• GFS Level Up ad
  • FOA Banner Nov 2022
  • Prisma Header March 2023
  • YMCA Spring Sports Header 2023
  • IB Header Feb 2023
  • CCES April 2023 Header
  • SCCT Once on this Island

Posts Tagged ‘Parks’

Upstate, SC Birds: Birds and Birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Posted on | 1 Comment

My family enjoys visiting Lake Conestee Nature Preserve not just because of its wonderful play areas but for its easy trails that are teeming with wildlife. I didn’t realize until recently that Lake Conestee Nature Preserve is an Upstate, SC birds watcher paradise with almost 200 different species of birds.

I’m so excited that Paul Serridge from the Greenville County Bird Club has agreed to share with us more about the birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and the presentations and free guided bird walks that they offer to the Greenville Community. All of the following photos are taken by local Greenville County Bird Club member Don Faulkner and depict birds that you can look for at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Are you interested in birds and want to know more?

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Cedar Waxwing

There are currently 976 species of birds on the ABA (American Birding Association) checklist for the area covered by the Continental US and Canada.

Wood Duck at Conestee Park

Wood Duck (Photo Credit: Don Faulker) – learn more about the Wood Duck

There are 472 species on the official bird list for South Carolina.

And….there are 192 species on the checklist for Lake Conestee Nature Preserve right here in Greenville. You can find the checklist at http://gcbirdclub.org/conestee

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Red-shouldered Hawk

In other words, a birding bonanza is right here on your doorstep in Greenville. Of course, many of the birds found at Conestee are common and some will visit backyard feeders and are well known. The accompanying photographs by Don Faulkner show some of the species regularly found in the park but which many people are not aware of in our local area.

Killdeer

Killdeer (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Killdeer

Free Guided Bird Walks at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve*

The Greenville County Bird Club (GCBC) offers free guided bird walks multiple times every month at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve (LCNP).  Details can be found on the outings page of the GCBC website. Check the website before heading out, because the club occasionally adds walks or changes the weekend.  It is not necessary to be a GCBC member to participate. (Please note that minor children should be accompanied by an adult.)

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Photo Credit: Don Faulker) – learn more about the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Birding Events at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

In addition to exploring the beauty of the Preserve, you can also participate in 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 events. You can stay tuned to their Events page for more details.

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Check out our full Lake 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.

Caesars Head

Sassafras Observation Tower

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

Have you seen any of these birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve?

Three Parks in Boiling Springs Your Kids Will Love

Posted on | No Comments

Do you live in Boiling Springs or travel there often? If so, there are three great parks in Boiling Springs you are going to love. Read below to find out which of these Boiling Springs parks is the right one for your family to visit today.

(more…)

15 Beautiful Gardens You Should Explore Near Greenville, SC

Posted on | 4 Comments

Does your family love to visit botanical gardens in Greenville, SC, or are you looking for an opportunity to introduce your child to the wonders of a magical garden? There are several beautiful gardens in Greenville. Peruse our list and find the perfect botanical garden in Greenville to visit on a sunny afternoon.

Gardens near Greenville, SC
(more…)

The Best Places to Fly a Kite in Greenville, SC

Posted on | 5 Comments

Thinking about getting that kite out and wondering “what are the best places for kite flying near me?” 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!

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

(more…)

The Best Towns to Live Near Greenville, SC in 2023

Posted on | 2 Comments

Are you thinking of moving to the towns and suburbs that surround Greenville, SC? Greenville is a beautiful, family-friendly city nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has topped lists all over the country as one of the best places to live and people are taking notice! Greenville was named the fourth-fastest growing city in 2017 at nearly six percent. Since then, the area has continued to grow rapidly as job opportunities increase and development expands. There is much more to Greenville than the downtown area, with several small towns surrounding the city that offer an abundance of charm, plenty of shopping, family-friendly activities, and wonderful neighborhoods to raise a family.

(more…)

Herdklotz Park: Kids Love to Visit Again and Again in Greenville, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Have you been to Herdklotz Park in Greenville? It’s such a beautiful park, is close to Paris Mountain, and gives you an unexpected view of the downtown Greenville skyline. With two large playgrounds, unique climbing structures, and two multi-purpose athletic fields, this park has it all.

If there’s one thing my child loves, it’s heading to the park and playing on the playground. And to be honest—I love the opportunity for her to be outside and get some energy out. Herdklotz Park is a perfect place for her to play and run around.

 To read more park reviews see our Kidding Around Greenville Parks page.

Herdklotz Park
Large Playground at Herdklotz Park

History of Herdklotz Park

First, a little history. Herdklotz Park is named for former county councilman, Dick Herdklotz, because of his desire to advance outdoor recreation in the Greenville area. So, even if the name is hard to remember, the sentiment behind it is very much appreciated. The location of this beautiful park is that of the former Hopewell Hospital, built in 1930 to treat patients with tuberculosis. The original building burned down one morning in 2002, but you can still walk by one remaining building and read about its history. 

This spacious county park sits on 17 acres at the base of Paris Mountain. You will find very large athletic fields on both sides of the playground.  Games and team practice are often going on, but if you’re lucky enough to find the fields open, they’re perfect for running and playing.

Herdklotz boasts one of the few county parks that has a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits (you furnish the horseshoes). The pavilion shelter is up on the hill overlooking the park and is a lovely spot for a gathering (be sure to reserve your time in advance!). Bathrooms are just on the other side of the pavilion. And the panoramic view of downtown Greenville can be seen from the top of the hill.

