Archive for the ‘Things to Do Outside’ Category

Burrells Ford Campground: No Reservations Needed at This Remote Campground Near Scenic Waterfalls

Looking for a campground that doesn’t require reservations months ahead? The Burrells Ford area is a great home base for a weekend of adventure, and KAG contributor Liene has all the details. You’ll find waterfalls, hiking, and an excellent campground at Burrells Ford Campground!

⛺What You’ll Love about Burrells Ford Campground:

No reservations needed: First-come, first-served means you can plan a last-minute weekend without the stress.
Two stunning waterfalls, great fishing, and miles of trails: Everything is close to your campground!
Far enough to feel wild, close enough to make it by Friday night: about 90 minutes from Greenville.

Burrells Ford Campground: A convenient location and interesting background

Despite being in a remote corner of the state, Burrells Ford remains a crossroads: historical and natural. The old wagon road (and later logging road) that forded the Chattooga was replaced with gravel Forest Service Road 708 (FS 708 or Burrells Ford Road) in 1968, allowing access to the section of the state bordering Georgia and North Carolina. Here, the Foothills Trail intersects with the Chattooga Trail and East Fork Trail. Ellicott Rock Wilderness overlaps the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor.

Spur trails to Burrells Ford and Spoonauger Falls depart from multiple trailheads. And three National Forests – the Chattahoochee-Oconee, Nantahala, and Andrew Pickens ranger district of Sumter National Forest – converge to form one giant natural area.

But the region remains wild. Isolated, winding mountain roads require 1 ½ hours driving time to reach the campground from Greenville, including the last 3 miles on gravel Burrells Ford Road. At one point, those wishing to camp at the Burrells Ford campground could drive right to their campsite, but all that changed when the Chattooga River received the “Wild & Scenic” designation in 1974.

Now parking is in a lot just off the gravel road, and requires a ½ mile hike down the old roadbed to reach the campground.

How to Find the Campground and Nearby Trails

The confluence of trails can provide some confusion, and the mileages can be hard to pin down. There are two parking areas: one for the campground, and a second closer to the Chattooga on the edge of Ellicott Rock Wilderness. The Chattooga Trail (blazed green) stays along the river through the campground and emerges at this second parking area, while the Foothills Trail (blazed white) curves away from the river south of the campground and emerges adjacent to the campground parking area.

There are several connector trails from the Foothills Trail to the Chattooga Trail, as well as additional spur trails to the waterfalls. Add in to that East Fork Trail leading to the only other road in this corner of the state (Fish Hatchery Road), and a not-very-accurate map posted at the trailheads, and you have an idea of why you need to come prepared with a good map if you’re planning on doing any hiking.

We used National Geographic’s Sumter National Forest map on our Chattooga Trail hike, but later I utilized a Forest Service map to make a more detailed version of the campground area, as seen here.

Map of Burrells Ford area in South Carolina — Map of Burrells Ford campground area, as adapted from USFS map.

About The Burrells Ford Campground

Close enough to Greenville that you would still have daylight to set up camp after a Friday evening arrival, or you could pitch camp Saturday and then spend the day exploring. Just make sure to park at the first parking area (for the campground), and then follow the road down to where you’ll have your pick of tent sites.

You’ve got bear-proof trash receptacles near the restrooms (in reality pit toilets, but luxurious compared to the alternative), and picnic tables, lantern posts, fire rings & bear poles in each campground. Some of the sites are right along the Chattooga, while others are scattered through the woods.

Remember to pack appropriately, as your return trip will be all uphill. The walk in possibly deters a portion of the car campers, and the campsites cannot be reserved ahead of time; plan accordingly.

Ellicott Rock in South Carolina — Ellicott Rock

Things to do Near Burrells Ford Campground

Hiking

From the campground, take a hike to Ellicott Rock Wilderness following the Chattooga Trail; Ellicott Rock is about 4 miles north (one way), but scenic Spoonauger Falls is less than a mile. Or, head south on the Chattooga/Foothills Trail, destination Oconee State Park (16.4 miles), Ridley Fields (11.8 miles), the Bartram Trail junction (8.1 miles) or Cherry Hill campground (about 10 miles). Of course, you could just go ahead and hike the rest of the Foothills Trail – 59.8 miles to Table Rock State Park!

