Conestee Nature Preserve — Attraction in Greenville

Up until today, this would be a 5 star review of this park. As a dog trainer, I have always loved coming to this park for the ability to get some quality training in with my dogs. I love walking the nature trails throughout, and to be quite honest, without my dogs, it would be very difficult to even get up in the mornings, let alone go for a nice long hike. But today was a bit different. Several times during the hike, we were stopped and informed by some middle aged ladies with badges, who told us that the inner trails of the park were off limits to dogs now and dogs are only aloud to walk the outer trail of the park. I have several major issues with this, and I would like to list these issues out...

The obvious issue is that this park is a very popular park for dogs in general. There is a very nice dog park across the lot from the hiking trails. I'm sure lots of people like to go from the park to the trails on a regular basis. To restrict the trails that my dogs are aloud on quite honestly feels discriminating. I'm not sure why this sudden change in rules was made, but if there was an incident, it is completely unfair to punish everyone based on the actions of one person. Believe me, nobody hates irresponsible dog owners more than I do.

I really question the ladies who were "laying down the law" to us.They were stopping people left and right to inform them of the new rules, but when questioned about what authority they had, they don't work for the park, and they are not rangers. So who do they work for, and why is it so important to them?

The trail that everyone is being instructed to walk on is a questionable call as well. It is an asphalt trail, and as any good dog owner knows, asphalt gets very hot and will burn your dogs feet. I really would not feel comfortable at all taking my dog on that trail during a hot day. I would much prefer my dog to walk on the nice cool dirt on the many trails that the park has to offer.

Like I say, I don't know what happened. If somebody brought their dog to the park and it killed or injured a wild animal, I sincerely apologize for that jerk. I fight every day to educate people on how to be better dog owners. I can assure you that no incident will ever come about from my dogs. I just don't want to have to pay for somebody else's actions. Also, please do a better job of getting the information out there. Nobody at the park explained why this was happening, and to be honest, if it were actual park rangers explaining these things, this negative review would not exist. Thank you...

Conestee Nature Preserve is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Located just outside of Greenville, SC, this expansive nature preserve offers a peaceful retreat with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails.

Trails & Hiking One of the best things about Conestee Nature Preserve is its extensive trail system. With over 13 miles of trails, ranging from paved paths to boardwalks and natural dirt trails, there’s something for every level of hiker. The trails are well-marked, making navigation easy, and they offer a mix of forested areas, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. The boardwalks are especially beautiful, providing a close-up look at the marshlands and wildlife habitats.

Wildlife & Birdwatching Conestee Nature Preserve is a birdwatcher’s dream! It has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society, meaning you’ll have a chance to see a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles. The diverse ecosystem also supports deer, turtles, beavers, and other wildlife, making every visit unique.

Scenic Beauty & Relaxing Atmosphere The views are breathtaking, with peaceful lake areas, picturesque bridges, and quiet forested paths. The preserve is incredibly well-maintained, with clean facilities and plenty of benches and resting spots along the way. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or a quiet place to relax, this preserve has it all.

Family & Pet-Friendly Conestee Nature Preserve is a great place for families and pets. There are designated areas for kids to explore, and the trails are suitable for strollers in many sections. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash. The open spaces and calm environment make it a great spot for a family picnic or a peaceful day outdoors.

Final Thoughts Whether you're a hiker, a photographer, or someone who simply enjoys the tranquility of nature, Conestee Nature Preserve is a must-visit spot in South Carolina. The combination of beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained trails makes it a hidden gem in the Greenville area. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a scenic and relaxing outdoor adventure!

🌿🏞️🐦 #ConesteeNaturePreserve #GreenvilleSC #HikingAdventures #Birdwatching...

CHAMPERS! READ THIS! YOUR SANITY DEPENDS ON IT! I went camping with some friends and I had a lot of fun. It was clean but they seriously need to spray for spiders in the bathhouse... i mean i was afraid to squish some of those things. I know that's part of "the experience" but the little spiders that float and crawl around like ants where everywhere, even on the water, were no problem but the beasts in the bathhouse were ridiculous. Next time I'm bringing a can of HotShot to keep in my toiletry bag... really... they need to have that stuff on the back of the toilets like air fresheners.

DO NOT attempt to sleep there without earplugs! TAKE SOME WITH YOU! There is a nocturnal bird that rivals the sound of an alarm clock hooked to a surround sound Amphitheater speaker system AND THERE'S MORE THAN ONE! They talk to one another! One loud ass bird will chirp for 15 minutes and then another one will chirp for 15 minutes but that one might be too far away so you'll almost be asleep when the bird near to you starts freaking chirping again. I quite literally drove to the Walmart almost 45 minutes away and purchased some earplugs for me to sleep with the next morning. I spend the majority of the day sleeping on the beach because I didn't sleep at all that night. It was awful. I quite literally laid there and cried for 15 minutes from the absolute desperation from not being able to sleep because I was exhausted. Overall it was an amazing weekend and I can't wait to do it again but with my earplugs and hot...