The best road cycling routes in Paris Mountain State Park
4.9
(41)
2,865
riders
149
rides
Road cycling in Paris Mountain State Park features a monadnock landscape, an isolated mountain rising from the surrounding terrain. The park offers routes with significant elevation changes, including climbs with over 1,000 feet of gain, and smooth, paved roads. Cyclists can find both challenging ascents and more leisurely paved sections within its 1,540 acres. The terrain includes dense oak and pine forests, providing a varied environment for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes in Paris Mountain State Park
- The most popular road cycling route is Paris Mountain โ Paris Mountain Road loop from Lake Placid, a 21.8 miles (35.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 5 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain as it loops around Paris Mountain.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Furman Bell Tower โ Swamp Rabbit Trail loop from Travelers Rest, a moderate 23.6 miles (38.0 km) path. This route combines road sections with parts of the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, offering varied scenery.
- Local road cyclists also love the South Saluda River โ Hunts Bridge loop from Travelers Rest, a 30.1 miles (48.5 km) trail leading through river valleys and rural landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 13 minutes.
- Road cycling in Paris Mountain State Park is defined by challenging mountain ascents, smooth paved roads, and forested sections. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to difficult climbs.
- The routes in Paris Mountain State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 3,500 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Paris Mountain State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
5.0
(5)
50
riders
38.0km
01:54
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29
riders
48.5km
02:13
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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19
riders
61.6km
02:46
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
95.5km
04:26
1,140m
1,140m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
104km
04:48
1,310m
1,310m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Paris Mountain State Park
Tips from the Community
This luxurious hotel has everything a cyclist could want, including an on-site bike mechanic. This is due to the fact that the owner of the hotel is former pro cyclists George Hincapie. Whether you stay for a night or linger for longer, you have many great cycling options right out the door and the knowledgeable staff can point you in the right direction for whatever style of ride you are looking for.
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This scenic river is a popular trout fishing spot. It may be tempting to take a dip to cool off on a hot day; however, keep in mind that the water can be very cold, even during summer.
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It's a lovely trail but at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning it starts getting crowded and by 11:00 there were lots of people. The most annoying part is the speed bicycle riders. They fly down the trail through crowds of pedestrians. I saw several near crashes. I would recommend this trail but only on weekday mornings when there's not as much humanity about.
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Naturaland Trust Enoree Wetland Restoration Site is a small nature preserve off of Tigerville Road. This is a nice, densely forested spot to ride through as you explore the area.
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Furman University was established in 1826, is the oldest private university in South Carolina, among the 75 oldest institutions of higher education in operation nationally today. It is named for Richard Furman, he was one of the most important Baptist clergyman during the early decades of the new nation and an influential advocate of educational institutions throughout the country.
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If you're riding around Furman Lake, there's probably one thing that will catch your attention: the tall tower located on a small peninsula of the lake. It is a 1965 replica of the original bell tower of the campus, which used to sound at the start of classes. If you want to take a closer look or relax on one of the benches beneath it, you'll have to dismount from your bike.
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Milford Mall was named after Eugene W. and Louise H. Milford, who gave a generous donation to the university. There is a wonderful water fountain that provides a delightful atmosphere as you explore this historical place.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Paris Mountain State Park?
Paris Mountain State Park offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 160 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate loops to challenging climbs.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Paris Mountain State Park?
You can expect diverse terrain, including significant elevation changes with climbs exceeding 1,000 feet of gain, and opportunities for practicing descents. The roads are generally described as smooth and recently paved. Much of the ride is under a canopy of trees, providing a varied environment within its 1,540 acres.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Paris Mountain State Park?
Yes, Paris Mountain State Park has routes suitable for beginners. There are 24 easy road cycling routes available, offering more leisurely paved sections within the park.
Are there challenging climbs for experienced road cyclists in the park?
Absolutely. Paris Mountain State Park is known for its challenging ascents, with 49 difficult routes available. Professional cyclists have been known to train here, tackling climbs with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. A notable climb on Paris Mountain can be approached from State Park Road/253, covering approximately 3.69 miles with significant elevation gain.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while road cycling in Paris Mountain State Park?
While cycling, you can enjoy glimpses of downtown Greenville and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park features two main lakes, Lake Placid and North Lake, and the historic Lake Placid Dam, built in 1898. The landscape includes dense oak and pine forests, with rolling hills and diverse flora.
Are there any scenic viewpoints along the road cycling routes?
While many routes are under a tree canopy, certain sections offer scenic glimpses of downtown Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The park's monadnock nature means it rises prominently, providing unique perspectives.
Is parking available for road cyclists at Paris Mountain State Park?
Yes, parking is available within Paris Mountain State Park. The park offers 39 paved campsites with hookups, and general parking areas are accessible for visitors.
Are there facilities like water stations or restrooms available for cyclists?
Yes, water stations are available within Paris Mountain State Park, which are ideal for staying hydrated during longer rides. Restrooms are also accessible at various points, including near the renovated bathhouse, now functioning as the Park Center.
What do other cyclists say about the road cycling routes here?
The road cycling routes in Paris Mountain State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 27 reviews. Cyclists often praise the smooth, recently paved roads and the challenging yet rewarding climbs.
Are there any loop routes for road cycling in Paris Mountain State Park?
Yes, many road cycling routes in the park are loops. For example, the Paris Mountain โ Paris Mountain Road loop from Lake Placid is a popular 21.8-mile route with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Furman Bell Tower โ Swamp Rabbit Trail loop from Travelers Rest, which combines road sections with a popular trail.
What is a good longer, more challenging road cycling route in the area?
For a longer and more challenging ride, consider the Caesars Head Mountain โ North Saluda Reservoir loop from Travelers Rest. This difficult route spans over 80 miles (133.5 km) and features nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain, offering a substantial workout for experienced cyclists.
Can I combine road cycling with other activities in Paris Mountain State Park?
Absolutely. After your ride, you can enjoy other activities like hiking on over 15 miles of trails, fishing in Lake Placid or North Lake, or even paddle boating on Lake Placid. The park also has historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, adding to its appeal.
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