Five-Star Trails: South Carolina Upstate

Discover 27 five-star hiking trails in northwestern South Carolina, including popular routes and hidden gems.

From its mountains and lakes to its waterfalls and trails, the Upstate is an outdoors lover’s paradise. The trail system is quite extensive, and opportunities range from day hikes to backpacking trips along the Foothills and Appalachian Trails. This diverse geographical wonderland offers a variety of easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. You can hike through history along Cowpens Battlefield Trail or enjoy the fall colors at Nine Times Preserve. Take the kids to the Croft State Park Nature Trail, or walk your dog on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail in downtown Greenville.

Explore the region’s best, five-star trails with this easy-to-carry and easy-to-use guidebook. In the updated edition, local author and hiking expert Sherry Jackson shares everything you need to know about spectacular outings that lead to mountain panoramas, majestic waterfalls, remote wilderness, and more.

Inside you’ll find:

• Descriptions of 27 five-star hiking trails for all levels and interests
• GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads
• Insight into the history, flora, and fauna of each route
• Ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children

Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!