10 Fun Things To Do Near Easley, South Carolina (Pickens County)
If you’re looking for a laid‑back, budget‑friendly getaway in upstate South Carolina,
Easley is a great place to start. This small town in
Pickens County sits right between Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you get the best of both worlds: cute downtown streets plus easy access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting family, or just passing through on Highway 123, here are
10 fun things to do in and around Easley, SC that locals actually enjoy.
1. Stroll, Shop, and Snack in Downtown Easley
Downtown Easley is small, but it has that classic Southern charm that makes you want to slow down and walk a little slower.
You’ll find:
- Local shops with gifts, antiques, and home décor
- Cafés and coffee shops perfect for a slow morning
- Murals and photo spots around the main streets
Grab a coffee, wander Main Street, and pop into the local boutiques. If you like people‑watching, find a bench and just take in the pace of small‑town life. It’s relaxing in a way that big cities just can’t match.
2. Walk or Bike the Doodle Trail (Easley to Pickens)
One of the most popular things to do near Easley is the
Doodle Trail, a 7.5‑mile paved trail that runs between Easley and Pickens along an old railroad line.
Why locals love it:
- Wide, paved path – great for walking, jogging, biking, or strollers
- Dog‑friendly – you’ll see lots of pups out for a walk
- Scenic views – rolling hills, trees, and farmland
There are trailheads in both Easley and Pickens, with parking and rest areas along the way. Pack a bottle of water, hop on a bike, and ride from one town to the other. You can grab lunch at one end, then ride back.
On a cool fall afternoon, with the leaves changing, it feels like your own little country escape.
3. Enjoy a Game or Concert at the JB “Red” Owens Sports Complex
If you’re traveling with kids or you just like open green spaces, the
JB “Red” Owens Sports Complex in Easley is a solid stop.
You’ll find:
- Well‑kept baseball and softball fields
- Walking tracks and open areas to stretch your legs
- Occasional tournaments, events, and concerts
During summer, the complex sometimes hosts big youth baseball tournaments, and the energy is contagious. Even if you’re just in town for the day, catching part of a game with a cold drink in hand feels like classic small‑town America.
4. Spend an Afternoon at Easley’s Parks and Playgrounds
If you’re looking for low‑cost things to do in Easley, the town parks are perfect. A couple worth checking out:
- Pope Field Park – ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas
- Hagood Park – another green space for walks and casual outdoor time
These are the kinds of places where locals bring their kids after school or on Sunday afternoons. Pack a picnic, throw a football around, or just relax under a shade tree with a good book.
5. Take a Scenic Drive to Table Rock State Park
Ready to trade small‑town streets for mountain views? From Easley, you can reach
Table Rock State Park in about 35–40 minutes by car, and it’s absolutely worth the drive.
At Table Rock, you can:
- Hike trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Enjoy lake views with Table Rock rising in the background
- Go for a swim in warm weather or rent a boat
- Have a picnic by the water
The hike up to the summit is tough but rewarding, with plenty of switchbacks and a solid workout. If that’s not your style, there are easier lakeside trails that still give you those postcard‑worthy mountain views without the burn in your legs.
6. Chase Waterfalls at Keowee‑Toxaway and the Jocassee Area
One of the perks of staying in Easley is how close you are to some of South Carolina’s prettiest lakes and waterfalls.
Head west from Easley toward:
- Keowee‑Toxaway State Park
- The Lake Jocassee area (about an hour away)
Around these spots, you can:
- Hike to waterfalls tucked into the forest
- Enjoy panoramic lake views
- Go kayaking or boating if you have time
If you’ve never been to the Jocassee area, it almost feels like a hidden mountain lake vacation, but without needing to leave South Carolina. Many people use Easley as a cheaper, quieter base and drive out for day trips.
7. Visit Pickens for Local History and Small‑Town Charm
Just up the Doodle Trail (or a short drive) from Easley, the town of
Pickens has its own laid‑back charm.
Things to check out:
- Historic downtown Pickens with local shops and restaurants
- Museums and local history spots that tell the story of the area
- Seasonal festivals and farmers markets
If you want to get a feel for upstate South Carolina beyond the bigger cities, spending a half‑day in Pickens is a simple way to do it. Some travelers bike over on the Doodle Trail in the morning, then head back to Easley after lunch.
8. Catch a Game or Explore Nearby Greenville
One huge advantage of staying in Easley is how close you are to
Greenville, SC—only about 20–25 minutes away.
From Easley, you can easily spend a day in Greenville and then return to quieter, cheaper lodging at night. In Greenville you’ll find:
- Downtown Greenville – shops, restaurants, and a walkable Main Street
- Falls Park on the Reedy – waterfalls right in the middle of downtown
- Greenville Drive baseball games at Fluor Field (a mini Fenway Park)
It’s like getting a dose of city life without staying in the city. If you love craft food, nightlife, or minor league sports, this makes Easley an excellent “home base.”
9. Eat Your Way Through Local Southern Food Spots
You can’t talk about things to do in Easley without talking about the
food. Easley has that classic mix of Southern comfort food, BBQ, and casual local favorites.
Expect to find:
- BBQ joints with pulled pork, ribs, and classic sides
- Country cooking with biscuits, fried chicken, and sweet tea
- Casual grills, diners, and pizza spots
One simple way to spend an evening: grab takeout from a local place, then head to a park or your hotel porch and enjoy a slow, no‑rush Southern dinner. Sometimes the best vacation memories are the simple ones—like really good mac and cheese after a day on the trail.
10. Join a Local Festival, Market, or Event
Throughout the year, Easley and the rest of Pickens County host
festivals, holiday events, and community markets.
Depending on when you visit, you might stumble onto:
- Outdoor concerts and movie nights
- Seasonal farmers markets with local produce and crafts
- Holiday parades, Christmas lights, or fall festivals
If you like to travel “like a local,” these small events are where you really feel the community. Before your trip, it’s worth checking local event calendars or the Easley city website to see what’s happening when you’re in town.
Why Easley Makes a Great Base in Upstate South Carolina
Easley isn’t a big tourist city, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s:
- Close to the mountains and state parks
- Close to Greenville for dining, nightlife, and sports
- Quiet and affordable compared to some bigger destinations
If you like the idea of hiking in the morning, grabbing Southern comfort food at lunch, then catching a ballgame or strolling a small downtown in the evening, Easley and Pickens County fit that style perfectly.
Share Your Easley, SC Experience
Have you visited
Easley, South Carolina or anywhere in
Pickens County?
- What was your favorite hiking trail or waterfall?
- Did you bike the Doodle Trail or discover a great local restaurant?
Drop your tips, questions, and stories in the comments so other travelers can plan their own trip. And if you found this guide helpful,
share it with a friend or on social media—it might inspire someone else to explore this underrated corner of upstate South Carolina.
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