Falls Park on the Reedy is Greenville’s 32-acre urban oasis, located at 601 S. Main Street and open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It seamlessly blends restored mill ruins, themed gardens, world-class architecture, and a year-round calendar of community events into an accessible public space Greenville SC. Highlights include the iconic Liberty Bridge, the TD Saturday Market, the Upstate Shakespeare Festival, and hidden retreats like the Mill Ruins Overlook and the hydrangea glade Warehouse Theatre. With paved trails, ramps, and an elevator, the park welcomes visitors of all mobility levels Visit Greenville SC. Nearby dining options—such as Passerelle Bistro and Between the Trees—offer chef-driven menus overlooking the Reedy River passerelleinthepark.com
Between the Trees. Whether you’re strolling the Swamp Rabbit Trail, attending a free Shakespeare performance, or simply soaking in the gardens, Falls Park provides a practical, picturesque retreat in the heart of downtown Greenville.
History & Transformation
Industrial Origins
The site of today’s park was once the bedrock of Greenville’s textile industry, dominated by the Vardry McBee gristmill established in 1776 to harness the Reedy River’s power. By the mid-20th century, many of these mills lay abandoned, leaving stone foundations and overgrown grounds that echoed Greenville’s industrial decline Metropolis.
Visionary Renewal
In the late 1990s, Mayor Knox H. White and the Falls Park Endowment set out to reclaim 26 acres of this neglected land as a public green space. Arbor Land Design collaborated with architect Miguel Rosales of Rosales + Partners to transform riverfront ruins into an interconnected series of gardens, terraces, and overlooks, anchored by a signature suspension footbridge Arbor Land Design. Rosales himself reflected on the bridge’s impact: “Bridges are things people relate to very closely because they are open to the public” WYFF.
Paths, Architecture & Art
Liberty Bridge
Completed on September 10, 2004, the 345-foot Liberty Bridge curves above the falls without support towers in the center, offering what many describe as a floating promenade over cascading water Greenville SC. Its single-cable suspension design provides uninterrupted river views, while twin inclined pylons anchor the structure on the east bank WYFF.
Ruins & Sculpture
Scattered throughout the park are the remnants of 19th-century mill walls, repurposed as scenic overlooks. Near the Main Street entrance, Bryan Hunt’s bronze sculpture Fall Lake Falls stands 16 feet tall against a backdrop of gardens, celebrating both the river’s beauty and Greenville’s industrial past Visit Greenville SC.
Gardens & Trails
Six themed gardens showcase native dogwoods, azaleas, and perennial borders selected for peak spring and autumn blooms. Paved 8-foot-wide paths link these areas, ensuring easy access for pedestrians, strollers, and wheelchairs. The nearby Swamp Rabbit Trail crosses the park, connecting downtown Greenville to 22 miles of multi-use paths.
Seasonal Highlights & Community Events
TD Saturday Market
Each Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, May 3 through October 2025, Main Street + McBee transforms into the TD Saturday Market, featuring over 75 local vendors offering produce, artisan goods, and live music. Admission is free, and the market fosters a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Upstate Shakespeare Festival
The 29th Annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival stages free performances of King Lear (May 22–June 15) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona (July 3–27), Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. Guests may reserve $1 wristbands for alcohol consumption; no tickets are required Warehouse Theatre.
Concerts & Cultural Programs
Beyond Shakespeare, the park hosts monthly “Music on the River” concerts, outdoor yoga classes every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., and art workshops in Pedrick Garden each third Sunday.
Hidden Spots & Insider Tips
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Mill Ruins Overlook: Tucked between Liberty Bridge and the east bank trails, this platform offers a quiet vantage of the original stone foundations Arbor Land Design.
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Hydrangea Glade: Along the east bank near Camperdown Way, shaded by mature oaks, you’ll find seasonal hydrangeas—best seen in late spring Visit Greenville SC.
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Pedrick’s Garden: A children’s garden designed with interactive features—ideal for families seeking a playful respite Greenville SC.
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Sunset Point: West of the bridge, an amphitheater-style overlook captures the sun dipping behind downtown’s skyline.
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Photography Nook: On the west bank near the old mill race, a small bench framed by pink azaleas makes for a popular portrait spot.
Practical Information
Access & Parking
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Address: 601 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 passerelleinthepark.com
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Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Greenville SC
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Parking:
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Free two-hour street parking on McBee and Camperdown Way;
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County Square garage (near Main + Court) offers free parking for Falls Park visitors with validation at park headquarters, a 5-minute walk away.
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Accessibility
An elevator by Spill the Beans provides ADA access between street level and riverside trails; a winding ramp behind the restaurant offers an alternative route Within Reach.
Pet Policy
Leashed dogs are welcome; waste stations and biodegradable bags are provided at multiple trailheads Greenville SC.
Nearby Dining & Amenities
Passerelle Bistro
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Location: 601 S. Main Street (inside Falls Park) passerelleinthepark.com
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Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
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Specialty: French-inspired brunch, locally sourced fare, and river-view seating .
Between the Trees
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Location: 44 E. Camperdown Way (Grand Bohemian Lodge)
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Hours: Sun–Thurs 6:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 6:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
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Specialty: Panoramic park views, craft cocktails, and locally inspired small plates
Additional Options
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Soby’s New South Cuisine (207 S. Main St.) – Modern Southern dishes in a historic textile mill .
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Larkin’s on the River (320 River St.) – Steakhouse overlooking the Reedy River .
Resources & Contacts
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Falls Park Headquarters: (864) 467-4355
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Falls Park Website: greenvillesc.gov/FallsPark
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Visit Greenville SC: visitgreenvillesc.com
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Upstate Shakespeare: warehousetheatre.com/shows/upstate-shakespeare-festival
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TD Saturday Market: saturdaymarketlive.com
Falls Park on the Reedy continues to captivate residents and visitors alike—its thoughtful design, layered history, and vibrant programming making it a must-visit destination in Greenville. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll, a cultural event, or a peaceful garden retreat, the park offers an ever-evolving landscape of discovery right in the heart of downtown. Enjoy your visit!
