10 Easy Road Trips from Mauldin, SC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Greenville County
If you live in or around
Mauldin, South Carolina and you’re itching to get out of town for a few hours, you’re in a great spot. Within a 30–90 minute drive, you can find waterfalls, lakes, small historic towns, and even a town that calls itself the
“Land of Waterfalls.”
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Greenville County, so they truly feel like a mini escape.
Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Mauldin, using nearby counties like
Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania in North Carolina, and Abbeville, Anderson, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg in South Carolina.
Use this as your go-to guide for easy weekend adventures, date days, or family outings.
1. Hike & Sip Your Way Through Hendersonville, NC (Henderson County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
1 to 1.25 hours
Head north into the Blue Ridge and spend a day in
Hendersonville, North Carolina. This small city has a charming downtown and easy access to the mountains.
Top things to do:
- Stroll Main Street: Cute shops, local restaurants, and old-fashioned soda fountains make it feel like a classic American downtown.
- Jump Off Rock: A short drive from downtown. You get big mountain views with almost no hiking. Great for sunset photos.
- Apple orchards (in season): In late summer and fall, try places like Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard or Grandad’s Apples for apple picking, hayrides, and cider doughnuts.
If you’re craving a laid-back day where you can park once and wander, Hendersonville is an easy win. It’s especially fun during apple season—traffic can be busy, but the fresh cider makes up for it.
2. Explore Waterfalls & Wineries in Saluda, NC (Polk County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
1 to 1.25 hours
The tiny mountain town of
Saluda in
Polk County feels like a secret hideaway tucked off I‑26. It’s perfect if you want something quieter than Asheville but still scenic.
Things to check out:
- Downtown Saluda: Old brick buildings, train history, and easygoing cafes. It’s the kind of place where you linger over coffee.
- Green River Adventures: Try tubing, kayaking, or guided whitewater trips on the Green River if you want a splash of adrenaline.
- Nearby wineries: Polk County has several vineyards and tasting rooms set against rolling hills.
If you like the mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, Saluda makes a great day trip or quick overnight.
3. Go Chase Waterfalls in Brevard, NC (Transylvania County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
1.5 hours
Transylvania County is called the
“Land of Waterfalls”, and
Brevard is right in the middle of it all. If you’ve been meaning to explore western North Carolina, this is an easy starting point.
Don’t miss:
- Looking Glass Falls: One of the most photographed waterfalls in the state. You can see it right from the roadside, and a short set of steps leads to the base.
- Sliding Rock: In warm weather, you can slide down a natural rock chute into a chilly mountain pool. Bring water shoes and towels.
- Downtown Brevard: Grab a burger or ice cream, browse outdoorsy shops, and keep an eye out for the town’s famous white squirrels.
If you’ve got kids, this is a fun mix of “wow” views and easy access. Pack snacks, towels, and a dry change of clothes, just in case someone “accidentally” ends up in the water.
4. Step Back in Time in Abbeville, SC (Abbeville County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
1 to 1.25 hours
Looking for a quiet weekend drive with a little history?
Abbeville is a small town that feels like it was pulled from a storybook, with a pretty town square and historic buildings.
Highlights:
- Abbeville Opera House: A beautiful, historic theater that sometimes hosts plays and events. Even if you don’t see a show, it’s worth walking by.
- Town Square: Old brick storefronts, a courthouse, and local shops that are fun to browse.
- Parnessee-style photo ops: Think old lampposts, classic architecture, and quiet corners made for photos.
If you like slower-paced towns and old Southern charm, Abbeville is an easy choice for a day trip from Mauldin.
5. Lake Day in Anderson, SC (Anderson County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
45 minutes to 1 hour
Sometimes you just need a day near the water.
Anderson sits close to
Lake Hartwell, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, and it offers a ton of low-key fun.
Ideas for your visit:
- Lake Hartwell: Rent a boat, go fishing, or just grab a lakeside picnic spot at one of the parks or campgrounds.
- Downtown Anderson: Walk the historic district, peek into boutiques, and grab a meal at a local restaurant.
- Anderson sports & events: Depending on the season, you might catch a local festival, car show, or small-town event.
If you’re trying to plan a simple summer Saturday, a lake day in Anderson is hard to beat—and it’s close enough that you can be back in Mauldin by dinner.
6. Small-Town Stroll in Laurens, SC (Laurens County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
35–45 minutes
If you want a short drive with minimal planning,
Laurens is an easy pick.