Views of the Chattooga River in South Carolina — Chattooga River

Fishing

Burrells Ford is the gateway to some of the most premium trout water in the Southeast. The SC DNR stocks the river with rainbow, brown, and native brook trout grown nearby at the Fish Hatchery. The river is easily accessed from Chattooga Trail & most of the campsites, and even in October, the boys were happy to get their feet wet.

Waterfalls

The high point of a stop at Burrells Ford is the proximity to two of the most picturesque waterfalls in South Carolina, King Creek Falls and Spoonauger Falls. King Creek Falls is just west of the campground, and is a 70-foot, tiered waterfall that is less than a mile, round-trip (about 1.4 there and back if you’re starting at the campground parking area). Spoonauger Falls is a 50-foot beauty, a short hike up a series of switchbacks from the Chattooga Trail.

King Creek Falls in South Carolina — King Creek Falls

This post was originally published on the blog Femme au Foyer.

Want to see more camping spots? There are a lot more options, and you’ll find some of our favorites here: Kidding Around’s Guide to Camping in Greenville, SC

(2026) Where to Go Strawberry Picking: Greenville, SC and the Upstate

Looking for a place to go strawberry picking? Greenville, SC and the surrounding area have over a dozen farms just waiting for you to pick those juicy berries! If you don’t like doing the hard work yourself, you will also find farms that have prepicked berries for you. Here’s the inside scoop about which local farms to go strawberry picking in Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Anderson areas.

pick your own strawberries near Greenville, SC

And since we know how much you all love maps, we made one for all these strawberry farms:

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It’s Berry Season! Celebrate With These Berry Festivals Near Upstate, SC

Are you planning to celebrate the berry season with one of the many berry festivals near Greenville, SC? The Strawberry Festival in South Carolina is always a hit! Plus, we have berry festivals in North Carolina, and Georgia that are worth a visit. What better item to celebrate with a festival than juicy, sweet berries?

Strawberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries are celebrated nationwide; luckily, we have a handful of festivals that are accessible to the Upstate! If you’re a huge fan of these vitamin-packed gems, you can plan your summer vacation to include part of a festival a little further from home!

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Hiking Jones Gap With Kids

Have you tried hiking Jones Gap State Park?
Just 25 miles from downtown Greenville is a breathtaking scene of mountain forest greenery. Here, boulder-hopping, waterfall viewing, trout fishing, primitive camping, and more await as you stare up in wonder at the Eastern Continental Divide. Hiking Jones Gap is fun for all skill levels and groups as there are trails for everyone, usually with a waterfall find!

Parking at Jones Gap is limited, and weekend and holiday visitors must reserve a parking space online to guarantee entry. You can make a reservation here. Due to high demand, parking sells out frequently on weekends in the spring and early summer, so please plan ahead. Parking is always first-come, first-served on non-holiday weekdays.

The cost to reserve a parking space is $5. Spots will be held until 1 pm. No lines will be allowed to form at the gate of the park. Once the park is at capacity, the gates will be closed and not open until 1 pm. You can check to see if parking is full before your visit.

Check out more of the best state parks in South Carolina!

Hiking with kids at Jones Gap State Park

Want more tips on places to hike in the Upstate? Check out our list of best places to hike with toddlers and young kids.

What to expect at Jones Gap

As you enter the park, you’ll immediately come upon the beautiful Middle Saluda River as it winds its way through the forest, babbling around corners and cascading over boulders. Many strenuous trails lead to waterfalls throughout the park, including the beautiful (but strenuous) trail which leads to Rainbow Falls. It’s even possible to hike from Jones Gap to Caesars Head (just not recommended with tots).

Luckily for families with little ones, a popular moderate trail follows the river to a waterfall, allowing hikers to enjoy the river every step of the way. This trail is a small portion of the Jones Gap Trail, and it leads to Jones Gap Falls.

