Just looking to take a quick stroll? To complicate matters slightly, Lake Conestee Nature Preserve was known as Lake Conestee Nature Park until early 2020. Having a beautiful day to hike in Lake Conestee Nature Park is a bonus, but you can have an awesome experience here at any time! Once a polluted, toxic wasteland, Lake Conestee Nature Park is one of the most impressive nature reclamation projects you will ever see. The park’s fine trail system comprises one of the best trail systems in the Greenville County park district. Tip: Conestee Park has three separate restroom facilities that will probably be your closest restroom while on the trail. The biking and walking paths wind their way around the lake, which is really more of a swamp, and it’s all fed by Greenville’s Reedy River, which is a glorified creek. Lake Conestee Nature Park consists of over 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Lake Conestee Nature Park consists of 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat just 6 miles from downtown Greenville, SC. Located in the heavily developed Interstate 85 corridor, the 400-acre wetlands and birding paradise serves as an outlet to the outdoors with over a dozen miles of trails and other natural treasures. Lake Conestee was established in the early 1800s through damming of the Reedy River. Lake Conestee Nature Park currently offers approximately six miles of natural surface trails, six miles of paved trails and approximately 4,000 linear feet of boardwalks and bog-walks. Please visit our website for more details. The males choose the nest site, then display there to attract a mate. A large playground and activity lawn are adjacent to the event pavilion and the entrance to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve is just 100 yards away. Click the drop down below for The park … - 14 miles of trail to explore. There are beautiful walking trails and waypoints your family can explore to learn more about the history of the area and the animals that call the park home. Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, formerly Lake Conestee Nature Park, opened in 2006, is a 400-acre (160 ha) preserve along three miles of the Reedy River in ... More info Conestee, South Carolina Thank you! ABOUT - Located 6 miles south of downtown Greenville. Located in the heavily developed Interstate 85 corridor, the 400-acre wetlands and birding paradise serves as an outlet to the outdoors with over a dozen miles of trails and other natural treasures. [3], In December 2016, inspectors from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control rated Conestee Dam, which is not keyed into the bedrock, in poor condition due to deterioration of mortar and water seepage. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash and you pick up their poop! There are numerous trails, interconnected, that are teeming with nature. Updated July 21, 2020. . Meet the new head of the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve December 2nd, 2020. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Lake Conestee Nature Park consists of over 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. This wildlife sanctuary contains hardwood and mixed forests, extensive wetlands, 3 miles of the Reedy River, and a rich diversity of wildlife habitat. Michael Corley sees Lake Conestee Nature Preserve as an oasis. Lake Conestee Nature Park consists of approximately 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. During your hike, or ride, you may encounter a variety of animals, including whitetail deer, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, river otter, and read and grey fox. Having a beautiful day to hike in Lake Conestee Nature Park is a bonus, but you can have an awesome experience here at any time! The park contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, 3 miles of the Reedy River, and a rich diversity of wildlife habitat. FEES There is no fee to visit the preserve. Lake Conestee was established in the early 1800s through damming of the Reedy River. Please update your bookmarks and links! This wildlife sanctuary contains hardwood and mixed forests, extensive wetlands, 3 miles of the Reedy River, and a rich diversity of wildlife habitat. Due to the ever-changing situation in regard to COVID-19, please note that information below is subject to change. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Lake Conestee Nature Park bike trail in Greenville. In 2000 the Conestee Foundation, a 501(c)(3) conservation organization, was formed to lead the revitalization of the lake as a wetlands through the development of the nature preserve, and the foundation used settlement funds from a June 1996 Colonial Pipeline spill to purchase the lake and the dam. People often confuse the two, Walter said. Come and "discover a world apart" at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve! Get directions, reviews and information for Lake Conestee Nature Park in Greenville, SC. In 2000, the Conestee Foundation was formed to preserve what remains of the lake. Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, formerly Lake Conestee Nature Park, opened in 2006, is a 400-acre (160 ha) preserve along three miles of the Reedy River in ... More info Conestee, South Carolina Lots of beech, maple, and hickory trees throughout the forest that keep this walker’s paradise cool. Hunting is prohibited. Come and "discover a world apart" at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve! Check out Lake Conestee Nature Park hotel properties using interactive tools which allow you view hotel rooms, common areas and key features. LOCATION There are multiple parking areas that allow entry to the park. Michael Corley sees Lake Conestee Nature Preserve as an oasis. The Lake Conestee Nature Park, managed by the Conestee Foundation, is a property comprised of the former lakebed and contains wetlands, sloughs, bottomland forests, and 1.5 miles of the Reedy River, and provides a natural wonderland of wildlife habitat. When you feel the need to get out of the house and reconnect with Mother Nature, there are a number of places to turn in South Carolina where a short and easy hike is sure to do the trick (see nine of those short hikes here). Meet the new head of the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve December 2nd, 2020. Lake Conestee Nature Park. The name change was done to better reflect the park’s environmental education and conservation mission. - Contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, and 3 miles of the Reedy River. It is now approximately 90% silted in. Conestee's Event Pavilion also has convenient access to the main entrance of Lake Conestee Nature Park, which is home to over 400 acres of nature trails, unique wetlands, and birdwatching stands. During your hike, or ride, you may encounter a variety of animals, including whitetail deer, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, river otter, and read and grey fox. Lake Conestee Nature Park consists of over 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. 26 Reviews (864) 277-2004. There are numerous trails, interconnected, that are teeming with nature. ACTIVITIES ALLOWED Hiking, birding, enjoying nature, and learning from 1 of the 40 interpretive signs found throughout the park. The Lake Conestee Nature Park was formed on land around Lake Conestee. This shelter is located just behind Conestee's baseball fields, which can be booked for additional fees. The lake was considered toxic and classified as a Superfund site, which is any land in the United Stations contaminated by hazardous waste and identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a candidate for cleanup because it poses potential health risks. Conestee Park (also operated by the Greenville County Recreation District) is a great place to visit in its own right and has 2 of its own trails, a playground, a dog park, ball fields, picnic areas (including a beautiful shelter), and a community garden. Come and witness the resiliency of nature. Lake Conestee Nature Park has been awarded a 2017 Phoenix Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for excellence in brownfield redevelopment. When you feel the need to get out of the house and reconnect with Mother Nature, there are a number of places to turn in South Carolina where a short and easy hike is sure to do the trick (see nine of those short hikes here). The last two major rains causing flooding in Greenville destroyed one of our most important bridges, River Otter Way footbridge. Lake Conestee Nature Park is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Greenville, South Carolina. Come and witness the resiliency of nature. Lake Conestee Nature Park is a hidden gem right in the heart of Greenville County. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/lake-conestee-nature-park-loop Lake Conestee Nature Park 601 Fork Shoals Rd Greenville SC 29605. LCNP is a 400 acre nature preserve that rests on a watershed derived brownfield site due to 100 plus years of polluted runoff settling in the lake bed. Earlier this month, Lake Conestee Nature Park was named 1st Runner Up for the national Phoenix Award. - 14 miles of trail to explore. On Jan. 1, 2021, … Length 2.2 mi Elevation gain 177 ft Route type Loop. Thanks to photos and virtual tours, you can look before you book your Lake Conestee Nature Park hotel reservation. About 100,000 people visit the park on a yearly basis to watch birds, run, and enjoy other outdoor activities, according to Hargett. The Lake Conestee Nature Park, managed by the Conestee Foundation, is a 400 acre property comprised of the former lakebed and contains wetlands, sloughs, bottomland forests, and 3 miles of the Reedy River. The nature preserve hosts about 100,000 patrons a year, according to Hargett, and has 12 miles of trails. Lake Conestee Nature Park. Michael Corley sees Lake Conestee Nature Preserve as an oasis.. Lake Conestee Nature Preserve is hugely popular in the Upstate, partly because it is such a beautiful wetland and place to see lots of wildlife but also