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Symmes Chapel

SC PICTURE PROJECT 40 Comments

SC Picture Project / Greenville County / Symmes Chapel

Also known as “Pretty Place,” the Symmes Chapel is part of YMCA Camp Greenville, a branch of the YMCA of Greenville near Caesars Head State Park.

Pretty Place Greenville County

Charles Hardin of Taylors, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Fred Symmes gave the chapel to the YMCA so that its campers could enjoy its beautiful view all summer long. Camp Greenville spans 1,400 acres and serves as a summer camp, conference center, and environmental education facility. Symmes Chapel is a popular wedding venue and worship site, and visitors are welcomed except when it is in use for events. It is strongly advised to call ahead and check the schedule before planning a visit!

Pretty Place

Ryan Glover of Charleston, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Rainbow Falls – YMCA Camp Greenville


Symmes Chapel is by far the most popular attraction within YMCA Camp Greenville, and many do not realize that the property also boasts a vast expanse of wilderness, including several waterfalls. The property spans 1,400 acres on the eastern ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rainbow Falls, a spectacular 140-foot waterfall, can be seen below.

Rainbow Falls

John R. Harrison of Greenville, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of Symmes Chapel


Pretty Place Chapel, Side View

Van Hope of Columbia, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Pretty Place Aerial

Andy Hunter of North Augusta, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Symmes Chapel Camp Greenville

Charles Hardin of Taylors © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Pretty Place South Carolina

Charles Hardin of Taylors, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Symmes Chapel SC

Ralph Mayer of Lexington, 2011 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Pretty Place Black and White

Jim Ferguson of Greenville, 2006 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Symmes Chapel

David Vanover of Boiling Springs, 2008 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Symmes Chapel

Where is Symmes Chapel located?
Address: 100 YMCA Camp Road, Cleveland, SC 29635
GPS Coordinates: 35.133563,-82.574764
Website: http://campgreenville.org/chapel.php
What else should I see?
Cleveland Fish Hatchery 0.9 mile
Jones Gap State Park 1.2 miles
Old Gap Creek Baptist Church 4.7 miles
Caesar’s Head 5.6 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Churches
  • See other South Carolina Mountains
  • See other South Carolina Waterfalls
    Symmes Chapel Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Robin Mayhew says

      February 22, 2021 at 11:57 AM

      When is the best time of year to visit the chapel? Is it open year round to the public? And are there services held there that people can attend? If so, do you have dates? Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Teresa Hines says

      January 3, 2020 at 9:36 AM

      I would like to purchase a print of the chapel with the bible verse as well.

      Reply
    3. Marek Wasilewski says

      October 16, 2019 at 7:55 AM

      I will be in the area around November 16, and I was wondering if the chapel would be open andif I could do a private service there. God bless!

      Reply
    4. Dia Mercer says

      October 1, 2017 at 11:02 AM

      We would like to buy the sunset picture of the chapel to have matted and framed for our home. Can you let us know who to contact?

      Thank you!

      Dia Mercer

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        October 1, 2017 at 2:36 PM

        Wonderful! We attached the photographer on an email, you should receive a copy. Thank you!

        Reply
    5. GLen Stroud says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:09 AM

      Very Spiritual……. Thank You – God Bless …….

      Reply
    6. Ann Smith Burton says

      July 31, 2016 at 6:03 PM

      I had 2 of the most wonderful experiences, witnessing a former 4th grade student get married and taking in the breath taking view from the Chapei on July 30 ,2016.

      Reply
    7. Donald Chambers says

      May 23, 2016 at 4:36 PM

      Lookig forward to the wedding in June.

      Reply
    8. Debbie Clark says

      January 7, 2016 at 7:03 PM

      Pictures do not do this justice. More than gorgeous.

      Reply
    9. Donna says

      October 5, 2015 at 9:52 PM

      How crowded is it on a weekend in October for taking about 30 minutes worth of pictures?

      Reply
    10. Jennifer says

      July 9, 2015 at 9:33 PM

      Can you visit any time? How much does it cost? Who do we talk to about going?

      Reply
    11. Tracy Gillette says

      June 21, 2015 at 12:03 PM

      I have added the Pretty Place chapel view to one of my “most beautiful places in the world” list. We have visited 5 years and hope to see it again!

      Reply
    12. Lela Fye says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:18 PM

      The photos are absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    13. Brenda S. Smith says

      January 31, 2015 at 6:44 AM

      What a beautiful and spiritual place. Can't wait to visit.

      Reply
    14. Roger Coxe says

      January 15, 2015 at 11:58 PM

      Deborah McInnis Coxe

      Reply
    15. BradandCindy Holder says

      December 16, 2014 at 12:43 AM

      This is the most amazing view I have ever seen. I can't wait to go back again.

