either. The equipment at Leroy Mathis Park is fully covered overhead, which means it does not get nearly as hot on sunny summer days or wet when it has rained. Just remember to keep children off the exercise equipment unless they are able to use it properly under your supervision.
Add in the restrooms, and this park really does check every box for families!
If you are planning to visit Leroy Mathis Park, I highly recommend bringing a few things to spend as much time as you can there! Water bottles and snacks are must-haves, because this will not be a quick visit with all there is to do. You can also make use of the grills and picnic shelters as long as they are not already reserved or in use.
In addition to all the play structures onsite, this park has tons of potential for other kinds of outdoor play. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to do a lot of these things in your own backyard or neighborhood. Consider beanbags for cornhole, anything with wheels to ride around the park, sidewalk chalk, squirt guns and bubbles in summertime, or empty containers to collect leaves and other treasures in cooler months.
Some visitors may also be interested in the military memorial onsite for Inman residents who served in the United States Armed Forces. You may want to be prepared to answer any questions your children might have about it, or even use the opportunity to help them appreciate the sacrifices necessary to live in a safe, free, and beautiful community like ours.
You can also plan to spend a whole day in Inman just by adding a little more exploration of the surrounding areas! The nearby library has a great Children’s Section for indoor fun, plus special events like storytime. Inman offers some great local shopping, too, at places like Gracie’s Boutique, The Maker’s Market, and Vintage Restore and More. If you’re looking for a meal, we highly recommend Kempson Rexall Drugs, an old-fashioned soda fountain and pharmacy which provide a casual, family-friendly dining experience.
Address: 50 Bishop Street, Inman, SC 29349
Hours: 7 am-9 pm in summer, 7 am-7 pm in winter
Contact: Spartanburg County Parks
Find more GREAT places to play in Spartanburg!
Inside: Find a list of haunted places near Greenville, SC to explore.
If you love a good scare, then these haunted places in Greenville, SC, and the Upstate will give you the heebie jeebies. Allow local parent, Chad, to tell you about some of the most popular haunted places in the Upstate and the legends behind them. Then, you can decide if you want to summon up the courage and visit these spooky places.
The start of October always helps jump-start the fall season. We start seeing lots of pumpkin spice goodies to eat and drink, leaves changing colors, ghosts, apple farms, orchards everywhere, and cooler temperatures. Wait, ghosts?!
If you’re inclined to be creeped out, scared, get the collywobbles, or in general dislike the paranormal activity, then this isn’t the article for you. On the other hand, if ghost stories and other supernatural occurrences are right up your dark spooky alley, you won’t want to just skim through this post!
The entirety of South Carolina has its fair share of ghost legends. From Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach, through Columbia, and up to Spartanburg, you will find ghost stories. For now, we’re going to focus on the Upstate. One of the fun aspects of Upstate ghosts is the huge amount of sightings and legends in Spartanburg.
From Hell’s Gate to Converse College, there are no shortages of opportunities to be found. Be advised that all claims hereafter are just that. Your experiences may vary at any site, and if you visit, be sure to follow all local ordinances.
Oakwood Cemetery in Spartanburg is considered by many as one of the most actively haunted places in SC. Known by the moniker of Hell’s Gate, the list of things that people claim to have experienced is lengthy. Cold spots, orbs, children’s laughter, rapidly drained batteries in electronics, plumes of smoke, fog, the feeling of being watched, and a young boy asking to be played with are all routine reports.
Live over near Converse College? Well, guess what, Converse College has a large list of paranormal activities.
South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, also in Spartanburg, is known to have the ghost of a woman who ran the school during the Civil War.
Foster’s Tavern, a historic landmark in Spartanburg has been known to have footsteps and sounds from empty staircases, and the sound of horses on the roof!
The Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville has guests report noises and knocks in empty hallways and seeing an old man in their room.
The Poinsett Bridge in northern Greenville County. While the bridge is not open to vehicle traffic, it is known to be open to mist, orbs, and intense feelings of dread. It is said to be haunted by several different ghosts.
The Greenville Tuberculosis Hospital isn’t there anymore. Some people knew it by another name, The Devil’s Castle. It was torn down many years ago. But it has a new name and many new visitors since Herdklotz Park was built on the same site. There are many theories as to why this area would be haunted. Some claim that most of the foundation and even some underground areas remain intact under the playground. Since the park opened, it seems much of the dread people report has gone. Often now people say they just hear things when the park should be quiet.
Springwood Cemetery in Northern Greenville County is said to be haunted by a woman named Fannie Heldmann after she drowned in the Reedy River, driven insane by her father’s attempts for her to marry his business partner. This cemetery has a lot of history, so it has creepy written all over it! It is considered by many to be one of the most haunted places in Greenville, SC.
Old Bramlett Road in Greenville is said to be haunted by the ghost of Willie Earle. He was killed by a mob in the mid-1940s. People have claimed to see a dark form come out of the woods and come towards them. They also are said to have heard sounds from a frenzied group of people.
