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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Lake Conestee Nature Park

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SC Picture Project / Greenville County / Lake Conestee Nature Park

Lake Conestee was originally created by the construction of a dam for hydroelectric power at Conestee Mill in 1892. Once covering 130 acres, the lake slowly filled with sediment from industrial waste making the once vast body of water only about 90 percent of its original size. The lake was considered toxic and classified as a Superfund site, which is any land in the United Stations contaminated by hazardous waste and identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a candidate for cleanup because it poses potential health risks. The Lake Conestee Nature Park was formed on land around Lake Conestee.

Lake Conestee Nature Park

C. Ron Laughter of Greer, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 2000, a non-profit group, known as the Conestee Foundation, was formed to lead the efforts of revitalizing the lake and wetlands into the development as a nature park. Safety studies were conducted and the area was deemed to be safe to proceed. Construction began in the vast 400-acre park and included the laying of 12 miles of trails, six of them paved, with a mile of boardwalks and large observation deck overlooking wetlands.

Lake Conestee Nature Park

C. Ron Laughter of Greer, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The park borders the Reedy River for three miles and offers a mix of hardwood and evergreen forests, and wetlands, creating an environment for abundant wildlife. Deer, river otter, beaver and fox are frequently seen along with other small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The Greenville County Bird Club has reported over 200 bird species within the park and the National Audubon Society has designated the site as an Important Bird Area of Global Significance.

Lake Conestee Nature Park

David E. Hill of Simpsonville, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The park is jointly managed by the Conestee Foundation and Greenville County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism and is open daily, free of charge. The Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, a trail connecting Travelers Rest and Greenville, winds through the nature park as well as other popular destinations such as Falls Park and the campus of Furman University. Talks are currently underway to annex the park into the city of Greenville, which is located just six miles away. Annexation would help increase the city’s greenspace and would also help to further protect the Reedy River. Nearly 100,000 people visit the Lake Conestee Nature Park annually looking for a rural experience in the middle of a bustling upstate city.

Lake Conestee Nature Park

C. Ron Laughter of Greer, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Lake Conestee Nature Park

Where is Lake Conestee Nature Park located?
Address: 601 Fork Shoals Road, Greenville, SC 29605
GPS Coordinates: 34.775935,-82.360001
Website: http://lakeconesteenaturepark.com/
What else should I see?
McBee United Methodist 1.2 miles
Conestee Mill 1.3 miles
Reedy River Presbyterian 1.3 miles
Mauldin 4.7 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Greenville Historic Sites
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    Lake Conestee Nature Park Map

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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