Hike or bike on protected property added to Paris Mountain State Park

Sassafras Trail, a new 2.3-mile multi-use loop, was recently unveiled at Paris Mountain State Park!

The trail travels across a new addition to the State Park, a 160-acre property purchased by Friends of Paris Mountain State Park in 2015 and protected through a conservation easement by Upstate Forever in 2018. Funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and generous contributions from the community helped make this project possible.

The trail departs from the back of the popular Sulphur Springs trail parking area near park shelters 5 and 6. A sign at the trailhead directs mountain bikers one way and hikers another, with the direction alternating monthly to ensure even wear on the trail. Follow the blue blaze to stay on the marked trail.

Sassafras Trail is rated moderate, with a steeper climb in the beginning and a gentler path throughout most of the trail. It crosses multiple creeks, and the sound of babbling brooks — as well as critters skittering and birds calling — can be heard on your trek. (We even encountered a doe on a recent quiet autumn morning!) Your experience on this unique trail varies from towering mature forests to younger stands of pine and oak, and even lush rhododendron thickets. Mostly shaded, it will be a great hike or ride for relief from the summer sun.

Paris Mountain is one of the most highly visited of South Carolina’s 47 State Parks, thanks in part to its accessible location and the natural retreat it offers in the middle of bustling Greenville County. This park expansion and added trail come at a time when more people than ever before treasure and seek outdoor space for recreation in Upstate SC. State Parks have reported record numbers of visitors in recent years.

We’re honored to have played a small role in this successful project and will continue to monitor the property during annual stewardship visits. Our many thanks to Friends of PMSP, Paris Mountain State Park, and all who worked tirelessly to purchase and protect this land and build Sassafras Trail to help more Upstate residents and visitors experience this special place!

Visit details

Paris Mountain State Park
2401 State Park Road
Greenville, SC 29609

Hours: 8 am – 6 pm (8 pm on Tuesdays)
Admission: $6.00 for adults, $3.75 for SC seniors ages 65 & older, $3.50 for children ages 6-15, free for children 5 and younger. An annual state park passport is also available for purchase.

To access Sassafras Trail, use Sulphur Springs Parking Area near Shelters 5 & 6. Trailhead is located at the back of the parking area. The trail is approximately 2.3 miles long and rated a moderate difficulty.

Click here to view the Paris Mountain State Park trail map