For a round-trip hike of three miles out and back, it has a lot to offer! Boulders are strewn about the moderate trail which has always proved very entertaining for my kiddos. They hop, scale, and launch off left and right. There is, of course, the river. Always available for a cool dip or a nice picnic.

And eventually, there is the waterfall “reward”! A fan waterfall splashes over a 50-foot drop, spilling over a staircase of granite ledges and misting little faces with excitement. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a few hours on this lovely trail with your kiddos. The trail is so beautiful that if your kids can’t stick it out to the falls, nothing will be lost alongside that gorgeous river.

Parking at Jones Gap

There are only a few parking spaces available at Jones Gap. The park requires parking space reservations on the weekends and holidays. No line is allowed to form at the gate. Unused spots open at 1 pm. If I were to haul my kiddos out there and find the parking lot full, I’d plan on hopping over to Table Rock or Caesars Head as a backup plan.

Plan your own trip!

Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta
864-836-3647

$6 for adults, $3.50 kids 6 – 15, kids 5 and under are free

9 am – 8 pm during Daylight Savings time, 9 am to 6 pm the rest of the year.

5 Places That Anyone Who Loves Nature Will Want to Visit in Spartanburg, SC

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor space in Spartanburg? We gathered our five favorite spots to enjoy nature with our children. Our list includes a garden, a park with a gazebo, and a park that overlooks a lake.

Looking for more fun things to do in Spartanburg?

Be sure to check out our Spartanburg guide!

My family loves to spend time outdoors together. We feel fortunate to live in a place with so many great outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and great temperatures. Now that spring has truly arrived, we’re spending more and more time outside.

No matter what part of Spartanburg County you live in, you’ll find beautiful outdoor spaces for your family to explore. Whether it’s a park, lake, garden, or boisterous downtown restaurant, there is something outdoors for everyone. For even more fun ideas, see our giant list of things to do outside in Spartanburg.

Outdoor spaces in Spartanburg Hatcher Gardens

Cleveland Park

Cleveland Park is right in the center of Spartanburg. This park is a quiet gem in the middle of the city with a lake, swings, a playground, and walking trails. There are plenty of spaces for picnics and room for kids to roam and explore. In addition to the accessible playground, the park is a beautiful setting. So much so, that it is frequently used for special events and weddings.

141 N. Cleveland Park Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Admission: Free

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

We love Hatcher Garden & Woodlawn Preserve on the Westside of Spartanburg. Located off John B. White Sr. Boulevard, you might have even passed the garden without realizing it was there. If so, you’ve been missing out! This is a free public garden, once again, right in the middle of Spartanburg. You might even say it’s “hidden.” The gardens have beautiful trails to explore with waterfalls, flowers, butterflies, observation decks, and more.

820 John B. White Sr. Blvd.
Spartanburg, SC 29304

Admission: Free

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen

There are several wonderful lakes to visit around Spartanburg County, but even if you don’t own a boat, Lake Bowen’s Anchor Park is a welcoming outdoor space in North Spartanburg. With an excellent enclosed playground that overlooks the lake, you can enjoy great views while your kids run free. Plus, there are picnic tables and grills available. It is also a great spot to find geese, so be prepared to get up close and personal with some feathered friends as you walk around the park.

8515 Hwy 9
Inman, SC 29349

Admission: Free

Croft State Park

Did you know that Spartanburg is home to one of South Carolina’s largest state parks? Croft State Park, on the Eastside of Spartanburg, is only five minutes from downtown. This park is huge! It has miles of trails for exploring, whether by foot, bike, or horse! It has equestrian trails.

In addition to all the outdoor trails to explore, there is also a huge lake for fishing and other water activities. Plus, families can extend their visits by camping onsite. The park also hosts regular programs and events. See the Croft State Park website for more details.

450 Croft State Park Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29302

Admission: $3 for adults | $1 for children 6-15 | Free for 5 and under

Cottonwood Trail

Cottonwood Trail is a nature preserve that protects a wonderful outdoor space near downtown Spartanburg. Recognized as an “urban green space,” Cottonwood Trail allows visitors to spend time outdoors while remaining close to the city.

