Are you looking for an awesome playground to visit without leaving Greenville? Gower Estates Park has a zip line and plenty of shade, making it an excellent choice for your next park day!
I had never been to Gower Estates Park until we were invited to a birthday party there. This little park is secretly tucked away just off Lauren’s Road. If you’re like my kids, you call it “the park with the tank”. Yes, it has an army tank and the kids can climb all over it. #funpictures! Gower has some great tennis courts and a couple of very nice baseball fields.
The Playground at Gower Estates Park
The best part is the playground equipment! The set boasts a two-level jungle gym with a slide. Next to it is a fun hanging merry-go-round sort of thing. (Try it and see if you can hang on!)
A Zipline
And last but not least, the feature that will provoke endless giggles and be the reason why you return to the park, is a zip line. Picture the zip line everyone waits for at Hertklotz, but five times longer and you get to sit on it. So much fun! My kids even forgot that it was 93 degrees for a few minutes. I’m guessing this is our new request for go-to parks.
Parents, here’s your takeaway on the new digs. Metal poles are made with this material that doesn’t get hot in the sun. Fresh mulch is not dyed, so don’t worry about stains on clothes. There is a cover on the playground and lots of trees so there’s plenty of shade. And the main attraction for parents? The bathrooms are generally clean!
Disc Golf, Tennis Courts, and Picnic Shelters to Rent
Not only does Gower Park have an excellent playground, but it also has softball fields, basketball courts, tennis/pickleball courts, and more. There is also a 9-hole disc golf course that is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids.
You will also find a paved walking trail, perfect for pushing a stroller or taking your young kids out to practice riding their bikes or scooters.
If you want to rent a shelter at Gower Park, you can for birthday parties, special events, or family gatherings. They offer half-day or full-day rentals, with 5 covered picnic shelters available.
Visit Gower Estates Park
Gower Park 24 Evelyn Avenue, Greenville Open daily 6 am – 9:30 pm
What is your favorite thing about the renovated Gower Estates Park?
Local mom Andrea Beam reviews Long Shoals Wayside Park, a natural water slide in Pickens, SC. For more local natural swimming areas see our list of Swimming Holes near Greenville. Please remember that swimming in rivers is often “swim at your own risk” and presents unique hazards, such as rocks and strong currents. This is a helpful list of safety advice for swimming in natural settings.
Water Advisory at Long Shoals Wayside Park
Long Shoals remains a popular spot for locals to play in the water. However, for quite some time DHEC has placed a swim advisory at Long Shoals, due to bacteria in the water. This is a long-term advisory similar to the one in place at Falls Park and the Reedy River. According to DHEC, the water is not safe for swimming.
The following article is for information purposes only, because we know the Upstate still looks for information on Long Shoals. We do not recommend ignoring the swimming advisory from DHEC and we remind all parents and guardians to consider safety first.
About Long Shoals Wayside Park
It is no secret that I live to find free/cheap activities to enjoy during the summer. Well, folks, Long Shoals Wayside Park has landed itself at the top of my favorites list.
I would describe it as the hidden gem of the Upstate. I’ve lived in Greenville my whole life (all twenty-five years) and I had no idea it existed. You and your kids don’t want to miss out on this natural water slide.
Things to Know if You Visit Long Shoals Wayside Park
Carry flops in your bag, but don’t wear them to walk down the hill. It’s a bit steep. Water shoes are the best idea although plenty of people walking around the waterslide and pools with no shoes.
The park is in a hole in the mountain and the sun is brutal. There is little shade on the rocks. Unless you plan on tanning or swimming, you will be hot. Once the sun moves around, it is much more pleasant. However, no matter when you go, you will have fun. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and plenty to drink. (With that in mind, remember that whatever you carry down the hill has to go back up, and that’s no easy task). We brought towels, which were handy.
We saw other people with portable chairs, coolers, and even small grills.
There is a Porta John but it’s kind of gross. If you have boys, you’re good to go because you’re in the woods, but if you have girls, be creative. That is my only complaint. I’m not a fan of portable bathrooms, so we were up a creek. Literally.