Playing at Herdklotz Park in Greenville
Toddler Playground at Herdklotz Park

The playgrounds at Herdklotz

The Herdklotz Park playgrounds are some of the best playgrounds in Greenville (see our list of the 5 best playgrounds in Greenville for even more choices).  The larger playground has a three-story tower for climbing. There are 6 slides, a climbing wall, a large swing set and a kid favorite—the sliding handle.  Because it’s so large and challenging, this is definitely the place for older children or younger ones who are good at climbing.

The smaller playground is fenced in and has its own covered pavilion with a few picnic tables (perfect for a mid-visit snack!). This smaller playground is where you’ll find the swings for toddlers and the much smaller playset geared toward the little ones.

Between the two playgrounds is a .545 walking trail, perfect for exercising while the children play. You can see the larger playground no matter where you are on the path. If you want to take the children on a walk with you, there is a learning path with signs and many teaching opportunities.

Trees and playgrounds at Herdklotz Park
Herdklotz Park Playground and Walking Trail

Tips for Visiting Herdklotz Park with your kids

Favorites:

  • huge climbing tower
  • comfortable picnic tables near the action (it’s even on our list of the best picnic spots in Greenville)
  • fenced in toddler/smaller playground with picnic tables under a small shelter
  • the famous sliding handle
  • shade
  • scenic view
  • large athletic fields

Drawbacks:

  • little playground and big playground are far apart
  • no toddler seats on the big playground swings
Herdklotz Park in Greenville, SC
Herdklotz Park in Greenville, SC
Fields at Herdklotz
Athletic Fields and Playground at Herdklotz Park in Greenville, SC

Where is Herdklotz Park

Herdklotz Park is tucked away off Rutherford Road, right behind Half Mile Lake subdivision at 126 Beverly Road in Greenville. The parking lot is vast, with spots close to the playgrounds. And if you’re lucky, you’ll watch a train go by on your drive to or from the park.

126 Beverly Road, Greenville

View Post

What is your kid’s favorite thing about Herdklotz Park?

10 Boredom Busters for a Day Off from School

Posted on | No Comments

Are you looking for some fun family things to do during school break? Here are some ideas of things to do in and around Greenville to keep the kids busy during a day off of school, or to have an amazing Staycation, without ever leaving town. Our list of ideas includes both indoor and outdoor activities your family is sure to enjoy!

Also, don’t miss our Park Guide. It will help you find the perfect park to visit!

(more…)

10 Great Ideas for Next Time Dad Has the Kids in Greenville, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Planning some mom time but not sure what Dad can do with the kids in Greenville? We’re here to help! Local mom Lindy Wilson has a list of places in Greenville that would be perfect for Dad to enjoy with the kids. She has lots of free ideas and some low-cost options, too! 

(more…)

8 Hiking Trails near Greenville Kidding Around Readers Recommend

Posted on | 6 Comments

Ready to get out and hike the trails near Greenville, SC? Today, contributor Kristina Hernandez shares some of the best places to hike near Greenville, SC.

For even more hikes, see our complete guide to hikes near Greenville, SC, which has hikes for every age, ability and every type of trail including trails with waterfalls, historic hikes, and more.

Some of my earliest memories as a kid were hiking with my family. It became a fun activity as my brothers and I got older and we got to pick out where we would go and which trails we would explore. I was banned from being the guide when I led us around in circles in the woods and eventually ended up on some unknown road (before GPS). Thankfully it’s pretty hard to get lost nowadays and hiking is still a favorite activity of mine. Because Greenville is so awesome, there are tons of great parks in the area to enjoy the outdoors, burn off some energy, pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Table Rock hike

When hiking, be sure to be considerate of other hikers, don’t leave trash on the trail, always keep animals leashed, don’t climb around waterfalls or allow kids to play near them as the rocks are and can be slippery and hazardous, and wear proper shoes (like not flip-flops or heels – I’ve seen people wear these when “hiking”), and be aware of your surroundings and wildlife like snakes and birds. For important tips on recreating responsibly, please see this story on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

One thing to note is that since the pandemic hit in March 2020, getting outdoors has now become a thing. National Parks, forests, and state parks are all reporting record-high numbers, which means many of our favorite trails are packed, which is pretty much the opposite of what we have been urged to do by medical professionals (although most agree that being outdoors is a good choice in these trying times). Because we live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and with literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails nearby, it’s truly not that hard to find less traveled trails. We made this Instagram short story on the All Trails app to show you how to search for less-trafficked trails. You can also join local hiking pages or just do your own research online or ask friends who are avid hikers. Happy Trails!

Kidding Around Greenville readers give some of their favorite hiking spots in the area below. One reader is on a mission to see all the beautiful waterfalls within an hour of Greenville. She uses the AllTrails Hiking & Mountain Trails app to find them, and other trails in the Upstate. We also have a list of waterfalls near Greenville to assist our readers.

(more…)

See Hundreds of Raptors in the Air at Caesars Head

Posted on | 3 Comments

Looking for something different to do outside this fall? How about a trip to Caesars Head State Park to observe an amazing hawk migration? Visit this fall to see these amazing creatures soaring across the sky. Kidding Around’s Maria visits each fall with her children and today she’s sharing some ideas for making the most of your visit.

(more…)