Beautiful Green Spaces: Fresh Air and Nature in Greenville, SC

Looking for an outdoor space for a picnic or just to let the kids run? Parks and playgrounds in Greenville are fun, but sometimes a quieter, calmer atmosphere better fits the day. If you're looking for a place where you can kick back and do a little cloud gazing or take a little time to smell the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature, you've come to the right place.

Here are some green spaces in Upstate, SC that you can visit on a beautiful day.

Milliken Arboretum in Spartanburg, SCPhoto byKidding Around Greenville

Green Spaces for Outdoor Fun in the Upstate

Blue Wall Preserve

768 Pennell Road, Landrum

This 575-acre preserve is named for its view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a short easy stroll down a gravel and dirt trail to enjoy several natural places beside a creek, ponds, and a waterfall. All of them make an excellent spot for a little picnic or enjoying nature.

Hatcher Gardens

820 John B. White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg

The 10-acre botanical garden and nature preserve, just outside of Downtown Spartanburg, is a family favorite for picnics and enjoying beautiful flowers and greenery. Its totally free and an ideal spot to spend a quiet afternoon.

Glendale Shoals

Emma Cudd Road, Spartanburg

Check out the 13-acre preserve at the ruins of the Glendale Mill. You can sit on the shore of the Lawson’s Fork Creek and enjoy nature, or take a stroll around the property.

Lake Cooley

100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman

Lake Cooley is a favorite place in the Upstate to take a Kayak out. Enjoy the fishing dock and beautiful shoreline of this 330-acre watershed.

Milliken Arboretum

920 Milliken Road, Spartanburg

This 600-acre arboretum on the Milliken Corporate campus is massive. The public is welcome to stroll the grounds, watch the ducks, and spread a blanket for a picnic.

Baby ducks at Milliken Arboretum in Spartanburg, SCPhoto byKidding Around Greenville

Lake Robinson

2544 Mays Bridge Road, Greer

The picnic shelters, docks, and pier make Lake Robinson a popular spot. But, there is always plenty of space to lay out a picnic blanket and have a relaxing afternoon while enjoying the scenery.

This is a great spot for a little fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. But, Lake Robinson is not a place where swimming is allowed.

Campbell’s Covered Bridge

171 Campbell’s Covered Bridge Road, Landrum

The bridge area might be a little crowded during weekends depending on crowds, but the surrounding area offers plenty of space for kids to run around with room to spare. 

Hike the short 1/2 mile nature trail and explore the ruins of an old mill. The creek under the bridge is an inviting spot to splash around and cool off.

Not quite what you were looking for? Check out this huge list of fun things to do in Greenville, SC.