We had a great time sliding without floats, but if you’re interested in a faster ride, you’ll want to bring one. Tubes seemed to be the most popular floating device.
I wasn’t too worried about snakes, but I’m sure they are around. It is pretty open and the water is clear enough so you can see where you are swimming and what’s swimming with you.
My own personal preference is to carry a life vest or floaties for younger children. JP swims pretty well without assistance, but there are a few places, (as you’re sliding), that could potentially land you under a rock. As with any place with rushing water and rocks, be careful where you step since the rocks are deceptively slippery.
There are picnic tables in the wooded area at the top of the hill. We ate our lunch before walking down to the slide. Once you walk down, you won’t want to walk back up until you’re ready to leave.
Unlike traditional water parks, all Long Shoals Wayside Park costs you is the gas it takes to get there. If you’re coming from Greenville, the park is past Table Rock and before Lake Jocassee on Highway 11.
Plan Your Visit to Long Shoals Wayside Park
Just off Scenic HWY 11, Pickens
Have you been? If so, feel free to leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts. Happy sliding!
Meet Andrea Beam
Andrea Beam works for the Greenville County School System, but her passion is writing! Greenville has always been her home. Her family enjoys exploring everything the town has to offer. She blogs at Sunshine & Rain.
Named one of South Carolina’s Seven Wonders by the South Carolina 7 Expedition, the beautiful Chattooga River region is full of recreational opportunities for Upstate families, including hiking and swimming at a sandy beach! KAG contributor Liene tells us what we need to know about the area and one of the main attractions, Bull Sluice.
Have you visited Twelve Mile Recreation Area, a Clemson City Park on Lake Hartwell? Grab the swimsuits and those inflatable tubes because local mom Liene brought her kids for swimming and found a park full of family-friendly amenities that make it a great spot to spend a summer day. Here’s why you should visit and what to expect!
After our exploration of the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and the SC Botanical Gardens in Clemson we needed to cool down, so we headed a few minutes north to the northernmost tip of Lake Hartwell for several hours spent in the water and the sun at Twelve Mile Recreation Area.
Parking costs just $5 per car. This is valid for all day use but if you want to exit and then come back in, you have to pay another $5.
The Beach Area at Twelve Mile Recreation
The sandy beach combined with the scenic setting on Lake Hartwell made for a pleasant locale for a summer day full of play. Swimming is allowed, but there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is at your own risk. No pets allowed on the beach.
The beach is closed October – April 1.
The beach area has a playground with plenty of shade in the park for hot summer days. Many picnic shelters are available with tables, too, if you need a break from the sun.
A boat ramp allows for access to the 962 miles of shoreline. Annual boat ramp passes are required and are $75 for Pickens County residents and $150 for non-residents.
As far as swimming in man-made lakes goes, I find this to be one of the nicest beaches in the Upstate. The proximity to Clemson makes for an easy stop if in the area, or a perfect day trip if coming from Greenville or elsewhere in the Upstate.
About Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. The Hartwell Project originated with the goals of hydro-power, flood control, and navigation. It was only later that recreation, water quality, water supply, and fish & wildlife management were added, and today there are nine campgrounds and 15 day-use facilities operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Hartwell.
Plan your own trip
Parking is $5 per car when purchasing a daily pass on-site. You can also purchase an annual pass and receive a gate code to enter the park up to two times in one day. Annual passes are $40 for Pickens County residents and $120 for non-residents. For an annual pass, fill out the form on the Clemson City Facilities website.
Restrooms are available in the park. No pets allowed on the beach.
Hours are 6 am – 11 pm and the beach is closed October – April 1.
Love a good cup of coffee? Scändi Tiny Coffee is located in the Lake Walk Tiny Home Community off of Highway 101 in Greer, SC. With a full lineup of coffee drinks and Scandinavian pastries and a gorgeous outdoor setting, Scändi Tiny Coffee is a great place to stop off for a coffee date or a family treat.