On Highway 11, just on the Greenville side of the border with Pickens County grows an old, gnarled tree. The story is that a witch was buried there around the time of the Civil War, with a seedling marking the site. The tree is said to rarely bloom, never have animals in or nearby it, and that fallen leaves don’t land on the ground under its branches. To find this tree, you WILL have to hike. The general consensus, however, is that you don’t look for it and if you see it stay away.
Old Piedmont Highway in Greenville is known as the Ghost Road in some circles. There are stories of ghosts trying to warn people of dangerous turns on the road. People have also seen lights following vehicles late at night.
Near Rose Hill Plantation in Union County, there is an old steel bridge, and legend has it that in the 1950s a woman threw her baby off the bridge. Some people have heard a baby cry and others have also seen a woman yelling for her baby.
Seven Devils Bridge in Woodruff has a peculiar phenomenon attached to it. Reports are that at midnight exactly, people are unable to cross the bridge and break down crying. This bridge is not open for vehicles.
Cry Baby Creek Bridge in Anderson is said to be haunted because of the sounds of a crying baby that can be heard when walking the bridge at night. No thank you!
Three Bridges Road is located in Powdersville and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who roams the road screaming.
And again, please remember that if you want to check into any of these stories, PLEASE follow all local laws. Many locations are on private land, and it may not be safe to just wander about for many reasons.
If you’re looking for more spooky fun, check out our Haunted House, Trails, Woods & More Guide!
Explore the haunted history of Downtown Greer, SC with Greer Ghost Tours this October!
Are you looking for more haunted places near Columbia, SC?
Check out our 13 Spooky and Haunted Places to Visit Near Columbia, SC post.
Are you ready to visit some haunted places in Greenville, SC?
Greenville has made headlines and received national recognition for the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, but did you know the Upstate is also well-known for its mountain biking? With a dozen parks to choose from, there are options for all skill levels when it comes to mountain biking, Greenville, SC.
This article includes:
Places to Go Mountain Biking in Greenville County, SC
Places to Go Mountain Biking in Spartanburg, SC
Mountain Biking in South Carolina State Parks
Mountain Biking on the Palmetto Trail
More Upstate, SC Mountain Bike Trails and Parks
My family recently explored a few Upstate bike parks and trails with the goal of finding some new favorites. Having ridden the same local trails numerous times, the boys were getting bored. As parents, we also felt that reaching out beyond the familiar would boost their skill levels by giving them a bit of a challenge. That being said, we have one little that still needs a bit more experience before being set loose on his own, and a newborn – which means mom is hiking along more often than she’s on two wheels. With all those factors in mind, I set out to put together a list of places to go mountain biking with kids in the Upstate.
A factor that comes into play when we are choosing a park is whether there is an admission fee. If we are headed out for a quick bike ride, I would rather go to a free course – and save the parks with admission for a time we can spend the whole day there. I also pay attention to the difficulty level listed; for this article difficulty ratings are listed according to MTB Project.
Remember: always wear a helmet, ride within your ability, follow the local regulations, and respect trail and park closures.
This mile of mountain bike trail is just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, providing some urban trail that gives you the “out in the woods” feels.
There are 74 acres with numerous natural-surface trails open to mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding at this county park.
Over 6 miles of trail are located in this former state park that is located just off scenic Highway 11 in Cleveland.
Just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Travelers Rest, the bike park at Gateway has a pump track in addition to a technical flow track. The trail progression with the various challenges and terrains is designed to introduce riders to the sport while sharpening their skills. Bonus: littles can play on the playground while older children ride on the course.
Lakeside Park offers three trails that are linked with a central hub for a total of 6 miles.
Entrance fee: none
Difficulty level: easy to intermediate
Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park is located off the Mary Black Rail Trail near South Pine Street. The park has features for bikers of all skill levels including a pump track, dirt jump area, a boulder garden, and a perimeter trail.
Six miles of trail in the woods of Duncan Park feature plenty of jumps and pump turns.
This 116-acre urban preserve and trail system is located minutes from downtown Spartanburg.
The park is located in Inman and is managed by the Spartanburg County Parks Department. In addition to the mountain bike course, the park also has a disc golf course and a playground.
Check out our visit to Holston Creek Park for family mountain biking.
The Paris Mountain trails were the first trails my boys went mountain biking on! With 15 miles of hiking/biking trails in the park, there are sections appropriate for all skill levels. Please note that biking is not allowed on any of the trails on Saturdays.
Bike one or all of the more than 20 miles of mountain biking trails in the park! The multi-use Croft Passage of the Palmetto Trail is also located within the park.
The loop bike trail is 6 miles long with a trail rating of easy. Its location near I-85 makes this an appealing choice for residents of Anderson.
