Must Visit Parks in Spartanburg
Many parks have similar amenities – seating areas, picnic tables, playgrounds – but some of Spartanburg’s best parks have unique features elevating them above your basic outdoor area.
Whatever you’re looking for in an outdoor experience, Spartanburg is sure to have it.
Spartanburg’s Best Parks For All Things Outdoorsy
If you’re looking for the best in hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and even equestrian activities, these parks are great for reconnecting with the great outdoors.
Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Inman, SC
A nice space where you can enjoy a little peace and quiet is a luxury these days, and if you’re wanting to indulge in that luxury, come spend a day at Anchor Park at Lake Bowen. With 33 miles of shoreline and a 1,534 acre lake, this haven should be at the top of your list for your next fishing trip location. Spend a day out on the water, then head back to shore where you can enjoy your fresh catch thanks to the on-site communal grills and picnic pavilion.
Pack up your tackle box and bring your boat for a serene weekend at Anchor Park.
The Rail Yard along the Mary Black Rail Trail
The Rail Yard features an exercise and yoga pad, and a pavilion shaped like a trolley, yet another connection to Spartanburg’s railway-heavy lineage. There’s also a water station for people and pets, a misting station to beat the heat, and a picnic spot for outdoor breakfasts or lunches.
Situated just off Forest Avenue, the Rail Yard has taken off in popularity because of the unique fitness stations and natural offerings it features, not to mention an area dedicated to the Carolina Panthers, in the form of a certified NFL Play 60 playground. The Panthers-themed park features a playground with elements of an NFL Combine workout to promote youth activity through the league’s Play 60 initiative. While the course – with a 40-yard dash area and other obstacles – is perfect for kids, its open to all ages, so make sure to test your 40-yard dash time the next time you’re there. (Take it from me, your dash time won’t come close to an NFL star’s.)
Croft State Park in Spartanburg, SC
Start your day on the water with fishing, boating, or paddling in one of Croft State Park’s two gorgeous lakes. Or work up an appetite on 2.5 miles of hiking trails and 20+ miles of biking trails, then refuel at one of three picnic shelters. For a slower pace, take a horseback ride on 20+ miles of equestrian trails or practice your skills in the equestrian show ring. Finally, make yourself at home with 50 campsites for RV or tent camping. Plus the park is pet-friendly, so bring Fido along for a romp in the great outdoors, too.
This expansive park filled with beautiful flora and fauna is just 5 miles from downtown Spartanburg, so spend a night in the park then stop in the city to experience some of the area’s best shops, restaurants, and activities on your way back home.
Lake Blalock Park in Chesnee, SC
This seemingly-private lake branches off the Pacolet River and stretches out for 1,105 acres, beckoning for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Lush trees hug the 45 miles of shoreline and offer a spectacular view in the Summer and Fall. Picnic shelters offer a place for you to stop and savor a lovely lunch in the fresh Piedmont air.
A day a Lake Blalock Park is a boater’s dream, come enjoy this blueway soon!
Spartanburg’s Best Parks For Staying Active
From pickup basketball games to major softball tournaments, these parks are perfect for all you sporty types out there. Come compete or catch a game at:
Duncan Park in Spartanburg, SC
Hey batter batter, swing on over to Duncan Park if you’re a baseball and softball fan! Not only does this park have several miles of walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails, a lake, an amphitheater, and a playground, it also has multiple little league softball and baseball fields and several tennis courts!
Whether you want to catch a game, keep your backhand sharp while you’re in town for that big meeting, or bike off that special dessert you just had to order at dinner last night, you can have high-energy fun in Duncan Park.
Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park at the Rail Trail
The Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park, just behind Flock Shop, is usually humming with cyclists as they tackle the parks’ wood-banked turns, jumps and its somewhat-daunting elevated half-log trail. The Bike Park allows riders of all skill levels to cruise through the trees or soar through the air before taking a break in the Rest Garden and watching the other riders.
If you’re looking for a more consistent pace of action, drop into the pump track or Straight Rhythm to test your skills.
