Discover River Place Park: A Natural Hideaway in Lyman, SC

I was reminded of River Place Park on our family’s last visit to Middle Tyger Library. We were checking out their Seed Library, and as my kids ran around the Children’s Section, I realized it would be great if they could get their energy out. I asked the librarian what the nearest park would be, and she suggested River Place Park—literally in the library’s backyard!

Unless someone tells you about it, you would likely never discover this park. River Place Park is not visible from the street or even from the library entrance, and I had managed to completely forget about it until the librarian reminded me it was there! My kids and I headed straight for the door and took off around the side of the building to enjoy the natural escape that awaited us.

Getting There & Parking

River Place Park couldn’t be easier to access. Just put Middle Tyger Library into your map app, and park in their free public parking lot. Then walk around the left-hand side of the building to find a short staircase at the edge of the lot, which will lead you downhill into this quiet park.

For families with strollers, wheelchairs, or other accessibility needs, you can also go back down the driveway to the sidewalk that runs along Groce Road. This sidewalk will lead you directly into the park as it wraps around the back of Middle Tyger Library.

While the park is open dawn to dusk, I highly recommend visiting during the library’s open hours. That way, you can take advantage of their clean public restrooms and water fountains during your visit. You could even check out a book to take with you into the park!

Middle Tyger Library Hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 9 am –8 pm
• Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
• Saturday: 10 am –5 pm
• Sunday: 1–5 pm

Nature Play, Trails, and Riverside Views

If you follow the stairs from the library into River Place Park, you’ll find yourself at the top of a grassy hill overlooking the rest of the park. It is largely hidden from both the library and the street, but you might see the occasional person passing through on the walking trail if there aren’t already families enjoying the park. There are mature trees providing shade all over the place, several picnic tables scattered across the grass, and lots of fun terrain where kids can run, jump, and explore!

A wide, natural trail leads down the hill to your right, and then wraps back around to put you next to Tyger River. This is where you’ll find one of our family’s favorite features in River Place Park! Between the trail and the water, there’s a little hill covered in loose sand. My kids could have spent forever digging and playing on this one hill! When we visit again, I’m definitely bringing our sand toys!

There are a couple benches next to the hill, so you can easily supervise your kids without getting sandy yourself. Keep a sharp eye for water safety this close to the river. Because my kids are younger, I told them that they had to stay on the side of the hill closest to the benches.

The sand was entertaining enough for them, but older children will have even more fun running back and forth to the water! After we left the sand, my kids and I also got to enjoy looking for critters along another (less sandy) section of the riverbank.

For families using the accessible entrance to the park, you’ll be starting at the trailhead of the 0.3-mile walking trail, which is fully paved and level. This trail takes you right across the rushing Tyger River on a picturesque metal bridge, and it’s hands-down one of the best photo spots in River Place Park! Across the bridge, the short trail concludes at a small water treatment facility, just a little farther along Groce Road from where you originally started.

Tips for Visiting River Place Park with Your Family

• Visit during Middle Tyger Library’s open hours.
• Use the library’s restrooms before you go down to the park. Even if the kids say they don’t need to go, we all know how the sound of rushing water can change that!
• Keep a sharp eye on kids around the water. Tyger River isn’t very wide, but it is rocky, rushing, and deep not far from the shoreline, so don’t let kids play unsupervised.
• Pack water bottles, bug spray, and sand toys for the most fun by the water.
• Pack a picnic, bring a lawn game, or borrow a book to spend a day in the shade.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the water, sand, and trails.

Our Thoughts: Review of River Place Park

River Place Park is one of those under-the-radar spots that feels like such a pleasant surprise to discover. Whether you’re local like us or just passing through town, it’s a wonderful place to unwind, let kids roam, and enjoy a little slice of nature in Spartanburg County. Next time you visit Middle Tyger Library, don’t forget to take a few minutes (or a few hours!) to wander down to the river. You won’t regret it!

Address: 170 Groce Road, Lyman, SC 29365
Park Hours: Dawn to dusk, 7 days a week
Parking: Free in library parking lot
Park Website
Trail Information