      Reply
    16. Shelly Jackson says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:54 PM

      Beautiful! Oh, my… so pretty. SC is so pretty.

      Reply
    17. Judie Johnson Boaen says

      November 19, 2014 at 11:24 PM

      Simply gorgeous !

      Reply
    18. Tai To says

      October 7, 2014 at 9:40 AM

      Look at the beautiful sunset !

      Reply
    19. Cindy Corbin says

      July 4, 2014 at 11:16 AM

      How much does it cost to have a small wedding here, and how do you get a date to do it? Do we have to get someone to perform it?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        July 7, 2014 at 8:13 AM

        The website for Camp Greenville is listed above the map. Hopefully, someone there can answer your questions. Best of luck!

        Reply
    20. Minnie Foster says

      April 5, 2014 at 5:45 PM

      We are making a trip down this summer and would love to visit this amazing place. Does it cost anything, or is it open to the public?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        April 7, 2014 at 8:25 AM

        Hi, Minnie! A trip to Pretty Place is a worthy goal! The chapel is part of a YMCA camp; the website is posted above the map, which should help you with planning a visit. It is a very popular wedding destination, so you will want to be sure one is not taking place when you go. Safe travels!

        Reply
    21. Brittany says

      September 5, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE A WEDDING A SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE? MY FIANCEE AND I ARE REALLY LOOKING TO GET MARRIED HERE WITH SUCH A WONDERFUL VIEW.

      Reply
    22. Silverback says

      May 17, 2013 at 6:30 AM

      Windy in places, but well worth the effort. I was there last week.

      Reply
    23. Nadine Padgett says

      April 28, 2013 at 8:56 AM

      I would like to know about the road leading to the Chapel. Is it a steep and narrow road?
      Thank you and Have A Blessed Day!

      Reply
    24. Joseph Baker says

      March 6, 2013 at 8:06 AM

      According to Remembering Greenville, Photographs From The Coxe Collection, page 142: “John Harvey and Hazle Baker Cleveland donated a 28-acre mountain site for Camp Greenville. Hazle Baker Cleveland had called the spot Pretty Place.”

      Reply
    25. Pat Hardin says

      February 28, 2013 at 11:28 PM

      This gives me goose bumps seeing such a lovely place. My husband passed away April 4th 2012 and his name was Charles Hardin same as the man who took the pictures. He had brain cancer and really loved the lord.

      Reply
    26. Kay Sutton says

      February 28, 2013 at 9:59 AM

      Being born in Gaffney, S.C. I have put this on my list as a must to visit. To beautiful to even describe from these pictures, and I hope to see it by being there one day soon. God has truly made a beautiful earth if we would all just stop and look around and we are so blessed.

      Reply
    27. Dianne Gregory says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:48 PM

      Absolutely beautiful pictures. Our son and daughter-in-law were married there June 11, 2011. Your pictures are gorgeous. Is there a way I could purchase a set?

      Reply
    28. Ken Miller says

      February 13, 2013 at 11:38 AM

      We visited this beautiful chapel on Saturday with the one I love in hand and spent time taking in all of God’s beauty and spiritual connection. A kiss to remember for sure.

      Reply
    29. Maggie Westfall says

      January 29, 2013 at 12:20 PM

      My husband and I were engaged there back in 2008.

      Reply
    30. mimi says

      November 10, 2012 at 2:51 PM

      Thank you so much for taking me there with you today, and making me discover the beautiful and the holy places within my Head.
      Mimi

      Reply
    31. Cynthia Chilton says

      November 5, 2012 at 6:02 PM

      I was so glad to see the beautiful pictures. This is a must see in South Carolina. When you walk through the doors of the Chapel, you will be in awe of the beauty. One of the Upstate’s most beautiful places.

      Reply
    32. Rev.Forrest A. Rupp Sr. says

      April 10, 2012 at 2:39 AM

      Although I’ve never been to Symmes Chapel in person it reminds me of the Mountain of God. I hope that someday my wife Rhonda and I can see it in person.

      Reply
    33. Sallie says

      January 4, 2012 at 11:31 AM

      Visited once with a group – awesome – hope to visit again one day.

      Reply
    34. Jenny says

      October 11, 2011 at 5:18 PM

      The most peaceful place in SC …

      Reply
    35. Kelley Duenke says

      November 2, 2010 at 4:33 PM

      Wow — what a view!

      Reply
    36. Brenda Gilbert says

      August 21, 2010 at 1:44 PM

      How do you get there!!

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        August 23, 2010 at 8:07 AM

        Hi Brenda! Symmes Chapel is owned by Camp Greenville, and they request that visitors check with them first before visiting the chapel. Here is a link to their website: http://www.campgreenville.org/

        Reply

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