The trail is clearly marked and is easy for even the littlest hikers, and they will love trekking across the various footbridges. While on the trail, you should expect to see plenty of wooded areas and wildlife, but you should also spend some time visiting the other connected trails that are part of the preserve, such as the Wetlands Trail.

Accessed off Beechwood Drive (off Fernwood Drive)
Spartanburg, SC 29307

Admission: Free

For those looking for other outdoor spaces in Spartanburg, don’t forget that downtown Spartanburg offers plenty of outdoor dining options, as well as Sparkle City Mini Putt.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Spartanburg?

Find more outdoor fun nearby!
Here’s a list of 34+ SUPER Fun Things to Do Outdoors in Greenville, SC

Moving to Greenville: Neighborhoods with Pools to Enjoy This Summer

Are you looking to move to Greenville neighborhoods with pools? If you’re shopping for a home and looking at neighborhoods that offer pools as part of their amenities, you’ve come to the right places. We’re listing where to find pools in Greenville below. The real estate market is booming in Greenville, so why not pick a beautiful home in a neighborhood that has a pool you can enjoy with the kids in the summer.

Moving to Greenville? Be sure you read our full guide to what you need to know when you move to Greenville, SC!

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Explore This 110 Year-Old Covered Bridge: Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Have you been thinking about checking out Campbell’s Covered Bridge? This bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. At this Greenville County property, you can explore the bridge, enjoy a picnic by the creek, and even get in a short hike. Personally, this is one of my favorite destinations for a quick nature reset in the Greenville area.

Watch! Our Visit to Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Campbell’s Covered Bridge was built in 1909 by Charles Willis Irwin. Signage in the park says the bridge was named for Lafayette Campbell who owned the land at the time of its construction. Today, it is owned by Greenville County and the property has been turned into a small but lovely park.

Where is Campbell’s Covered Bridge?

171 Campbell Covered Bridge Road
Landrum, SC 29356

While the bridge address is in Landrum, it is really quite close to northern Greer and Taylors. As you pull into the main entrance of the park off Pleasant Hill Road (114) you’ll pull directly into a gravel parking lot. My GPS wanted me to turn onto a private road before I was quite to the parking lot for Campbell’s Covered Bridge. I just had to continue driving a few seconds before I saw the well-marked entrance.

As soon as you open your car door you’ll hear Beaverdam Creek and feel like you are off relaxing by a mountain creek somewhere much, much farther away. We’d had a rough morning and opening that door was like instant calm. You’ll see Campbell’s Covered Bridge from the parking lot, as it crosses the creek.

What can you do at Campbell’s Covered Bridge?

Hike the Trail

This park has a beautiful half-mile nature trail. It is unpaved and not suitable for strollers. While it is a bit hilly it is definitely walkable for little ones. You’ll walk along the creek and turn up a hill and around to a clearing on a hill with a pretty view of the bridge and some benches. The path continues on through the woods and exits at the parking lot.

Explore the Bridge and Creek

The bridge is open to walk on and you can get down to the creek from either side of the bridge. The creek is shallow and fairly wide with lots of flat rocks to sit on while you look at the water. This area is all shaded by trees making it quite cool.

Have a Picnic!

Off to the side of the bridge along the creek is the foundation from the grist mill that was located on this property. It’s fun to explore and quite picturesque. There’s a picnic table in the center of this foundation, which we thought was a pretty spectacular place for a picnic.

You’ll find other picnic tables spread around the property, as well as benches throughout the park, both in the shade by the creek and up on the hill in the sun. While there are lots of great picnic spots here, there are no restrooms, so you’ll want to plan ahead for that.

This park also doesn’t have a playground. But the kids will be entertained hunting around the banks of the creek, examining the bridge, and walking on the trail. There are also some great spots with the perfect scenery for family photos at this park.

Tip From A Reader: About 6 miles from the covered bridge, is David Jackson Park. You’ll find bathrooms and a playground at David Jackson Park. Swing by before or after your visit to the covered bridge for some playtime and a restroom!

