Easy Trails for Hard Times

Nature is the ultimate gift: a simple but powerful escape when the going gets tough. And “the going” is, well, tough right now.

Mother Nature lends her ear, listening to your triumphs and troubles, with no judgment and without your having to say a word. 
Her glorious paths require you to keep putting one foot in front of the other, proving to yourself that you are strong and capable – you can do hard things.
And when you need to rest, Mother Nature is there with a stump to put your feet upon.

Check out our list of easy trails for hard times - and let nature soothe your soul.

Guest Contributor: Jen Charles, Native Greenville Girl

Blue Wall Preserve | Landrum, SC

The drive to Blue Wall Preserve is almost as relaxing as the hike itself, with its winding country roads, rolling greens hills, and mountains showing off their beauty in the distance. Located adjacent Lake Lanier, Blue Wall Preserve is a gem waiting to be discovered.

An easy stroll along a wide gravel path delivers stunning views almost immediately - instant gratification, anyone?? With two ponds and a 30’ waterfall, you are quickly in your own natural playground. Turtles splashing off of logs into the water, butterflies dancing all around you, and the sound of a waterfall in the distance is exhilarating.

Keeping going…

Fernwood Nature Trail in Cleveland Park | Greenville, SC
0.5 mile loop through Cleveland Park

In the midst of Greenville’s lively downtown is the perfect escape for a leisurely stroll. The quiet and serene Fernwood Nature Trail feels as though you are a world away from a bustling city. Striking green ivy surrounds you as you do your best to stay on the thinnest of trails.

In order to lessen the need to look at your phone every few seconds, print out the City of Greenville’s Fernwood Nature Trail Guide and take it along to enhance your experience on the trail. It’s full of facts you didn’t know you needed to know:

“23. This tree is an Ash (Fraxinus americana). Ash has a very flexible and "springy" wood, and is, therefore, the material of choice for baseball bats.”

If a half-mile isn’t enough for you, hop onto one of the many other trails located in Cleveland Park, including the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Greenville’s Interactive Parks & Rec Finder is a great tool to map out your adventure in Cleveland Park.

Cedar Falls Park | Fork Shoals, SC
2.2 mile loop

Only 30 minutes outside of Greenville is Cedar Falls Park, one of our favorite places to take a picnic, explore the Reedy River, and get a hike in. This historic site is home to several connecting trails that when combined create quite a relaxing adventure.

The paved Forest Trail leads to the River Trail, where the exploring really begins. The Reedy River swirls and flows by, lapping against remnants of an old mill. At 200’ wide with a stunning waterfall, the scenery takes your mind far away from worry and into the moment.

If you can pull yourself away from the Reedy, continue your trek from the River Trail to the 1.5 mile Nature Trail. The trail winds its way along the Reedy River, through tall trees and dense bush. It’s an excellent option for the whole family.

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve | Cleveland, SC
0.4 Miles

Approximately 528 feet from the Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve #1 trailhead lies a steep granite outcrop with spectacular views of the upstate. We define that as instant gratification around here.  The trail immediately leads to a dilapidated brick chimney. A few steps further and you are already at Slickum Creek, running swiftly down the large rock outcrop, providing awe-inspiring views. The trail continues up Slickum Creek for another 0.4 miles to the Eva Russell Heritage Preserve #2 trailhead.  Easy and highly rewarding for those times when a long hike isn’t in the plans.

Recommendation:  Check out the map from AllTrails to stay on track - the trailhead is several miles up Persimmon Ridge Road (off of Hwy 11), which turns into a mostly gravel road with several stops along the way, making this exact spot harder to find.

The Eva Russell Heritage Preserve is located within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which is made up of approximately 11,000 acres and “bridges” the land between the Table Rock watershed and Poinsett watershed.  The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is home to two of the most gorgeous parks in South Carolina, Caesar’s Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park, along with dozens of other natural wonders.

Located along Persimmon Ridge Road is also Ashmore Heritage Preserve, so pack a picnic and make a day of exploring this beautiful spot in our Upstate!

Pleasant Ridge County Park | Slater, SC
.4 miles

At the trailhead, you are greeted by the soothing sound of a gentle creek. It follows alongside an open green field, beckoning you to run free. There you can hop on Leroy Smith Nature Trail, a short half-mile, perfect for days when you need a moment just to be.  Along with the trail system, you will find a Pleasant Ridge Falls as well as a fishing lake (so bring your fishing pole). Talk about relaxing...try not to fall asleep!

If you are looking for more of a challenge, check out the longer JFA Trail, a six-mile loop ascending and descending through the woods along dirt bike paths. We love that hikers walk one way and bicyclists ride the opposite way (rotated monthly).

Nature Trail at Croft State Park | Pauline, SC
1.5 mile loop

Meander through tall hardwoods and explore the sandy creek banks on Croft State Park’s Nature Trail. Keep a lookout for turtles, birds, deer, and the occasional snake as you hike the easy, 1.5 mile trail. Escape to a world where social media and the constant stream of news are far, far away. Love history? You’ll find the remnants of an old mill site and bridge along the way.

After your short hike, we recommend renting a kayak or stand up paddle board to cool off and play in the serene Lake Craig.

We can’t solve all of the world’s problems. But we can suggest therapeutic outdoor adventures -
a sure way to help you stay positive and level headed in an overwhelming and confusing world. 

A change in your environment has the power to change your entire mindset.
So get out there and explore all that Mother Nature has to offer.