Paris Mountain - Furman Face
Location: Greenville, SC
Size: 55.33 acres
Habitat: Mountain, hardwood forest
Public Use: Hiking, fishing
Partners: SC Conservation Bank (SCCB) & Private Donors
Year Protected: 2017
Fewer than four miles from downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park serves as a forested oasis amid a growing city, offering a place for visitors to connect with nature, walk, bike, fish in the lakes, or enjoy family reunions in one of the many shelters. The park is invaluable to the Greenville community, and its significance continues to grow as the city expands.
Purchasing the Furman Face property is the next logical step in the phased expansion of Paris Mountain State Park, with the ultimate goal of creating a Ring Around the Mountain Trail that provides a direct connection to both Furman University and the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail. This expansion increases the park's size by 17%, with the new parcel alone expanding the footprint by 4%. It will enhance year-round access to recreational activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, and wildlife viewing while providing a buffer against future development. The property features a forested slope rising to within 200 feet of the summit, which is visible from over 10 miles away. Developing this land would severely impact the viewshed of Greenville County.
We have engaged with surrounding landowners to seek trail easements that will connect this property with the park. In the meantime, it will remain open to the public and managed to control invasive species. Paris Mountain State Park is home to approximately 73 types of flora, much of which resembles that of northern mountains, including Virginia Pine at the highest elevations. Some exceptions exist, such as holly, which is prevalent despite not being native to the region, and arbutus, which covers the mountain in spring. A special type of honeysuckle, first discovered by Governor John Drayton, and rosebay rhododendron alongside the park's rivers are also present. The animal life on Paris Mountain consists mostly of possums, foxes, and snakes. Bass, bream, and catfish populate the different park lakes. There are over 20 different species of birds inhabiting the mountain.
Our long-term vision is to transfer the property to SCPRT for inclusion in Paris Mountain State Park.
