For those days when hiking uphill is simply out of the question, head to Chau Ram River Park in Oconee County for a short, one-mile hike that’s both easy on the eyes and on the body. This lovely county park includes three miles of easy, well-marked and well-maintained trails that are perfect for exploring the park and its water elements.

From the moment you arrive — and before you even exit your car — you’ll be wow’d by the four-story waterfall seen from the parking area with no hiking required.

TripAdvisor/Hayley M It’s a local’s favorite for cooling off in the crisp mountain waters of Ramsey Creek.

From the parking area, head toward the impressive suspension bridge for the start of a one-mile, easy loop through this 200-acre Oconee County Park.

alltrails.com You’ll likely see it from the parking area, and if not, then just follow the short paved trail.

The suspension bridge is commanding, to say the least.

TripAdvisor/Michael R It’s not that it’s a big drop from the bridge to the water. No, it’s the sheer length of this suspended wooden structure. It’s spans a total of 160 feet over the Chauga River and may be the longest suspension bridge in the state.

And all of the wires that support it are sure to fascinate everyone on your hike.

TripAdvisor/scoutdreams The trails at Chau Ram County Park are suited to hikers of all ages and levels and many of the trails have a hard surface, making them even more accessible. Kids and adults alike love exploring the park’s many trails.

As do their canine family members!

Google Local / C munson Dogs are allowed on the trails, as long as they’re leashed. And the four-legged members of the family will love dipping their toes (and more) in the water. The one-mile loop has many little side trails that lead down to the river, affording a world of opportunity to cool off.

The one-mile loop trail travels for approximately half its length along the river and then turns to explore the forested areas as it returns back to the suspension bridge and parking area.

alltrails/Juni Langston But you always have the option to turn around and return the way you came if you want to keep seeing the beautiful water views.

Chau Ram County Park is more than just a hiking destination, though.

Google Local/Miriam Mancini The park includes 25 campsites (including RV sites), four picnic shelters, and picnic tables scattered throughout, including along the trails.

The park is known by locals for being super clean and very well maintained.

alltrails/Steve Dowdy Whether you spend an hour on the trail, or an entire weekend (or longer) at Chau Ram County Park, your time here is sure to be a fun-filled adventure.

Chau Ram County Park is located in the far western pocket of South Carolina.

Google / maps It’s located just outside of Westminster and can be found 20 miles west of Clemson and 50 miles southwest of Greenville.

Not all hikes have to be of the uphill variety and take hours and hours to complete. Spend an hour – or a day – exploring the Chau Ram Falls Trail and the other easy trails at Chau Ram County Park! It’s open seasonally from March through mid-November. Day use hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more from this link. And if you want more information on the hike itself, consult our friends at alltrails.com.

TripAdvisor/Hayley M

It’s a local’s favorite for cooling off in the crisp mountain waters of Ramsey Creek.

alltrails.com

You’ll likely see it from the parking area, and if not, then just follow the short paved trail.

TripAdvisor/Michael R

It’s not that it’s a big drop from the bridge to the water. No, it’s the sheer length of this suspended wooden structure. It’s spans a total of 160 feet over the Chauga River and may be the longest suspension bridge in the state.

TripAdvisor/scoutdreams

The trails at Chau Ram County Park are suited to hikers of all ages and levels and many of the trails have a hard surface, making them even more accessible. Kids and adults alike love exploring the park’s many trails.

Google Local / C munson

Dogs are allowed on the trails, as long as they’re leashed. And the four-legged members of the family will love dipping their toes (and more) in the water. The one-mile loop has many little side trails that lead down to the river, affording a world of opportunity to cool off.

alltrails/Juni Langston

But you always have the option to turn around and return the way you came if you want to keep seeing the beautiful water views.

Google Local/Miriam Mancini

The park includes 25 campsites (including RV sites), four picnic shelters, and picnic tables scattered throughout, including along the trails.

alltrails/Steve Dowdy

Whether you spend an hour on the trail, or an entire weekend (or longer) at Chau Ram County Park, your time here is sure to be a fun-filled adventure.

Google / maps

It’s located just outside of Westminster and can be found 20 miles west of Clemson and 50 miles southwest of Greenville.

Address: 1220 Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster, SC, 29693

 

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