Are you one of the working parents out there who feels like they are missing out on the fun events in Greenville with their children due to long work hours or a full-time job? Our Working Parents Guide includes a variety of activities and ideas to maximize your time away from work, so you can have more worry-free fun with your kids.
Ideas You’ll Find in This Article: 🟢 Top Things to Do with Kids After 5 PM 🟢 Kid-Friendly Places Open Late 🟢 After-Work “Date” Ideas with Your Kids 🟢 Drop-In & Full-Time Childcare Options 🟢 Quick Meals & Family Dinners 🟢 Grocery Delivery & Curbside Pickup 🟢 House Cleaning Services 🟢 Cafés Where You Can Work & They Can Play 🟢 Places to Recharge (Because You Deserve It)
A Working Parent’s Guide: Choose a Category for Guidance
This guide is written for working parents who can’t do things with their kids during the typical 9 am – 5 pm workday. We recognize your struggle and we want to help! Below you will find events, activities, childcare, services, and ideas to maximize the time you do have with your children outside of work.
If you’re wondering “Where are the best and most beautiful places to kayak near me?”, then we have you covered! Kristina enjoys kayaking with her kids and lists out some great places to get on the water kayaking in Greenville, SC and the Upstate.
Lake Robinson
I can’t remember where my love of kayaking started but it’s been such a fun activity for my family in the Upstate that we go often in the summer.
I’ve been kayaking with my two kids since my youngest was about three years old. Admittedly, I was nervous the first time I took them out but once I got the hang of it, we had a blast.
I rented tandem kayaks (a double kayak with a jump seat, perfect for little kids) the first few times I went out with them but then got my own Perception tandem…and then bought a couple more.
I go every chance I can. So, if you love kayaking, Greenville, SC has plenty to offer!
If you like to SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), this list will be helpful also!
Tips for Kayaking With Kids
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Make sure everyone wears a PFD (personal flotation device). This is for the safety of all. PFDs are a hot topic in the kayaking community but it’s not a chance you want to take when kids are involved. Places that rent kayaks will almost always have them available.
Bring enough snacks and water. Smaller kids can’t paddle and you’ll need to occupy them if they get fussy if you can’t find someplace to beach the kayak and let them get out and play around in the water.
Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. I’ve gotten sunburned more times than I should have.
Have a map of the lake/river, whistle, and first aid kit for safety reasons.
Research the area ahead of time to know if you need a permit to kayak and if you can swim in the lake or not. We tell you here what we know about each location.
Lastly, Paddle SC is a great, local resource for paddling in the Upstate.
Places to Kayak Near Me: Upstate, South Carolina
Lake Placid in Paris Mountain State Park
No private boats on Lake Placid but canoe and kayak rentals are available for a small fee on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also swim there. The lake is really small and good for a beginner kayaker. Experienced kayakers will get bored.
Fees: Yes, you’ll pay a fee to enter the park unless you have a SC State Parks pass. Rentals are a separate fee. Address: 2401 State Park Road, Greenville Distance from Greenville: In Greenville
Saluda Lake
Saluda Lake is a 331-acre reservoir where you can stand up paddle board, kayak, and canoe. You can also rent kayaks from various outfitters at the lake. Launch at Buckskin Road in Easley for free access.
Fees: You can pay around $7 to put in at Fins on Saluda Address: 605 Motor Boat Club Road, Greenville Distance from Greenville: In Greenville
Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy in Table Rock State Park
Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy, a 36-Acre lake and a 67-acre lake (respectively) with a boat ramp on Lake Oolenoy. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available for rental on Pinnacle Lake for a fee and you can bring your own kayak to Lake Oolenoy.
This lake is a great kayaking spot and is a nice spot for a beginner’s skill level. Canoeing and kayaking with kids on Pinnacle Lake is a great memory maker!
