Pleasant Ridge County Park — Attraction in Travelers Rest

Really nice trails for intermediate mountain bikers. Unidirectional loops that alternate directions every month. Even months are clockwise and odd months are counterclockwise for bikes. Hikers move in the opposite direction. Either direction starts with a long uphill and ends with a long downhill (couple miles). In between is cross-country with switchbacks and push-pull, etc. Very well designed and constructed. Only problem I have had is, whenever I go off trail or sit down to rest, I go home with a load of chigger bites. Stay on the trail and you will enjoy one of the nicest trails in SC. Run off the trail twice last week. Took a wide line around a technical turn on my hardtail to avoid the highest roots and a guy on a trail bike passed me in the middle of the turn almost knocking me over. Didn't bother to stop, just shouted he thought I was signaling to pass. Second time, I stopped on a particularly narrow part of the trail as a courtesy to some hikers who had no place to step off the trail. A guy came flying up behind me with no intention of stopping. The hikers dove into the brush and I dragged my bike into the weeds to avoid being hit. No indication from the guy that he had done anything. If these arrogant, wannabe race weenies hoping to grow some chest hair by beating their own KOM's don't develop some manners, they're going to ruin one of the best...

Note to hikers: don't waste your time on this park. Specifically the JFA trail. The trail is not only poorly marked right in the middle at a split, but the mileage is much more than what is claimed on park map (5.4 miles as marked, but closer to 7). We had plenty of time to complete the trail at our typical pace, but realized that our calculated pace had decreased significantly even though we hadn't slowed or hit more elevation. The outer loop was not marked and altogether added distance. Due to this, we were left in the dark unexpectedly, racing daylight. Small dog had to be carried almost 2 miles since we didn't have enough light to take breaks and we were concerned with getting stuck after dark. Ended up having to hike nearly 40 minutes in the dark. Finally back in the lot, some mountain bikers hanging out confirmed that the trail was indeed longer than the park claimed.

Oh! And the scare we got from the Trail Cat sitting on the side of the trail. This alone could cause someone to run off into the woods at low light, or even pull a weapon in fear. And I am far from a scardy cat..

The only merit to this trail is that bikers go opposite direction to hikers, good trail for biking.

Rangers need to correct these issues if you want people to return. I'll stick to the many other much more eventful hikes...

For those seeking a breath of fresh air and a touch of the wild, Pleasant Ridge County Park, a short drive from Greenville, SC, is a true escape. Open daily, this park offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to reconnect with nature's beauty. I arrived ready for a day of exploration, and the park did not disappoint. The trails wind through lush forests, offering glimpses of the rolling hills that define this part of South Carolina. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or prefer a leisurely stroll, there's a path here to suit your pace. The park is open quite late, until 9 or 10 PM depending on the day, making it perfect for evening walks as well. A traveler's tip: Be sure to check out the views from the higher elevations! They offer a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape, a vista that truly captures the spirit of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pleasant Ridge County Park is more than just a place to hike; it's a place to unwind, to breathe deeply, and to appreciate the simple beauty of the natural world. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in far-flung destinations, but in the quiet corners of our own backyards. You can find more information on their website: Greenville Rec or give them a call at +1...