Paris Mountain State Park is a nature lover's paradise that offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Located in the heart of Greenville, this 1,500-acre park is an ideal spot for dog owners who want to explore the great outdoors with their furry companions.
Location: 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609
Admission: $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger. This admission includes access to the designated swimming area when it is open.
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Table of contents
Trails
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there is a trail for every level of experience at Paris Mountain State Park.
Here are some of the best dog-friendly trails you can hike in the upstate, along with their difficulty level and estimated time.
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Brissy Ridge Trail
Length: 2.9 mile loop, Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous, Time: Approximately 2 hours
This rocky, rooted trail is steep and challenging, but rewards you with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Dogs are welcome on this foot-traffic-only trail, and they'll love sniffing out all the different scents and wildlife along the way.
Kanuga Trail
Length: 2.0 miles, Difficulty: Strenuous, Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
This trail is accessible by walking or riding a section of the Sulphur Springs-Fire Tower or Brissy Ridge trails. It's a strenuous hike, but your dog will love the challenge and the opportunity to explore new terrain. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, and other wildlife as you go.
Lake Placid Trail
Length: 0.75 mile loop, Difficulty: Easy, Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Looking for an easy, leisurely stroll with your furry friend? This trail is perfect for a relaxing walk along the shores of Lake Placid. It's mostly level and easy to walk, and your dog will love the chance to splash in the water and explore the natural habitat around the lake.
Mountain Creek Trail
Length: 1.3 miles, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: Approximately 45 minutes
This moderate trail offers a great workout for both you and your dog, with opportunities to connect with other trails along the way. Your dog will love sniffing out new smells and exploring the natural surroundings.
North Lake Trail
Length: 1.2 mile loop, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: Approximately 45 minutes
This trail is accessible by walking or riding on the Kanuga or Pipsissewa trails. It's a moderate hike with beautiful views of the lake, and your dog will love the chance to explore the natural surroundings and encounter new wildlife.
Fire Tower Trail
Length: 0.4 miles, Difficulty: Easy, Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Looking for a quick and easy hike with your dog? The Fire Tower Trail is a short but steep hike that rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Dogs are welcome on this trail, and they'll love the chance to explore the wooded surroundings.
Pipsissewa Trail
Length: 1.0 miles, Difficulty: Strenuous, Time: Approximately 45 minutes
This trail is accessible by walking or riding on the Brissy Ridge Trail. It's a challenging hike with opportunities to connect with other trails and explore the natural surroundings. Your dog will love the chance to exercise and explore new terrain.
Sulphur Springs Trail
Length: 3.8 mile loop, Difficulty: Strenuous, Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
This narrow, steep trail offers a challenging workout for you and your dog, with opportunities to explore diverse habitats and encounter a variety of wildlife. It's a strenuous hike, but the stunning views and natural beauty make it well worth the effort.
Turtle Trail
Length: 0.4 miles, Difficulty: Easy, Time: Approximately 15 minutes
This short out and back trail connects the campsite to Lake Placid and the Lake Placid Trail. It's an easy hike with opportunities to spot wildlife and explore the natural surroundings with your furry friend.
Sassafras Trail
Length: 2.3 mile loop, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Explore this scenic loop trail that offers a moderate challenge for both hikers and their furry friends. The trail provides a great opportunity for an afternoon outing with your dog. While this trail is popular for hiking and mountain biking, you can still find some peaceful moments during quieter times of day. Enjoy the stunning views and fresh air while bonding with your four-legged companion on this exciting adventure!
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Unique Features
Paris Mountain State Park is home to several unique features that make it a popular destination for visitors. One of these features is the park's monadnock, which is an isolated rock hill, ridge, or small mountain that rises abruptly from an otherwise level land area. As you hike through the park, you'll notice Paris Mountain rising above all other land formations near downtown Greenville.
Another unique feature of Paris Mountain State Park is its park lakes. Lake Placid and North Lake (also known as Reservoir #3) were once the water sources for Greenville, South Carolina. These protected water sources are no longer used for this purpose, but they remain an important part of the park's natural beauty.
Dog-Friendly Policy
One of the best things about Paris Mountain State Park is its dog-friendly policy. Dogs are allowed on most of the trails in the park but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. This makes it easy and convenient to explore the park with your furry friend by your side.
Just be sure to bring plenty of water and poop bags, and follow proper pet etiquette to ensure that the park remains clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
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Other Activities
In addition to hiking, Paris Mountain State Park offers plenty of other activities for you and your dog to enjoy. The 13-acre lake is a great spot for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. There are also picnic areas, quiet spots, and scenic overlooks throughout the park where you can spend time with your furry friend.
If you're looking for a more secluded spot to spend time with your dog, consider renting one of the park's trailside campsites. These campsites are located around the North Lake Trail Loop and offer a unique and private camping experience in the heart of the park.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there is a trail for every level of experience at Paris Mountain State Park. With its stunning natural beauty, wide variety of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly policies, it's no wonder that this park is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
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So why wait? Grab your leash, put on your favorite Good Dogs of Greenville shirt, and head to Paris Mountain State Park! And while you're there, don't forget to share your experience with us by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #gooddogsofgreenville. We can't wait to see you and your furry friend adventuring!
Good Dogs of Greenville
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