Fees: You’ll pay a fee to enter the park unless you have an SC State Parks pass. Rentals are a separate fee. Address: 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens Distance from Greenville: 40 minutes
Lake Cunningham & Lake Robinson
Lake Cunningham and Lake Robinson, 200-acre and 800-acre lakes (respectively) are very calm and great for beginners. There’s a place to rent kayaks near the entrance to Lake Robinson.
Fees: A boating permit is required and costs $5 for residents per outing or $30 per year. Address: 2544 Mays Bridge Road, Greer (Lake Robinson); 2844 N. McElhaney Road, Greer (Lake Cunningham) Distance from Greenville: 25 minutes
Upper Saluda River
River Access Closures!
Access is no longer available at the Saluda River Dam OR the Saluda Outdoor Center. For information on accessing the Saluda River in these areas, visithttps://www.saludaoutdoorcenter.com/.
Paddling SC has several trips you can take on the 70-mile stretch of the Upper Saluda River around Greenville. The access points at Dolly Cooper Park and Timmerman Road are the ones I see most mentioned in local kayaking groups. A local business, the Saluda River Rambler, will shuttle kayakers and their boats along the river, which is a fantastic option. They also rent yaks!
Fees: None; separate fee for the shuttle Address: See access points for the Upper Saluda River Distance from Greenville: Dolly Cooper Park is 15 minutes from Greenville
Broadway Lake
A public boat ramp provides access to the 300-acre Broadway Lake in Anderson. Swimming is permitted.
Fees: $2 per boat launch fee Address: Between US 76 and SC 28, Anderson Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Lake Bowen
Lake Bowen is a sizeable 1,534-acre with two boat ramps and 33 miles of shoreline. This is a huge body of water, so plan accordingly. Read more about Lake Bowen in our KA review.
Fees: Daily boating fees range from $20-$40 depending on if you’re a resident of Spartanburg County. Address: 8515 Highway 9, Inman Distance from Greenville: 40 minutes
Boyd’s Millpond
Boyd’s Millpond is a small lake in Laurens County that is perfect for kayaks since boats with motors no larger than 15 horsepower are allowed here. There is one public access boat ramp.
Fees: None Address: Boat ramp is at Karl H. Dixon Memorial Park. The park is located on Boyd’s Mill Pond Road just off SC Highway 252. Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Green River
The Green River in Saluda, NC is great fun for a kayaking trip. We went tubing there and lots of people were kayaking, enjoying the smaller rapids. You’ll need to figure out how to get you and your kayaks back to your car though if you kayak this river since it’s a one-way, downstream route. Or you can call one of the local outfitters and arrange kayak rentals or transportation.
Fees: None Address: Put in at Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC Distance from Greenville: An hour
Green River
Lyman Lake
Lyman Lake is part of Spartanburg County Parks, kayakers are welcome to explore the water here. Boating is by permit only.
Fees: The fee for the watercraft is $60 a year for Spartanburg County residents, $120 a year for all other in county in-state residents Address: 200 Lyman Lodge Rd Distance from Greenville: 35 minutes
Lake Rabon
You can kayak at Lake Rabon, but swimming is not permitted within 100 feet of the park shoreline, dam, or any structures owned by Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC).
Fees: Permits are required for boating- $35 for non-county residents Address: The entrance to Lake Rabon is located on State Highway 252 in western Laurens County, approximately 5 miles from the Laurens District 55 High School, which is on US Highway 76. Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Lake Russell
Access the lake on the South Carolina side through Calhoun Falls State Park, which has a boat ramp. Swimming is permitted.
Fees: You’ll pay a fee to enter the park unless you have a SC State Parks pass and you’ll need your own kayak. Address: 46 Maintenance Shop Road, Calhoun Falls Distance from Greenville: An hour and 20 minutes
Lake Craig in Croft State Park
You can use your own kayak or rent one at Lake Tom Craig at Croft State Park. See what Maria thought about Croft State Park. Swimming is not permitted.