because families love the easy-to-traverse trails and open spaces. Bikes are allowed on most trails. This wildlife sanctuary contains hardwood and mixed forests, extensive wetlands, 3 miles of the Reedy River, and a rich diversity of wildlife habitat. At its largest extent, the lake covered about 130 acres (53 ha), but years of upstream industrial waste and discharge filled about 90 percent of the lake with sediment so toxic that the lake was classified as a Superfund site. The female does most of the nest building, with the male providing most of the building materials. Today, Lake Conestee Nature Park boasts 402 acres of open space, 12 miles of trails and boardwalks, and 207 species of birds. The current dam remains in "poor condition." Lake Conestee Nature Park (owned by a small not-for-profit) covers 400 acres and is a wildlife sanctuary in the center of Greenville County, SC. Facebook 0 Tweet 0 Pin 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0. There are 6 miles of natural trails, 6 miles of paved trails and 4,000 feet of boardwalks. Once safety studies of the brownfield were complete, it was determined that no harm would result if the toxic sediment were left in place. ACTIVITIES NOT ALLOWED NO fishing, swimming, wading, or boating in the water. Be In Awe Of The Natural Beauty Found On This Short, Secluded Hike In South Carolina’s Lake Conastee Nature Park. In 2020, the Lake Conestee area looks different than it did 20 years ago. The lake was considered toxic and classified as a Superfund site, which is any land in the United Stations contaminated by hazardous waste and identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a candidate for cleanup because it poses potential health risks. We strongly encourage a $3 donation per person which can be deposited in boxes at two of the trail heads. The 145-acre park has walking and biking trails, a playground and dog park. ABOUT - Located 6 miles south of downtown Greenville. At least 214 bird species have been reported, and the National Audubon Societyhas designated th… Conestee Park features baseball and softball fields, a dog park and playground and has direct access to the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve. ABOUT - Located 6 miles south of downtown Greenville. Lake Conestee Nature Park hotel reviews, photos and virtual tours. Lake Conestee Nature Preserve director Dave Hargett says the site will have a new dam by 2022. This shelter is located just behind Conestee's baseball fields, which can be booked for additional fees. Lake Conestee Nature Park consists of over 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The park contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, three miles of the Reedy River, and a rich diversity of wildlife habitat. - Selected as an Important Bird Area of Global Significance by the National Audubon Society. The preserve contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, and a rich diversity of reptiles, mammals, and birds. A visitor to the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve bikes across the nonprofit park's Reedy River Bridge on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. By Anna Lee. LCNP is a 400 acre nature preserve that rests on a watershed derived brownfield site due to 100 plus years of polluted runoff settling in the lake bed. Conestee's Event Pavilion also has convenient access to the main entrance of Lake Conestee Nature Park, which is home to over 400 acres of nature trails, unique wetlands, and birdwatching stands. It is also home to lots of outdoor events throughout the year. Looking for a great trail in Lake Conestee Nature Park, South Carolina? 4.6 #114 of 190 in Wildlife in South Carolina. Updated July 21, 2020. The foundation has created Lake Conestee Nature Park by purchasing 4 parcels of land surrounding the lake with additional purchases planned for the future. My good friend Dana Leavitt and I started talking and thinking about Lake Conestee back in 1995, and after five years of lining up countless ducks, we created the Conestee Foundation and acquired historic Lake Conestee. Lake Conestee Nature Park, Conestee. Conestee Park (also operated by the Greenville County Recreation District) is a great place to visit in its own right and has 2 of its own trails, a playground, a dog park, ball fields, picnic areas (including a beautiful shelter), and a community garden. HOURS The park is open sunrise to sunset 7 days a week. AllTrails has 5 great hiking trails, walking trails, kid friendly trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Now the mill, the hand-hewn stone dam along the Reedy River and 140 acres of Lake Conestee Nature Park all have been added to the National Register. [2], Lake Conestee was created when the Reedy River was dammed at the Conestee Mill in about 1892. Lake Conastee Nature Park is open sunrise to sunset 7 days a.... Fork Shoals Rd Greenville SC 29605 River Bridge on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020,. 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