'The Heart Of Downtown' Greenville Is A Flower-Filled South Carolina Park With A River, Falls, And Trails

With stunning green spaces and flowers sprinkled among the city streets, Greenville, South Carolina, serves as a vibrant jumping off point for exploring parks and preserves in the surrounding area. Within about an hour's drive of the city, visitors can explore Caesar's Head State Park, home to a mysterious passage leading to stunning views. Plus, you can also visit Devils Fork State Park, known for its pristine lake that's a popular spot for scuba diving.

However, the picturesque city of Greenville, with a population of around 74,000, has much to offer visitors right in the downtown area, and at the center of it all is a beautiful waterfall park that is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Because of this, the park is often referred to as "the heart of downtown." Filled with flower beds, the park rests along the shores of the Reedy River and offers a calm respite within the bustle of the city. A number of trails and walking paths lead park goers to adventures right from the doorstep of downtown, so exploring the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has never been easier.

Depending on the time of year, Falls Park on the Reedy comes alive with concerts, festivals, and weddings, making this the pulse of the city. The waterfalls are the centerpiece of it all, so much so that the park's Liberty Bridge was designed to showcase them in all their glory. Plus, there are several restaurants within walking distance of the park, including some that offer outdoor dining and views of the park itself. 

The Reedy River, which runs about 75.5 miles across South Carolina, has always been an integral part of the city of Greenville starting from when Native Americans used the falls as a hunting camp to the early days of the grist mills in the 1700s. In the late 1800s, Falls Park was the location of the Sampson and Hill Mill, and components of the mill — like the water wheel house — can still be seen at the park today.

Falls Park consists of 32 acres, and on any given day park goers will take their dogs for a walk, families will be picnicking on the lawn, or joggers and walkers will be traversing the scenic paths. There are two sets of falls (the upper and lower), an amphitheater, half a mile of trails, and the 345-foot-high Liberty Bridge, a perfect place to take in the views. Consisting of winding roots, the Medusa Tree is another highlight of the park, and horticulture enthusiasts can enjoy several tranquil gardens independently or on a guided tour. 

The park is also home to a number of sculptures, including the stunning Rose Crystal Tower and the Sunflower Fountain — a water installation inspired by its namesake flower. During the summer, visitors can take in some Shakespeare in the park, or grab a spot and cozy up for movie nights during the spring and fall. When it's time to get a bite to eat, the Passerelle Bistro is conveniently located inside of the park. Or another option is to head to the Between the Trees restaurant, which overlooks the park and is a great spot for cocktails while enjoying the verdant views.

If you're planning a trip to Greenville, the events calendar on the Visit Greenville website is your best bet for keeping up with happenings at Falls Park. Some can't-miss, signature events in Greenville include the Jazz Fest which is held in May; Euphoria, a culinary festival that takes place in September; Artisphere, a showcase of artisans in May; the Southern Roots barbecue festival in April; and Fall for Greenville, a two-day food and music festival held in October. The city also makes a great base for exploring the hidden Blue Ridge Mountain wine region with unmatched beauty, trying unique activities like zip-lining or gem mining, or visiting under-the-radar towns like Travelers Rest, a dream for outdoor adventurers and foodies.

Greenville is served by the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which is only about 20 minutes' drive from Falls Park on the Reedy. It's worth noting that the city's local bus system, Greenlink, doesn't have a direct route to the airport. For more flight options, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about an hour and 40 minutes' drive away. You can also reach Greenville by train via Amtrak's Crescent route. This can be a super convenient option, considering that the train stop is only 1.5 miles from the park. The Greyhound bus also stops in Greenville, however, the station is a little further out (about 8 miles from the park).