Fees: You’ll pay a fee to enter the park unless you have a SC State Parks pass Address: 450 State Park Cross Road, Spartanburg Distance from Greenville: One hour
Congaree Canoe Trail
Paddle through the scenic river, water trails, and floodplains at Congaree National Park in Columbia and see all kinds of wildlife like snakes, maybe a wild hog or two, turtles, owls, and even gators. Put in at the Kingsnake Trailhead or take a kayak tour with Carolina Outdoors. Read our review of Kayaking in Congaree National Park.
Fees: None Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins Distance from Greenville: 90 minutes
Congaree Canoe Trail
Lake Issaqueena
This lake is part of the Clemson Experimental Forest. Reader Emily alerted us to the location of the boat ramp:
“The boat ramp for Issaqueena Lake is on Issaqueena Lake Road. It’s a dirt road. I would suggest going in on the Six Mile side. It’s not very far from the entrance of the road on that side. There is a creek crossing if you go in from the Central side. My VW Jetta can make it through the whole path so it’s not anything crazy that requires 4wd, although it would make the drive easier.”
Fees: None Address: Old Six Mile Road, Clemson Distance from Greenville: An hour
Lake Keowee
This 18,500-acre mountain Lake Keowee offers it all – boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. It’s a developed lake, which means there are tons of homes on the lake, which means a lot of boat traffic. Just be aware of this if you’re trying to kayak and don’t like big wake waves.
Fees: There are fees for county park access but nowhere else. Address: See this link for boat ramps and access points Distance from Greenville: At least an hour depending upon which boat ramp you use.
Lake Hartwell
Head to Lake Hartwell State Park for kayaking, where you can put in at one of the two boat ramps. Kayak rentals are available from local outfitters at the lake. This is also a really popular lake for larger boats so kayakers just need to be aware of the implications of wakes and other issues that present themselves when lots of boats are around. Swimming is permitted.
Fees: Small fee per person to enter the state park unless you have an SC State Parks pass Address: 19138-A Hwy 11 S, Fair Play Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Fees: The boating permit fee is $40 a year for Spartanburg County Residents, and $80 a year for all other in-state county residents. Address: 100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman Distance from Greenville: 35 minutes
Lake Cooley
Oconee State Park
Oconee State Park offers a swimming area and a lake to go kayaking. You can also rent kayaks and canoes.Read what a local mom thought of Oconee State Park.
Fees: Small fee per person to enter the state park unless you have an SC State Parks pass. Rentals are a separate fee. Address: 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest Distance from Greenville: 90 minutes
Lake Murray
There are three public boat ramps to Lake Murray through Dreher Island State Park. This is a busy lake so kayakers need to be careful when it comes to watching out for boats and large wakes.
Fees: Fee per person to enter the state park unless you have a SC State Parks pass Address: 3677 State Park Road, Prosperity Distance from Greenville: 90 minutes
Lake Murray
Sesquicentennial State Park
Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC has a small lake that’s perfect for trying out the sport. You can even rent kayaks at the park for just $5.
Fees: Park admission (free for State Park Pass holders, or $6 for adults and $3.75 for kids) plus $5 if renting a kayak. Address: 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia SC 29223
Lake Lure- CLOSED Due to Helene Damage
Where parts of Dirty Dancing were filmed, Lake Lure is just an hour from Greenville but feels a world away with the beauty of the area. There is a small beach there as well as boat ramps. You can also rent kayaks and other boats/paddleboards.
Fees: Non-motorized boat permits are $25/day or $50/week Address: 2948 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC Distance from Greenville: An hour
Lake Tugalo
A beautiful lake on the border of South Carolina and Georgia that is calm and serene. You can swim there. The boat ramp is also used by the whitewater companies to pick up the rafters so it’s fun to see all of them there (but it makes for less parking since they use big buses). Also, the road to the ramp is dirt, so it’s a little rocky.
Fees: None Address: Tugalo Boat Ramp, Bull Sluice Rd, Long Creek Distance from Greenville: 90 minutes
Lake Jocassee
If you love kayaking, Greenville, SC has one of the best spots to get out on the water within driving distance. If you made it through this list, then congratulations, you get to learn that Lake Jocassee is the best place to kayak in our area (if not the whole state). When I am looking for places to kayak near me, It’s my favorite.
