Top 4 Lakes around Travelers Rest
Best lakes around Travelers Rest offer diverse outdoor recreation opportunities in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, with numerous lakes providing settings for activities such as hiking, fishing, and paddling. These bodies of water range from smaller, serene reservoirs within state parks to expansive lakes on the state border. The region's geography supports a variety of aquatic environments, making it a notable destination for lake-based exploration.
Best lakes around Travelers Rest
…Last updated: June 28, 2026
Lake Placid Dam
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North Lake
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Furman Lake
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Paris Mountain State Park
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Paris Mountain State Park, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, spans 1,540 acres and offers plenty of hiking, biking, swimming, and camping opportunities. There are 17 miles of multi-use trails, swimming in Lake Placid, and a gift shop, restrooms, and water stations available with fountains and bottle-filling spouts. It's a fantastic spot to take a break, stretch your legs and hydrate during a long ride.
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Furman Lake, adjacent to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, is a scenic reservoir enhancing the campus landscape. Surrounded by lush greenery, the lake offers a peaceful retreat for cyclists.
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This dam was built in 1898; the water it collects was known simply as Reservoir 2. After heavy rainfall, you can enjoy seeing it flowing and hear the sound of the rushing water.
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The trails follows the shore of North Lake closely and offers splendid views of the latter. You will also find several campsites along the trail.
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Enjoy the spectacular vistas as you go around the lake, and stay in one of the five trailside campsites that surround the lake. You might be able to spot deer, squirrels, birds, lizard, or many other types of fauna.
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This dam was built in 1898, the water it collects was known simply as Reservoir 2. After heavy rainfall, you can enjoy seeing it flowing and hear the sound of the rushing water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Travelers Rest are best for swimming?
For swimming, Paris Mountain State Park offers swimming in Lake Placid during warmer months, with kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals available. Further afield, Lake Jocassee provides exceptionally clear waters for swimming, and Lake Hartwell also has extensive swimming opportunities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Travelers Rest?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Paris Mountain State Park, which includes Lake Placid Dam and North Lake, is family-friendly with hiking, swimming, and camping. Furman Lake offers a paved walking trail and a serene environment. Pleasant Ridge County Park Lake has a playground and extensive trails, making it suitable for a family day out.
What lakes are good for fishing near Travelers Rest?
Anglers have many options. Lake Placid and North Lake in Paris Mountain State Park are stocked with bass, sunfish, bream, and catfish. Pleasant Ridge County Park Lake is excellent for bank fishing, stocked with bass, sunfish, catfish, and trout. Lake Robinson is known for bass, catfish, and crappie. For a local, convenient option, Blackwell's Fishing Lake in Travelers Rest is a private pay lake stocked with various species, offering night fishing and tent camping.
Where can I go hiking or biking near these lakes?
Many lakes offer trails. Paris Mountain State Park has 17 miles of multi-use trails around Lake Placid and North Lake. Furman Lake features a 1.5-mile paved trail popular with cyclists and walkers. Pleasant Ridge County Park offers an extensive multi-use trail system. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Travelers Rest or running trails around Travelers Rest.
Are there any historical sites or unique landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, Lake Placid Dam, built in 1898, is a historical site within Paris Mountain State Park. The park itself was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Furman Lake, on the Furman University campus, features a beloved belltower, a gazebo, and an Asian Garden with a koi pond, adding cultural points of interest to its scenic beauty.
Which lakes are best for boating or paddling?
Lake Placid in Paris Mountain State Park offers kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals. Table Rock Lakes (Lake Oolenoy and Pinnacle Lake) allow private boats with electric trolling motors and paddle-powered boats, with rentals available on Pinnacle Lake. Lake Robinson is popular for kayaking, canoeing, small motorboating, and paddleboarding. Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell are vast lakes perfect for a wide range of boating and water sports.
Can I find secluded or tranquil lake experiences?
For a more secluded experience, North Lake within Paris Mountain State Park offers tranquility and trailside campsites. Lake Robinson is known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic hills, ideal for relaxation and wildlife watching. Lake Jocassee, with its undeveloped shoreline and dense forests, provides a pristine and serene natural setting.
Are there dog-friendly lakes or trails?
Yes, Paris Mountain State Park, which encompasses Lake Placid and North Lake, is dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs on its extensive trail system. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow park regulations.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Travelers Rest?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Warmer months are ideal for swimming and boating. Winter fishing is also popular at some lakes.
Are there camping opportunities near these lakes?
Yes, Paris Mountain State Park offers camping, including trailside campsites around North Lake. Table Rock State Park also provides camping and cabin rentals. For a unique experience, Blackwell's Fishing Lake offers tent camping directly on the pond for anglers.
Which lake offers the most scenic views?
Many lakes boast beautiful scenery. North Lake offers splendid views from its trails. Table Rock Lakes provide stunning vistas with Table Rock Mountain as a dramatic backdrop. Lake Jocassee is particularly renowned for its pristine beauty, surrounded by dense forests and towering waterfalls, often hailed as one of the world's last great places.
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