Conestee Nature Preserve

Conestee Nature Preserve is a nature preserve in Greenville, SC. Owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, the sanctuary spans 640 acres and serves as a hometown destination for hiking, biking, dog walking, and nature classes. Visitors can explore over 13 miles of trails and boardwalks and use 11 wildlife observation decks to view the natural habitats and wild animals that call the area home. The preserve offers free field trips to all public school students in Greenville County and remains open to the public from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year, regardless of ability to pay a fee. It holds a rating of 4.70 based on 2,569 reviews.

The preserve emerged from a property that was once considered polluted and unwanted. In the late 1800s, a dam was built on the Reedy River to power Conestee Mill, and for decades, industrial and municipal pollution settled behind the dam. By 1920, the water quality had deteriorated to the point where the town of Conestee sued the City of Greenville. Over more than 20 years, the nonprofit organization purchased, restored, and expanded the acreage, transforming the site into one of the Upstate's premier places to enjoy nature. The current leadership team, including Executive Director Erin Knight and Conservation and Trails Director Amanda Foster, focuses on connecting people with nature and maintaining the land as a living community. The preserve also hosts special events and offers Nature Playscape birthday parties for children to explore and play in a natural setting.

Located at 840 Mauldin Rd, the preserve sits about five miles south of Downtown Greenville. It is situated near Mauldin Road, which is about 0.2 miles away, and Fairforest Way, also about 0.2 miles away. Carson Stadium is located about 0.3 miles from the site, while Christ Church School and Lead Academy are both about 0.4 and 0.5 miles away respectively. The Palisades at the Park neighborhood is about 0.5 miles away.

Conestee Nature Preserve has built a strong local reputation reflected in its consistently high customer ratings and established track record supported by a large base of reviews. As a 640-acre nonprofit sanctuary within city limits, it provides a unique opportunity for Greenville residents to encounter wild animals and natural habitats without leaving the urban area.

Services:

• Community Engagement
• Community Engagement Initiatives
• Environmental Education Programs
• Event Hosting
• Event Hosting (Birthday Parties, Field Trips)
• Nature Preserve Access
• Trail Maintenance and Development
• Wildlife Habitat Management