10 Upstate Hikes That Are Perfect for Teens

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Are you looking for fun or adventurous hiking for teens in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of great hikes for teens in or near Upstate, SC! Some are challenging and some a bit more relaxed, perfect for a day with friends or family. Plus, there are plenty of trails with gorgeous views that are perfect for the ‘gram. For even more hiking ideas see our list of our favorite local hiking trails.

hiking teens greenville, sc

There are so many great hiking trails in the Greenville area or nearby, it’s truly hard to choose where to go. Luckily, the weather here can lend itself to hiking all year round for the most part, which means lots of weekends to take the teens out on adventures.

Tips for Hiking Teens: Greenville, SC & WNC Trails

While teenagers can sometimes be known for lapses in judgment, it’s crucial to be careful on trails at all times, especially around waterfalls and drop-off points. While it can make for a stunning Instagram photo getting out on a ledge or traversing slippery rocks, it’s not worth a significant injury or worse. Use common sense and obey posted signs.

Bringing enough food, snacks, and water during a hike is also wise, whether a lunch is intended or not, especially during the hotter months. Some of the trails are strenuous and hikers need to carry enough water for the journey.

Lastly, bringing some type of defense with you is smart. There are bears in the Upstate and Western North Carolina and carrying bear spray along on the hike just in case is a good idea. You can get some at most outdoor stores or on Amazon.

Additionally, most South Carolina state parks have entrance fees of around $5-$8/adult but almost all North Carolina state parks do not. For important tips on recreating responsibly, please see this story on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

Here are a few of our favorite hikes in or near the Upstate for teens, which are a little longer and more difficult than ones we’d choose for younger kids.

Keep your teen
engaged and enjoying life!
The Ultimate Guide for Teens

Hiking for Teens Near Greenville, SC

Table Rock

Table Rock is a great place to start for an easy-to-moderate two-mile hike with the Carrick Creek Trail. It has elevation changes, creek crossings, and waterfalls.

For a challenge that will give any teen bragging rights, the 7+ mile round trip Table Rock Trail is very hard but totally worth it. The view is spectacular at the top, but the trek up is no joke. Recommended for the more conditioned teen.

Table Rock State Park
158 Ellison Lane
Pickens, SC 29671

Summit of Table Rock

Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Nestled in the Caesars Head State Park and Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this trail is moderately hard with a gorgeous overlook of the 420-foot drop Raven Cliff Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the state. It’s about a five-mile round trip hike from the parking lot, which isn’t large by the way. Get there early if you plan to go.

There are other trails in the same area, including the aptly named Dismal Trail (this is strenuous and teens who choose this trail need to be very careful). The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area connects to Jones Gap State Park, which is the location of the next best trail on our list.

Raven Cliff Falls
8155 Geer Highway
Cleveland, SC

Narrow wooden bridge at Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap
Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap

Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap

Navigating boulders, jumping creeks, and hiking steep inclines are features of the trail at Jones Gap State Park to make it to the gorgeous Rainbow Falls. It’s under five miles and isn’t easy but again, the payoff of seeing the stunning waterfall is certainly worth it. You’ll have to reserve a spot on weekends. No reservations are needed on weekdays.

Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC

Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah Forest

Get your heart pumping with the 6+ mile trek to the top of Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah Forest for awesome views. Use caution at the top and don’t go near the edge.

Looking Glass Rock Trailhead
Brevard, NC 28712

Paris Mountain State Park

If you want to stay close to home but still get in a good day of hiking, head to Paris Mountain State Park here in Greenville. There are lots of trails to choose from, including really easy ones around Lake Placid to the harder Sulphur Springs Trail, a 3.6-mile trek. Brissy Ridge Trail is also fun as it’s not too long, about two miles, and hugs the ridge of the mountain.

Paris Mountain State Park
2401 State Park Road, Greenville

Raven Rock Trail

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Upstate because it’s a bit challenging at a little over 4 miles round trip and it includes a small waterfall where you can cool off, a stunning overlook of Lake Keowee, and the opportunity to swim in the lake at the halfway point. The Raven Rock Trail is accessed through the Keowee-Toxaway State Park and there is no charge for parking.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park
108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls at Gorges State Park

I may have a thing for waterfalls. I feel that if you’re going to go hiking, be sure there’s a waterfall. Kind of instant gratification, or at least a good reason to keep going. Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park is the farthest location from Greenville on this list but it’s just so awesome.

The waterfall is enormous, and you can get a really good view from the overlook on the trail or you can take a smaller trail down to the bottom of the falls (just be careful). But if you keep going another quarter-mile from those falls, you’ll come to more waterfalls! Turtleback Falls isn’t as stunning but still worth the extra half mile.

The trail is about four miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. The hike back is harder and more uphill than the hike to the waterfalls.

Gorges State Park
976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC

Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park, North Carolina
Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park

Daniel Ridge Loop

Daniel Ridge Loop is in North Carolina as well in Pisgah Forest past the trailhead for Looking Glass Rock. It’s a loop (go left at the fork unless you want to have a really tough climb) and is over four miles.

It’s a pretty trail with lots of little waterfalls and different scenery. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from Greenville. This is another favorite of mountain bikers so be prepared to jump off the trail if they fly by.

National Forest 475 Road, Brevard, NC

Foothills Trail

For a multi-day challenge, take the 77-mile Foothills Trail from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. The trail is beautiful with intricate bridges, flowers, waterfalls, and views.

Many people will split up the trail and just hike segments. It’s great for backpacking as well.

Midnight Hole

This hike is the farthest from the Upstate at about a two-hour drive but oh-so-gorgeous. It is only three miles round trip but the destination of a crystal clear, cold swimming hole in the Smokies is worth it. It’s very popular in the summer.

If you keep going past Midnight Hole, you’ll come to Mouse Creek Falls not far up the trail. Hardly anyone goes past the main attraction of Midnight Hole but the waterfall is worth it. Google “midnight hole” to get the GPS directions.

Not in the Upstate but Worth It

Grandfather Mountain

This is the High Country of North Carolina, about 2.5 hours from Greenville and amazing. You have to pay to get into Grandfather Mountain but the trail consists of ladders on the sides of mountains and views for days. Adventurous teens will love this trail.

Where would you suggest hiking for teens near Greenville, SC?

About the Author
Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer. Originally from New Jersey, she is in love with the Upstate and could not imagine raising her kids anywhere else. She enjoys hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, camping, cooking, and exploring all that Greenville has to offer. And she really loves baby goats. Follow her on Instagram at @scadventurer.

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