What to do:
- Historic Courthouse Square: Classic small-town South Carolina, with a big courthouse right in the center.
- Local shops & cafes: Pop into an antique store, grab a coffee, and enjoy a slow afternoon.
- Scenic back roads: The drive itself can be part of the trip. Take the back ways for rolling fields and quiet scenery.
Laurens is also a nice jumping-off point if you want to keep driving deeper into the countryside or combine it with another stop, like Clinton or Joanna.
7. Outdoor Adventure in Pickens, SC (Pickens County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
45 minutes to 1 hour
If the mountains are calling but you don’t want to drive all the way to Asheville,
Pickens County is a perfect compromise.
Places to explore:
- Table Rock State Park: Scenic lake, hiking trails, and impressive views of Table Rock itself. Even if you’re not a big hiker, you can enjoy the picnic areas and short trails.
- Caesars Head / Sassafras Mountain (nearby region): Slightly farther, but still a reasonable day trip from Mauldin, with overlooks and sweeping views.
- Downtown Pickens: A quick stop for food or a stretch break after your hike.
If your idea of the perfect Saturday includes trail shoes, a cooler in the trunk, and picnic food, Pickens County deserves a spot on your list.
8. Historic Mill Vibes in Easley & Surrounds (Pickens County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
35–45 minutes
Another Pickens County option: head to
Easley and the neighboring areas.
Try this combo:
- Easley’s downtown: Take a slow walk, grab lunch, and check out any seasonal events or markets.
- Doodle Trail (Pickens–Easley Rail Trail): A paved path great for biking, walking, or jogging between Easley and Pickens. It’s family-friendly and mostly flat.
This is a chill, flexible day trip. You can bike in the morning, eat in the afternoon, and still be home in time to catch a game or movie.
9. Arts, Food & History in Spartanburg, SC (Spartanburg County)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
30–40 minutes
If you want more of a “small city” feel without going far,
Spartanburg is a solid pick. It has a growing downtown, public art, and good food.
What to see and do:
- Downtown Spartanburg: Murals, sculptures, and lots of restaurants in walking distance.
- Morgan Square: The central plaza, a nice spot to sit, people-watch, or enjoy outdoor seating.
- Walk or bike the trails: Spartanburg has several greenways and short paths that are easy to access.
Spartanburg works well for date night—with dinner and drinks—or a daytime family outing with a focus on parks and ice cream.
10. Lakes & Quiet Roads Near Lake Greenwood (Laurens County Side)
Rough drive time from Mauldin:
1 to 1.25 hours
If you’re craving quieter water than the bigger lakes, head toward
Lake Greenwood, especially the
Laurens County side.
Ideas for your trip:
- Lake access areas: Look for public ramps and small parks where you can fish, paddle, or just enjoy the water views.
- Scenic drive: The rural roads around the lake are peaceful, with farms, forests, and long stretches of open sky.
- Pack a picnic: It’s the kind of place where a cooler, folding chairs, and good company are all you really need.
This is a good choice when you want to unplug and avoid crowds but still stay fairly close to Mauldin.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Mauldin
To make these out-of-county adventures smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these trips are within about 30–90 minutes. Perfect for day trips.
- Watch the weather: Mountain areas like Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties can be cooler and wetter than Mauldin.
- Pack smart: Bring water, snacks, and maybe a light jacket. For waterfalls and lakes, toss in towels and extra socks.
- Confirm hours: Small-town shops, orchards, and parks can have seasonal hours, especially in winter or early spring.
If you like variety, you can rotate—one weekend in the mountains, the next by the lake, then a historic town the week after.
Ready to Hit the Road from Mauldin?
Living in Mauldin means you’re surrounded by great
day trip options—mountain towns in North Carolina, quiet lakes in South Carolina, and historic squares that feel like movie sets.
You don’t have to plan a full vacation to feel like you’ve “gotten away.” Sometimes a 45‑minute drive, a good meal, and a new view are all you need.
If this list gave you some ideas for your next weekend adventure:
- Share this post with friends or family who live near Mauldin and need new road trip ideas.
- Comment below with your favorite spot in Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Abbeville, Anderson, Laurens, Pickens, or Spartanburg County—or suggest a hidden gem I should add next time.
Your suggestions help other readers discover new places too, so don’t be shy—where should we road trip from Mauldin next?
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