Paris Mountain - Sulphur Springs and Fire Tower Trails (Greenville County, South Carolina)

I've always hated Black Friday and the mobs that come with it, but a few years ago REI started the #OptOutside movement, which encourages people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors on this day instead of standing in line for retail sales. They back this up by closing their stores on this day. Though, I did have to make a purchase this morning of a special beer that is only released on Black Friday, I took advantage of my trip to Greenville, SC to get some trail miles in.

It's been a long-standing tradition that my wife and I spend Thanksgiving with her family in the mountains north of Asheville, NC and early the next morning, I always drive to Greenville to purchase that special release beer. On the way, I've passed Paris Mountain State Park many times and thought about stopping to check it out. This year, our plans were forced to change last minute due to my mother being in the hospital and my wife coming down with something. We just spent the holiday at home, but that didn't stop me from driving to Greenville anyway and since I'm here and not on the time-crunch I normally have, I decided to finally do some hiking at Paris Mountain.

I expected to pay to enter the park, but in celebration of #OptOutside, the park is offering free admission today - that's a bonus! I ask about the trailhead for the Sulphur Springs Trail and the park attendant provides me with directions to the parking area. Once there, I see that a lot of people have the same idea, but I'm still able to find a parking spot without difficulty.

The trail begins right out of the parking lot and follows a small stream. Due to the name of the trail, I'm constantly sniffing the air for hints of sulfur, but all I really smell are the rhododendrons. I'm curious about how this trail got it's name, but that question will likely not get answered today. The trail meanders through the woods up and down through a ravine. It's well traveled, but still has some mildly challenging sections. I find myself getting a little winded as I climb some of the steeper inclines. I really need to get back into shape.

Coming to a large pool of water in the stream, I look up the hill to see a manmade dam with water trickling over it. At it's side, a circular stone structure lies in ruins. A informational plaque explains that the dam was created to provide a steady water source for nearby residence and the stone structure housed a mechanical valve mechanism to control the flow. The years have left it inoperable though. After climbing above the dam and continuing on the trail, I skirt the edge of the small reservoir made by the pent up waters.

The trail continues onward and eventually hits some areas with the trickling stream of water runs over large open pieces of stone. The surrounding ground is covered with fallen leaves, but the waters seem to have kept these stone outcroppings clean as the creek runs over them. In some cases, it's a steep climb to hike beside these waterfalls. I bet they are quite a a site to see during a rain storm and there are several of them along the trail.

Finally reaching a fork in the trail, I decide to check out the remains of the fire tower and the spur trail named for it. A couple of fellow-hikers indicate that it's only another half-mile or so. Along the way, I pass another gentleman before reaching the ruins of an old house, which served as a residence for the men charged with manning the fire tower. The steel tower itself is said to have stood nearby, but was later moved. An informational sign also explains that this was a bad choice in location as it does not offer a 360° view. Paris Mountain itself lies to the southwest and stands a bit higher than this hilltop, thereby blocking part of the view. The tower was moved in 1943 to a better location.

Turning back the way I came, I soon rejoin the main trail and begin making my way back down the mountain. This side of the loop is friendly to mountain bikes and a couple pass me as I head back down to the car. I don't care for the activity of mountain biking myself, as I feel it doesn't allow me time to enjoy my surroundings and is more about the adrenaline rush. That said though, I can see how this downhill might be fun. It has some sweeping curves and the trail is mostly clear of roots. 

Before too long, I'm back at the bottom and heading towards my car. A  park employee now had the area my car is parked at blocked off. Apparently, one a group reserved the picnic shelter and the parking area goes along with it. I explain that I must have arrived before the barricade was placed and he nods in agreement before allowing me to pass. I was able to get in about 5.4 miles today and it was nice to explore a some new trails. More importantly, it was great to #OptOutside.