The closest South Carolina state park to Greenville is Paris Mountain. While you don’t really see mountains here and there’s not really a view from a summit, it’s still a beautiful place and can be really peaceful if you hit it at the right time.
Like a lot of state parks and hiking areas, Paris Mountain is super popular on weekends in the early to middle part of the day.
The Lake Placid Loop is an easy 3/4 mile trail around Lake Placid. You’ll have a view of the lake at pretty much all times. You’ll cross a bridge in front of a dam, so this is a great option if you want waterfall photos without a lot of effort.
If you’re down for a little more of a hike, I like the Brissy Ridge to Pipsissewa to North Lake trail. There’s a little bit of a view with mountains here. It’s about 4 miles and pretty easy.
This is one of the best places in upstate South Carolina to see fall foliage. Look how beautifully it reflects on the water!
Some of the closest venues to Paris Mountain State Park are The Hollow at Paris Mountain and The View Point at Buckhorn Creek, which are both great spots for weddings under 75 people. The nature center is about 20 minutes from Falls Park in downtown Greenville.
Paris Mountain State Park is $6 per person to enter. This is also covered under the annual state park pass, which is $99 and includes everyone in your car. If you want to know more about this, and all our adventures through South Carolina’s state parks, you can read all about it here.
If you’re still looking for a photographer, read more about my elopement and engagement photography services!
Ready for the best day ever?
My name is Christine (Scott) Gow and I’m an elopement photographer based out of Greenville, South Carolina. I’m a wife and a beagle mom. The three of us have visited beautiful places in every corner of South Carolina, to include all 48 of our state parks. We love finding new outdoor places to visit, but we also love hanging out on the couch and watching Pixar movies.
One thing I love about South Carolina is that it’s not just the beaches and colorful houses that you imagine when you picture it. Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, or anything in between; I can help you find the perfect place for the two of you and make it as smooth of a day as possible. No matter how you two choose to spend your day, I’m happy you’re doing it the way that you want.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Planning Resources
Taking photos at Station Cove Falls in Oconee County, South Carolina | Waterfall elopement in South Carolina | Waterfall engagement photos in South Carolina
Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville, South Carolina | Engagement photos at Paris Mountain State Park
Cliffs at Glassy Chapel | Where to elope near Greenville, SC | Small wedding venues in upstate South Carolina
Riversong Grove is an Airbnb in Cleveland, South Carolina that’s perfect for an elopement or microwedding.
Elopement and engagement photo ideas at Stumphouse Park in Oconee County, South Carolina.
Elope at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in South Carolina | Engagement photos at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in South Carolina
Where to take engagement photos in Greenville, SC at Christmas, and what else to do together that day.
Here are some places to have an intimate wedding in upstate South Carolina! This post talks about logistics and gives a list of microwedding venues near Greenville, SC.
Tips for taking wedding or engagment photos when there’s a chance of rain | Elopement photographer in Greenville, South Carolina.
Places to elope at Clemson University, including places on the main campus, botanical gardens, and Lake Hartwell!
What to know about eloping at Pretty Place Chapel in the mountains of South Carolina.
Pretty Place, or Fred W Symmes Chapel, is part of the YMCA Camp Greenville property in Cleveland (northern Greenville County), South Carolina. This is a tricky spot to plan for, so read all my insight here.
Here are some places to elope in South Carolina that aren’t the beach! Greenville, South Carolina is close to some amazing places to elope- mountains, waterfalls, gardens, lakes, and more!
Lake Jocassee in South Carolina, accessible through Devils Fork State Park.
Elope at Devils Fork State Park | Elope at Lake Jocassee
What to do near Greenville, South Carolina - recommendations for nature walks, sports, hiking, restaurants, and more!
Come see South Carolina’s best sunset in the mountains!
Elope at Caesars Head State Park | Elope in the mountains in South Carolina
Everything to know about Sola Wood Flowers, an alternative to having fresh florals.