It’s a lake of stunning beauty with a rainforest climate, that can’t be beat! The water is clear as can be and swimming is permitted. There are five boat ramps and public access is through Devils Fork State Park. You also can rent kayaks from local outfitters.
Fees: There is an entry fee per person to enter the state park unless you have an SC State Parks pass. Rentals are a separate fee. Address: 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem Distance from Greenville: 90 minutes
Lake Jocassee
Looking for more water fun?
Here are Upstate SC lakes if you need some other options for water recreation.
Looking to explore the Jocassee Gorges area with your family? There are opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors all over the Jocassee Gorges area. In addition to the swimming, boating and hiking you’ll find at area state parks, you’ll also find great hiking along the Jocassee Gorges portion of the Palmetto Trail called the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage.
Jocassee Gorges is a spectacularly beautiful area. National Geographic named this area one of the “50 of the Last Great Places” and the South Carolina 7 Expedition has given it the title of the 2nd Wonder of South Carolina. It’s one of the top beautiful places to see in South Carolina. To help you get out and see this beautiful part of South Carolina, we have details on hiking the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage, plus some opportunities to enjoy the Jocassee area if hiking is not your cup of tea.
Photos along the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage of the Palmetto Trail/Photo Credit: Liene Kukainis
Hike the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage in Jocassee Gorges
The Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage of the Palmetto Trail is a 12+ mile passage. Families can experience the wilderness of the trail by walking only a portion of the trail going down and back as KAG contributor, Liene, did with her family in the video below.
You can find out about the hike along the Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage in this video made by Liene, as she hiked this portion of the Palmetto Trail for the South Carolina 7 Expedition. In this video you’ll find:
Information on hiking the Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage
Sights and sounds of the trail
Animals you might see
Where to find the trailhead and parking
FAQ Hiking the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage of the Palmetto Trail
KAG’s Liene answers questions about hiking this passage of the Palmetto Trail.
What’s the name of the hike/trail? Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage of Palmetto Trail What age group can accomplish this hike? The whole thing is hard, but any age can do an in-and-out from Table Rock because you can tailor the length to your family How difficult is this hike? Length & terrain moderate to difficult How long did this hike take your family? 3 hours to hike 5 miles of it What things should people look for on the hike or in the area? Wildflowers, animals. A family saw a momma bear and cubs on the way in! What was the best part about the hike? or What makes this hike unique? The Jocassee Gorges are remote and rugged areas, with an abundance of native flowers and wildlife, mountaintop vistas, waterfalls, and an impressive boulder field. According to Native American legend, Jocassee means “Place of the Lost One,” and the Jocassee Gorges were named “One of the Last Great Places” by National Geographic. Address for the trailhead? What do people need to know about getting there? The passage begins at Pinnacle Pavilion (“The Barn”) in Table Rock State Park and travels through the Wesleyan Camp into the Jocassee Gorges. There is a fee to enter Table Rock State Park.
Enjoy the Jocassee Area Without Hiking
Want to explore Jocassee without a long hike? There are two state parks nearby where you can swim, wade, creek stomp and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Visit Table Rock State Park for swimming in Pinnacle Lake or wading at the Carrick Creek trail waterfall.
If a unique getaway or staycation is on your radar, Kristina stayed at a tiny house with the Saluda Outdoor Center on the Saluda River in Easley. It’s the perfect little overnight glamping trip to take a break from the world and she tells us all about it. Thank you to the Saluda Outdoor Center for hosting us.
Kidding Around Earns through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 when you book through links on this page.
Planning a tubing day trip? Bryson City, NC is home to Deep Creek tubing, a popular river tubing destination. With several places to rent tubes, plus local campgrounds, Deep Creek tubing is a great choice for a tubing adventure.
KAG’s Kristina Hernandez spent a day tubing with her kids. Here’s how her day went tubing at Deep Creek, plus some tips for planning your own tubing adventure.
