Emily Nicholson

Park Manager

Welcome! My name is Emily Nicholson, and I am the Park Manager at Paris Mountain State Park. The summer between my last year of college at Southern Wesleyan University, not really sure what my after-college plan was, I did an internship at South Cove County Park. After working a full summer there, I realized getting to be able to play outside for my job was pretty cool, and that I wanted to pursue a career as a park ranger. I got offered a full-time ranger position in 2013 at this park a few months later, then obtained a full-time ranger position with SC State Parks at Oconee State Park in 2016. I realized that having a job where I could share my passion for nature and outdoor recreation was right where I wanted to be.

Paris Mountain has many great features whether you like to hike, mountain bike, fish or paddle. While there are several miles of trails here, my favorite short hike is around Lake Placid where I enjoy morning walks with my dog around the lake. While walking around Lake Placid, my favorite view point is at a bench below where Shelter 1 is located. It is a great spot to sit in the mornings, overlook the lake and be able to hear the water going over the spillway.

As a first time visitor, I would suggest walking the Lake Placid Trail, which is less than a mile. The hike takes you on a loop around the lake where you are able to spot wildlife as well as see the historic spillway.  Enjoy!

**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located on the bulletin board under the breezeway at the Park Center (stone bathhouse). There is also a stamp at the front desk.

Paris Mountain State Park’s roots date as far back as the Great Depression, when it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This heritage can still be seen in the preserved stone and timber outside of the renovated bathhouse, now known as the Park Center. Inside, the center features historical exhibits and a classroom to teach young and old about the park’s ecology.

Paris Mountain is located in the rapidly-developing city of Greenville, South Carolina, and although the park was once a rural retreat, bikers, hikers and those visiting Camp Buckhorn now keep the park bustling year round. When it comes to camping in state parks, the Paris Mountain State Park camping facilities are top-notch and include paved camping sites, 13 of which offer tent pads, and five trailside campsites around the North Lake Trail Loop.

Whether you’re coming from out of state or just looking to escape from Greenville, South Carolina for a few days, make your Paris Mountain State Park camping reservations and prepare for a weekend of great outdoor recreation!