Outdoor Swimming (Greenville, Easley, Seneca: rentals, camping, live in)

[sxysparkler]

My fiance and I will most likely be relocating to Greenville for his job and I am wondering where the locals go to swim and have some outdoor fun? Are there lakes, rivers, swimholes that people like to frequent and how long is the commute?

I'm a big nature enthusiast and love the outdoors...swimming, camping, hiking, bbqing, just nature nature in general.

Downtown looks absolutely perfect for what I'm looking for, next to Liberty Bridge...I can see myself hanging out in that area a LOT!!! I'm assuming there might be little cafe's or small restaurants in that area to enjoy?

Also....how easy is it to make friends? Are people pretty friendly and open to out of staters? (We're moving from Ohio). Where would you suggest meeting new people?

Thanks in advance for any words of advice!

[Transplant08]

Things to Do - Table Rock State Park - South Carolina Parks

Swimming Area: Seasonal lake swimming is offered contingent on lifeguard availability. The swimming area includes a high dive board, low dive board and sandy beach.

[Art123]

Just as an FYI/reminder to the many fine folk that use this forum, you can always use the search feature on the upper right of the page. ("Search this Forum")

Here's a couple of previous threads that came up when searching for "swimming."

https://www.city-data.com/forum/green...e-swiming.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/green...ing-holes.html

[flgargoyle]

For hiking and other outdoor activities, there are a number of nice parks all along Hwy 11, which is about 1/2 hour+ from downtown, depending on which way you go. There are lots of waterfalls in this corner of SC.

There is a huge number of restaurants and cafes in downtown Greenville. I think in a recent thread about places with outdoor seating, the total was 59 IIRC.

People in Greenville are very friendly- we seem to meet people on every visit. There are two activities during the summer where they close off Main St to traffic and have bands. Thursday night is rock music; Friday is jazz (or I may have that backwards). Despite being not all that young, we meet people of all ages every time we go.

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

Lake Hartwell is a huge lake on the SC/GA border (about 45 min drive from Greenville), and offers several marinas, many with pontoon and/or ski boat rentals, several city, county & state parks with public beaches on its shores and many other beaches where you can anchor or beach a boat and spend hours relaxing, playing or just floating adjacent to your boat. There is also kayaking available in the nearby mountains (check out Sunrift Adventures :: #1 outdoor outfitter since 1980&reg).

[hiyouvereachedtomandali]

Amazing post, let me know if you find anything good!

[pgriss]

I prefer Lake Keowee (just personal preference), Hartwell is nice as well. I live in Easley & it takes me about 35 min. to get to Lake Keowee. I go to the south end (closest to Seneca), the north end is closer to scenic Hwy. 11. You may like Lake Jocassee as well.

Walking & biking, check out The Swamp Rabbit Trail.

[gsupstate]

Originally Posted by pgriss

I prefer Lake Keowee (just personal preference), Hartwell is nice as well. I live in Easley & it takes me about 35 min. to get to Lake Keowee. I go to the south end (closest to Seneca), the north end is closer to scenic Hwy. 11. You may like Lake Jocassee as well.

Walking & biking, check out The Swamp Rabbit Trail.

All three lakes are pretty amazing.....we are truely blessed in the Upstate to have these lakes.

If you go to Hartwell, you have to take a boat out to one of the numerous
islands with sandy beaches. A great way to spend a weekend.