Edward C. Stewart Park in Spartanburg, SC
One of the largest parks in the City of Spartanburg, Stewart Park is a fabulous destination for any fitness-lover. Get your morning jog in along the paved trails, start a game of soccer on the multipurpose athletic field, meet some locals in a pickup basketball game (be sure to ask for their restaurant recommendations), then let the kids and their imaginations run wild through the sprayground.
Have a ball at Stewart Park, the next time you come visit us.
Spartanburg’s Best Parks For Playing & Picnicking
More of your classic parks, these community gathering places are lovely spots to take a breather on a park bench or swing, enjoy a delightful picnic with your family, let the kids run and play, or even see local and national artists perform.
Barnet Park in Spartanburg, SC
Catch your favorite local, regional, and national act at the Zimmerli Amphitheater, enjoy original public art sculptures “Exuberance” & “Circle of Friendship,” watch kiddos and pets frolic in the interactive water fountain (maybe even take a splash or two yourself), or simply take a good ol’ fashioned stroll along the walking trail at Barnet Park in Downtown Spartanburg.
Since Barnet Park is located right in Downtown Spartanburg, once you’re done exploring the seven acres of sprawling green space you can head just across the street to the Chapman Cultural Center where you’ll find the Spartanburg Science Center, Spartanburg Art Museum, Ballet Spartanburg, and even more places to exercise your brain!
Brookwood Park in Landrum, SC
Ideal for cycling enthusiasts, Brookwood Park connects to both the Palmetto Trail’s 14.1 mile Peach Country Passage and the 14 mile Blue Wall Passage.
Come cycle the Peach Country Passage for stunning views of local peach orchards which offer a particularly impressive scene in the springtime when the fruit trees are in full bloom and serve as an important reminder of the significance of the area’s peach industry. Or, if you’re more of an animal-lover, travel the Blue Wall Passage to observe 100+ species of birds and to catch a glimpse of the horses at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center.
Cap off the day with some antiques shopping, a warm meal at a quaint eatery, and a good night’s rest in a cozy BNB in Landrum and you’ve got yourself the perfect unexpected getaway. Learn more about Brookwood Park, the Peach Country Passage, and the Blue Wall Passage, then plan your trip to visit all three!
Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC
Cleveland Park is home to a gorgeous clubhouse which overlooks the perfectly manicured landscape. The charming grounds are peppered with communal grills, swings, benches, and outdoor fitness equipment with paved walking trails that wind throughout. It’s a wonderful space for your next event, or to stop and relax for a moment during a weekend retreat.
This picturesque lakeside park is located right in the heart of historic Spartanburg. Come play a game of horseshoes or take in a performance at the amphitheater next time you’re in town.
McKinney Park in Woodruff, SC
A great stop for families with young children who want a fun place to get their wiggles out, recently renovated McKinney park has upgraded playground equipment, a spacious basketball court, splashpad for water-play, a concession stand and picnic area where you can grab some lunch, and even a community amphitheater where you can catch a movie or a live set from a local band.
McKinney Park is an asset to our community, and we hope you’ll stop by to enjoy it as much as we do.
The Rail Tail Dog Park
The Rail Tail Dog Park sits just across from the main entrance to Duncan Park, and is the perfect place for your four-legged friends to get the rest of their energy out after a walk on the trail. The park is open during daylight hours and has on-site waste containers so you can take care of your dog’s business.
Stoneledge Park in Duncan, SC
Like two parks in one, Stoneledge Park has all the fun and amenities of a classic park, plus the added adventure of Shipwreck Cove Water Park!
Spending a day at this pirate-themed water park is more fun than finding buried treasure! Suitable for all ages, come splash down two thrilling water slides, float along the lazy river, do a few laps in the swimming pool, and catch some rays on the spacious tanning deck. There’s also a dedicated kiddie area so little ones can enjoy some fun in the sun, too.
Open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Shipwreck Cove Water Park is a must-visit Spartanburg attraction—especially with the new renovations coming the summer of 2019! See the park’s admission rates, calendar of events, and rental information here.
Can’t get enough of the outdoors? Check out Spartanburg County’s hiking & trails, preserves & arboretums, and fishing spots.
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