10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Easley, SC (That Locals Actually Love)
If you live in Easley, South Carolina, or you’re staying there for a few days, you might be wondering:
What’s fun to do nearby without driving all day?
The good news? You’re surrounded by some truly great spots in nearby counties. In less than an hour or so, you can find waterfalls, mountain views, lake adventures, cute downtowns, and even a little college-town energy.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Easley, focusing on nearby places in:
- Greenville County, SC
- Anderson County, SC
- Oconee County, SC
- Transylvania County, NC
Each one is perfect for a day trip, and none of them are in Pickens County, so you’re truly “getting away” for the day.
1. Soak Up City Energy in Downtown Greenville, SC
County: Greenville County, SC
Approx. drive from Easley: 20–25 minutes
Downtown Greenville has turned into one of the hottest small cities in the South, and it’s an easy drive from Easley.
Stroll along
Main Street under shady trees, grab coffee at a sidewalk café, and pop into local boutiques. The area is very walkable, so you can park once and explore for hours.
A few simple ideas for your day:
- Walk along Main Street and do some window shopping
- Grab lunch at a local restaurant with outdoor seating
- Check the event calendar for festivals, markets, or live music
If you’re used to Easley’s quieter vibe, Greenville feels like stepping into a small city vacation without the long drive or big-city stress.
2. Explore Falls Park on the Reedy & Liberty Bridge (Greenville)
County: Greenville County, SC
Approx. drive: 20–25 minutes
Right in the heart of downtown Greenville, you’ll find
Falls Park on the Reedy, one of the most iconic spots in the Upstate.
The star of the show is the
Liberty Bridge, a curved pedestrian bridge that floats over the waterfall. It’s the kind of place where you automatically reach for your phone to take pictures.
Things to do here:
- Walk across the Liberty Bridge and take in the waterfall views
- Spread out a blanket on the lawn for a simple picnic
- Wander the garden paths and stone walkways along the river
If you’re looking for date ideas near Easley or a relaxing Sunday stroll, Falls Park is hard to beat.
3. Family Fun & Festivals at Anderson, SC
County: Anderson County, SC
Approx. drive: 35–40 minutes
Anderson calls itself the “Friendliest City in South Carolina,” and it honestly feels that way when you walk around downtown.
You’ll find:
- A charming main street with local shops and restaurants
- Seasonal festivals, parades, and farmers markets
- A laid-back small-town vibe that’s great for families
If you’re planning a family road trip from Easley, Anderson is an easy choice. You can spend the morning exploring downtown and then head toward the lake in the afternoon (we’ll get to that next).
4. Enjoy Lake Days on Lake Hartwell (Anderson County)
County: Anderson County, SC
Approx. drive: 35–45 minutes (depending on which access point)
If you love the water,
Lake Hartwell is a must-do day trip from Easley. This huge reservoir stretches along the South Carolina–Georgia line and offers plenty of places to play.
Depending on where you go, you can:
- Launch a boat or rent one from a local marina
- Go fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish
- Swim at designated recreation areas
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a lakeside picnic
On a hot summer day, the drive feels more than worth it once you jump into the cool water. If you time it right, you can even enjoy sunset over the lake before heading back to Easley.
5. Step Back in Time at Clemson University & Surroundings (Anderson County Side)
County: Anderson County, SC (portions of the Clemson area)
Approx. drive: 35–40 minutes
Even though Clemson is best known as a college town and stretches into different counties, the
Anderson County side of the area makes a fun little road trip from Easley.
You can:
- Drive through campus and admire the classic brick buildings
- Walk around the college-town streets filled with restaurants and shops
- Soak in that game-day energy if you visit during football season
You don’t have to be a student or alum to enjoy the area. It’s lively, upbeat, and different from the everyday feel of Easley, which makes it a nice change of pace.
6. Chase Waterfalls in Oconee County, SC
County: Oconee County, SC
Approx. drive: 55–75 minutes (depending on the falls)
If you’ve ever wanted to spend a day just
finding waterfalls, Oconee County is your playground.