The 1.5-mile passage of the Palmetto Trail is a multi-use connector that serves as the gateway to the 10+ miles of mountain bike trail within Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park.
From Oconee State Park to Oconee Station State Historical Site, the passage drops about 1,000 feet for a challenging, one-way descent from ridgeline to cove.
The 12.6-mile Croft Passage is shared by hikers, cyclists, and equestrians! Please be advised that the bridge near the southern terminus washed out in February and has yet to be replaced.
Four miles of nature trails, camping, and first-rate mountain biking along a remote section of the Tyger River where Revolutionary War patriots defeated the British.
The 36-mile Passage along with the numerous trails on the Enoree Ranger District of Sumter National Forest provide extensive opportunity to experience biking on natural surfaces.
This is a local favorite in Pickens, SC! With everything from a pump track, dirt jumps, wall climbs, rollers, and singletrack, the park also has a multi-use paved trail that is great for the little ones to ride while their older siblings are on the mountain bike trails. A signed waiver is required.
This brand-new trail system in Central has more than six miles of singletrack tucked into the forest next to Southern Wesleyan University’s Central, SC campus. Open to hiking as well as biking, the park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
The trail system is divided into three primary areas: Fant’s Grove, Issaqueena/Keowee Heights, and Todd’s Creek. The trails are a component of a working forest used for teaching, research, and extension education for natural resource management while also allowing for recreational use. With dozens of routes to choose from, there is something for everyone.
This 6.7-mile trail in Gaffney is part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail which traces the route used by the patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780.
For learning more about individual trails and parks, I have found MTB Project to be a valuable resource. In addition to descriptions and photos of many of the trails, there are also ratings and recommendations to help choose a destination.
Another good resource is Bike Upcountry SC.
What are your favorite places to go mountain biking in the Upstate? Let us know if we missed anything!
Find more fun things to do outdoors.
Things to Do Outside Near Greenville, SC
Looking for adventures with your teens?
Try these Things to Do with Teens in Greenville, SC
If you have a kid who loves airplanes, then Runway Park near Downtown Greenville, SC is the best park ever! Please tell me you’ve been. There is a wonderful park, with swings, climbing structures, a paved trail for bike riding, and lots of different slides. But the best part is that you can watch small-engine planes take off while you play!
There is also a mini golf course in the same parking lot. What a win!
If your kiddo is obsessed with airplanes, Runway Park near Downtown Greenville is the perfect spot for a playdate. The best part? You can watch real planes take off and land while the kids play! 🛫
Here’s why you’ll love it:
✅ Airplane-themed playground with swings, slides & climbing structures
✅ A paved track for bikes & scooters (trust us—bring their wheels!)
✅ A real Boeing 737 body to walk through!
✅ Fenced-in for easy supervision
✅ Picnic areas & a family-friendly restaurant nearby
If your kid is super duper into planes, check out Spartanburg’s Downtown Memorial Airport Park. The park has a playground and even a free splash pad!
The charm of the place catches you from the moment you arrive. To enter the play area, you walk through the body of an airplane – which is actually the real body of an old Boeing 737. On the left, there is a set of play equipment for the smaller kids. On the right, there is another (pretend) plane to climb/sit on (it’s perfect for pictures). The playset for the older children is closest to the runway.
A track surrounds the area. Make sure to throw bikes and scooters in the trunk of your car. Had I known ahead of time about the track, we might have avoided a meltdown or two (or three). So I repeat, TAKE THEIR WHEELS! (You can shoot me a “thank you” email whenever you have time).
Everything is fenced in. The whole place. It is super easy to keep up with your tribe. And aside from a small gate door that leads to the café, there’s only one way in and out.
While the bright and colorful bars, slides, and swings are nice, that’s not at all my favorite part. I love all the green grass. Thankfully, on this day, I had my blanket in the van. If stretching out on a blanket isn’t your cup ‘O tea, there are a couple of picnic tables – which, btw, the picnic hanger would be a nice place to host a birthday party. Nearby the picnic shelter is a small building with restrooms, making getting to those potty breaks quick and easy.
Clearly, I give the playground at Runway two thumbs up. I would give it three if I had an extra!
You can make great use of the fact that the park is located beside a bustling airstrip. Check out some of the ways we have found helpful in linking a fun day at Runway Park with an educational lesson about physics.
Do your little ones love scavenger hunts or the game I-Spy? If so, they will love this unique photo scavenger park at Runway Park! Kids will have a blast using the photo scavenger hunt to find fun spots to play at Runway Park in Greenville.
Difficulty Level: Easy (This scavenger hunt is designed for small children 2-5.)
29 Airport Road Ext, Greenville, SC
Open daily from dawn until dusk.
Let me know what your favorite part of The Runway Park is!
You will find even more amazing parks and playgrounds in our KA Guide to Parks Near Greenville, SC!
You can play mini-golf at Take-off Mini Golf, an aviation-themed course at the Greenville Downtown Airport!
