This Former State Park In South Carolina Will Be Your New Favorite Getaway
×
Robin Jarvis
Author
Once again, history and nature merge to create an outstanding outdoor recreation spot in South Carolina. Most people don’t know about this 240-acre park in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains – or its historical significance tied to being a former state park.
The park's history is one we don't often hear promoted. It began as a state park (Pleasant Ridge State Park) that opened in 1951 — a segregated park meant to be the corresponding African American park for then all-white neighboring Paris Mountain State Park. However, by the 1960s the two were both integrated. By the mid-1980s, the state decided that Paris Mountain was the more popular of the two parks and it offered Pleasant Ridge to Greenville County who began operations of the park in the late 1980s.
Trails for both hiking and biking are abundant, with the longest trail at six miles and the shortest trail at just over a quarter of a mile.
Advertisement
That would be the one to the waterfall! Not only is it short, it's also an easy stroll.
Advertisement
An old homestead and mill are among the many finds; as is this grand old fireplace. In total, this scenic little park is home to a little more than eight miles of hiking and biking trails.
Related Stories
The Must Underrated State Park In The Mountains Of South Carolina Will Make Your Summer Complete
13 Fun Adventures You Can Have At South Carolina's Sesquicentennial State Park
Explore The Ruins Of A Pre-Revolutionary War Grist Mill At Poinsett State Park In South Carolina
It's perfect for fishing on a lazy day. But that's not the only cool thing you'll find at this county park. It has a climbing tower just for the kids, cabin rentals, a group lodge available for special occasions, a playground, and picnic shelters.
Nestled in the valley with some big mountain peaks all around, this pool is a sure ringer for having a better view than any other in the county!
Have you ever been to this fun park? And did you realize it's a lost state park??
Pleasant Ridge Park is open year-round, seven days a week. The hours are March through October from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and November through February 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park admission is free. Learn more at this link on the official website of Greenville County Rec.
Address: 4232 Highway 11, Marietta, SC, 29661
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.