The best walks and hikes around Five Forks
4.6
(10)
123
hikers
13
hikes
Hiking around Five Forks, South Carolina, offers diverse outdoor experiences in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region features scenic mountain views, extensive nature preserves, and park pathways. Hikers can explore trails through varied landscapes, including areas around lakes and along river corridors. The terrain generally includes mild hills and forested sections, providing a mix of natural beauty and accessible routes.
Best hiking trails around Five Forks
- The most popular hiking route is Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 12.2 miles (19.6 km) trail that takes 5 hours 5 minutes to complete. This difficult route follows a popular greenway, offering a long-distance path for exploration.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Perrin's Park to Pelham Mill Park, an easy 2.5 miles (4.0 km) path. This trail connects two local parks, providing a pleasant walk along a river.
- Local hikers also love the Legacy Park loop from Haywood Mall, a 4.1 miles (6.5 km) trail leading through landscaped parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 43 minutes.
- Hiking around Five Forks is defined by mountain views, nature preserves, and park pathways. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Five Forks are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 5 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Five Forks's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
2
hikers
19.6km
05:06
120m
120m
Embark on a difficult 12.2-mile (19.6 km) hike along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a route that takes you through varied scenery. You'll experience the vibrant energy of downtown Greenville, passing by the iconic Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy. The trail then transitions to more natural settings, following the scenic Reedy River and even winding through the picturesque campus of Furman University. Expect to gain 397 feet (121 metres) in elevation over approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes, offering a diverse journey through urban and green spaces.
Before you head out, be aware that while much of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a paved, multi-use greenway, some sections can present challenges. Specifically, areas near the Reedy River are prone to flooding, so it's wise to check conditions before your visit. Also, keep an eye out for bumps caused by tree roots in certain parts of the route. This difficult hike is generally accessible, but these points are important for planning your trip.
Beyond the natural beauty, the Swamp Rabbit Trail offers a glimpse into the region's heritage. As you hike, you'll encounter various pieces of public art and historic mill walls, each telling a part of the area's past. This blend of outdoor activity and cultural insight makes the route a unique experience, connecting you with both the landscape and the history of Greenville.
4.00km
01:03
40m
40m
Hike an easy 2.5-mile trail from Perrin's Park to Pelham Mill Park, enjoying shaded paths, historic ruins, and scenic views along the Enoree
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18.8km
05:52
130m
130m
Hike 11.7 miles from Oak Grove Lake to Pelham Mill Park in Greenville, SC, a difficult route with 438 feet of elevation gain.
24.7km
06:31
220m
220m
Hike the challenging 15.3-mile (24.7 km) Oak Grove Lake Park to Green Forest Park trail, gaining 736 feet (224 metres) in Greenville, SC.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
6.52km
01:43
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Five Forks
Tips from the Community
Beautiful park featuring amenities perfect for cyclists taking a break, including a designated dog walking area, picnic benches, barbecues, sidewalks, and a magnificent waterfall. The park boasts remnants of an old mill, showcasing stunning architectural remnants, including the preserved old post office building.
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20-acre green paradise with a lovely water feature. Inspired by New York City's Central Park, you can spot small details that honor the famous park, with colorful landscaping and intricate pathway for exploring. Parking is available.
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Lake Oak Grove is located in the Oak Grove community in Greenville, just a few miles from I-385. The lake covers 18 acres and is managed by the Greenville County Department of Recreation. Great for fishing with the little ones.
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Lovely park with a dog walking area, picnic benches, barbecues, sidewalks and a large waterfall. It is the site of an old mill, so the remaining architecture is beautiful. You can still find the old post office.
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Perrin's Park opened on June 7, 2014. Located near the junction of Highway 14/I-85 near the Greenville Airport, it is a beautiful, rustic, peaceful park that serves as an oasis of calm and peace.
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Fernwood Nature Trail is a short trail of less than 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers), winding through a mature hardwood portion of Cleveland Park. It is a place where you can enjoy a nice walk, great for birdwatchers or the casual ambler.
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This 1.3-mile soft-surface trail is in the Sliding Rock/Green Forest Park area of the Nicholtown neighborhood. Initially intended as a mountain biking area, the trail is suitable for biking, hiking, trail running, or nature walks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hiking terrain can I expect around Five Forks, South Carolina?
Hiking around Five Forks, South Carolina, offers a diverse landscape in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll find trails with scenic mountain views, extensive nature preserves, and park pathways. The terrain generally includes mild hills and forested sections, providing a mix of natural beauty and accessible routes.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual strolls?
Yes, Five Forks has several easy options. For a pleasant walk along a river connecting two local parks, consider the Perrin's Park to Pelham Mill Park trail, which is about 2.5 miles long. Another easy option is the Legacy Park loop from Haywood Mall, a 4.1-mile path through landscaped parkland.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to see while hiking in Five Forks?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Lake Conestee area, which is part of the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, a significant wildlife sanctuary. The preserve itself features over 13 miles of trails and boardwalks, along with wildlife observation decks. Additionally, the area is known for its scenic mountain views and some waterfalls.
Are there any long-distance or more challenging hiking routes available?
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a popular choice. This difficult route spans about 12.2 miles (19.6 km) and follows a popular greenway. Other challenging options include the Oak Grove Lake to Pelham Mill Park route and the Oak Grove Lake Park to Green Forest Park trail, both offering significant distances.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Five Forks?
Yes, several trails are suitable for families. Legacy Park offers a 20-acre green space with colorful landscaping and pathways, making it ideal for family exploration. The Perrin's Park to Pelham Mill Park trail is also an easy, pleasant walk that families can enjoy.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Five Forks?
The hiking routes in Five Forks are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from several reviews. Over 100 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic mountain views and the well-maintained nature preserves.
Are there any circular or loop trails in the Five Forks area?
Yes, for a convenient loop, you can explore the Legacy Park loop from Haywood Mall. This 4.1-mile trail takes you through landscaped parkland and is a great option for a contained walk.
How many hiking trails are available around Five Forks?
There are over a dozen hiking trails available around Five Forks, offering a range of options from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes. Specifically, you'll find 5 easy, 5 moderate, and 3 difficult trails to choose from.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Five Forks area?
The Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, a significant wildlife sanctuary near Five Forks, is recognized as an Important Bird Area of Global Significance. This means you have a good chance of spotting diverse bird species. The preserve's varied flora and fauna also suggest opportunities to observe other local wildlife.
Are there any parks or preserves with extensive trail networks near Five Forks?
Absolutely. The Lake Conestee Nature Preserve is a prime example, boasting over 13 miles of trails and boardwalks. It also features 11 wildlife observation decks and 40 self-guided learning stations, making it an excellent destination for extended exploration and nature observation.
What are the elevation changes like on trails around Five Forks?
The trails around Five Forks, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, generally feature mild hills. While some longer, more difficult routes like the Oak Grove Lake Park to Green Forest Park can have over 200 meters of elevation gain, many easy trails have more modest changes, making them accessible for various fitness levels.
Can I find trails that follow rivers or lakes in Five Forks?
Yes, you can. The Perrin's Park to Pelham Mill Park trail offers a pleasant walk along a river. Additionally, the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve features trails and boardwalks around Lake Conestee, providing scenic views of the water.
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