Campbell’s Covered Bridge: Quick Review

Favorites:

Covered Bridge
Creek to explore
½ Mile Nature Trail
Sunny spots and shady spots

Drawbacks:

No playground
No restrooms

This park is a great stop to enjoy the outdoors for an hour or so. Sure, it doesn’t have a playground, but the other unique features add some variety to a typical park day. We love this one for its woodsy feel and of course the bridge and the creek. So check it out and let us know what you love about Campbell’s Covered Bridge!

bullfrog at Campbells Covered Bridge — Bullfrog by the creek at Campbell’s Covered Bridge

For even more amazing options, see our huge Guide to Outdoor Things to Do Near Greenville, SC.

Have you visited Campbell’s Covered Bridge?

Feeling at Home at Happy Hollow Park

One of Spartanburg’s lesser-known parks, is also one of its best. Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Converse Heights, Happy Hollow Park spans one block at the corners of S. Fairview and Glendalyn Avenue. Small and secure, Happy Hollow Park provides a safe and shady place for children of all ages to play.

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The Best Places to Go Kite Flying Near Greenville, SC

If you are looking to go kite flying near Greenville, SC, then these places will help you out! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, breezes are blowing, and the children are begging to get back outside. It’s finally springtime in Greenville and conditions are becoming ideal for long weekends at beautiful parks, backyard cookouts, and most importantly: kite flying!

Where to go for kite flying near Greenville, SC

Read about the best places in Greenville to fly a kite below.

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Upstate, SC Birds: Go Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve

Have a love for the birds of Upstate, SC? My family enjoys visiting Conestee Nature Preserve, not just because of its wonderful play areas, but for its easy trails teeming with wildlife, especially birds. I didn’t realize until recently that Conestee Nature Preserve is an Upstate, SC, birds-watcher paradise with over 200 different species.

Birds and Birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

I’m so excited that Paul Serridge from the Greenville County Bird Club (GCBC) shared information about the birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and the presentations and free guided bird walks they offer the Greenville community.

Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve

There are currently 1,138 species of birds on the ABA (American Birding Association) checklist for the Continental U.S. and Canada. There are 472 species on the official bird list for South Carolina. And there are 226 species on the checklist for the Conestee Nature Preserve!

In other words, a birding bonanza is right here on your doorstep in Greenville, SC. Of course, many of the birds found at Conestee are common and some will visit backyard feeders or eat insects from your yard.

Some common birds of South Carolina you may catch a glimpse of at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve include Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinals, Chipping Sparrows, Blue Jay, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Headed Nuthatch, Red Shoulder Hawk, Mourning Dove, European Starling, American Robin, and the star of the park, the Great Blue Heron.

You can see many of these birds in fall and winter, so you can visit any time of year and still go birding at Conestee Nature Preserve.

Free Guided Bird Walks at Conestee Nature Preserve

The Greenville County Bird Club offers free guided bird walks on the third Saturday of each month at Conestee Nature Preserve. You find more details on the outings page of the GCBC website. Be sure to check the website before heading out, because the club occasionally adds walks or changes dates. You don’t have to be a GCBC member to participate. Please note that minor children should be accompanied by an adult.

Birding Events at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

In addition to exploring the beauty of the Preserve, you can also attend any of their events. They offer small community events and youth programs. Their annual events are larger in size and include Hops & Herons in the fall and the Great Blue Gathering in the Spring. They also offer occasional bird-watching outings. Stay tuned to their Events page for more details.

Blue Heron nests at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve — Blue Heron Nest at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Check out our full Conestee Nature Preserve Guide before heading out on your bird-watching trip.

More Birding Opportunities

Want to see an incredible hawk migration? You can visit Caesar’s Head in the fall for the hawk watch.

Sassafras Mountain is another great place to catch the fall hawk migration.

Have you been birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve? We love seeing the Blue Heron nests!

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Archive for the ‘Things to Do Outside’ Category

Burrells Ford Campground: No Reservations Needed at This Remote Campground Near Scenic Waterfalls

Burrells Ford Campground: A convenient location and interesting background

How to Find the Campground and Nearby Trails

About The Burrells Ford Campground