Top 11 Lakes around Greenville

For active recreation, Lake Keowee is a hub for water sports like boating, water skiing, and wakeboarding, with over 300 miles of shoreline. Lake Hartwell, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, is also excellent for swimming and fishing due to its warmer waters. For a more tranquil experience, Lake Robinson is ideal for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Tarrytown Reservoir offers kayak rentals in summer, and Woodlands Lake is known for its family-friendly environment. Paris Mountain State Park, close to downtown, features Lake Placid with a sandy swimming beach and rentals for canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. Saluda Lake Landing also provides rentals and is kid-friendly.

The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Lake Jocassee is renowned for its crystal-clear, cool waters and stunning 360-degree mountain views, surrounded by pristine public land. Lake Keowee boasts beautiful blue-green waters and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Conestee Nature Preserve, though its original lake is now wetlands, is a haven for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with extensive trails through forests and wetlands.

Absolutely. Devil's Fork State Park, which provides public access to Lake Jocassee, offers hiking trails. Keowee-Toxaway State Park on Lake Keowee's northern shoreline also has hiking and biking trails. Table Rock State Park, about 45 minutes from downtown, is famous for its extensive hiking trails, including the challenging summit of Table Rock Mountain, with two lakes within its boundaries. You can find more hiking options in the Easy hikes around Greenville guide.

Lake Robinson is ideal for a tranquil kayaking or paddleboarding experience. Saluda Lake also offers a quiet escape for these activities, with Saluda Lake Landing providing rentals. Lake Placid in Paris Mountain State Park and Pinnacle Lake in Table Rock State Park both offer kayaking and pedal boating rentals.

Lake Jocassee has a unique history, as its deep waters attract scuba divers who can explore submerged towns from before the lake's creation in the 1970s. Woodlands Lake is also noted for its historical significance.

Beyond water activities, the region offers excellent cycling and mountain biking. You can explore road cycling routes like the 'Woodlands Lake – Bronxville Lake loop' from Scarsdale, or mountain bike trails such as 'Boyce Thompson, Lower Otter and Thruway Trail'. Find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Greenville and MTB Trails around Greenville guides.

Yes, Saluda Lake is a dog-friendly destination. Additionally, the Yellow Trail in Saxon Woods Park, which traces along the Mamaroneck Reservoir, is noted as dog-friendly.

The lakes offer activities year-round. Summer is popular for swimming and water sports due to warmer waters, especially at Lake Hartwell. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in the fall. Lake Jocassee's cooler waters make it refreshing even in warmer months, and it's home to the rare Oconee Bell wildflower which blooms in spring.

Many lakes offer these facilities. Devil's Fork State Park (Lake Jocassee), South Cove County Park and High Falls County Park (Lake Keowee), and Lake Hartwell State Park all provide boat ramps and campgrounds. Lake Robinson has a boat ramp and fishing piers. Paris Mountain State Park and Table Rock State Park also offer camping and various amenities.

Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the crystal-clear waters and mountain views, especially at Lake Jocassee. The availability of kayak rentals at places like Tarrytown Reservoir and the peaceful atmosphere for watching waterfowl at Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park are also highly valued.

Yes, Lake Hartwell is known for its warmer waters, making it excellent for swimming. Lake Keowee also offers many coves for swimming. Within Paris Mountain State Park, Lake Placid has a sandy swimming beach, and Pinnacle Lake in Table Rock State Park also features a sandy swimming beach.