This corner of South Carolina is packed with scenic falls tucked into the woods. Many of them are just a short hike from the parking area, which makes them perfect for casual hikers and families.
Popular options include:
- Easy, short trails to family-friendly waterfalls
- Moderate hikes for those wanting more of a workout
- Shady forest walks that feel cooler on hot days
Bring sturdy shoes, a small backpack, and maybe a change of socks. You’ll probably end up getting a little close to the water.
7. Relax by the Water at Lake Jocassee & Lake Keowee (Oconee Side)
County: Oconee County, SC
Approx. drive: 1–1.5 hours
The Oconee County side of
Lake Jocassee and
Lake Keowee is known for clear, cool water and amazing views of the surrounding foothills.
These lakes feel more peaceful and scenic than many busy recreation lakes. Think:
- Kayaking along quiet coves
- Swimming in clear, deep blue water
- Taking a boat tour to see hidden waterfalls that flow into the lake
If you’re craving a true escape from everyday noise, this is one of the best road trips from Easley. Pack snacks, sunscreen, and a towel, and turn it into a full-day lake adventure.
8. Visit Historic Walhalla & Scenic Byways (Oconee County)
County: Oconee County, SC
Approx. drive: around 1 hour
Walhalla is a small town with German roots and easy access to some of the prettiest drives in the state.
You can:
- Stroll through the historic downtown streets
- Check out local shops and grab a casual lunch
- Use Walhalla as your starting point for scenic mountain drives
From here, you’re close to several scenic byways that wind through the mountains, past rivers and forests. It’s a great choice if you love the journey as much as the destination.
9. “Land of Waterfalls” in Brevard, NC (Transylvania County)
County: Transylvania County, NC
Approx. drive: about 1.5 hours
Now we’re heading over the state line into
North Carolina, but still staying within a reasonable drive for a day trip from Easley.
Brevard is famous for one big thing:
waterfalls. The area is sometimes called the “Land of Waterfalls,” and it truly lives up to the name.
Around Brevard, you can:
- Visit multiple waterfalls in a single day
- Enjoy short, family-friendly hikes with big payoffs
- Grab coffee or ice cream in the cute downtown before or after your hikes
One of the fun things about Brevard is how quickly the scenery changes. In less than two hours from Easley, you go from small-town South Carolina to lush mountain forest.
10. Drive, Hike, and Play in Pisgah National Forest (Transylvania County)
County: Transylvania County, NC
Approx. drive: about 1.5 hours
Near Brevard, you’ll find the
Pisgah National Forest, a huge natural playground full of trails, streams, and scenic overlooks.
Here’s what you can do on a simple day trip:
- Take a scenic drive along curvy mountain roads
- Stop at overlooks for sweeping views and photos
- Hike a short trail to a waterfall or viewpoint
- Let the kids splash in a shallow mountain stream (always check conditions first)
If you’ve been wanting a “mountain weekend” but don’t have time for a full vacation, a day in Pisgah gives you that fresh-air reset without booking a cabin.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Easley
To make these short trips from Easley easier and more enjoyable, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times on your map app before you go, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Pack the basics: water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket for mountain areas.
- Wear comfy shoes, especially if you’re planning to walk trails or explore downtowns.
- Look up hours & fees for parks, marinas, and attractions ahead of time.
A little planning goes a long way toward turning a simple drive from Easley into a full, memorable day.
Where Will You Go First?
Living in or near Easley, SC means you’re in a sweet spot: within a short drive you’ve got:
- City excitement in Greenville
- Small-town charm in Anderson and Walhalla
- Lake life on Hartwell, Jocassee, and Keowee
- Mountain air and waterfalls in Brevard and Pisgah
So, which of these
10 out-of-county road trips from Easley is calling your name?
Share Your Favorite Day Trips from Easley
I’d love to hear from you:
- Have you tried any of these road trips?
- Do you have a hidden gem in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee, or Transylvania County that should be on this list?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers from Easley can discover new places too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy day trips near Easley, South Carolina. Your share might inspire someone’s next great little adventure.
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