Paddling Around Spartanburg
Keep cool during those warm days and discover Spartanburg from a new angle when you take to the gorgeous waterways around town. With so many places to launch your kayak, we’ve gathered a few of the top places to space out and explore this year.
Lake Craig
Spanning 165 acres, Lake Craig offers up a relaxing way to explore the outdoors and be serene in Spartanburg. Located within Croft State Park, start your day off with a quick hike on any one of the trails in the park before launching off and relaxing on the water.
While motorized boats are not authorized on this lake, you can still cruise around in your kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or fishing boat. Didn’t bring your boat during your trip to Spartanburg? Don’t worry, you can rent one by the hour or for the day at the Croft State Park office. With non-motorized fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available to rent, anyone can take time and relax. Beyond paddling around, Lake Craig offers up great fishing with a variety of bass, crappie, bream, and catfish.
Tyger River
Take in the beautiful scenery and reconnect with nature along Spartanburg’s largest river system, the Tyger River. With three separate blueways to float around, we recommend starting off along the South Tyger River at Tygerberry Landing.
Launch your kayak at Tygerberry Landing’s ADA-accessible dock and discover the plants and wildlife that call this river system “home.” Paddle around Berry Shoals Pond for some quality bird watching, and look out for blue heron, osprey, bald eagles, and more. Filled with bream, crappie, and largemouth bass, cast your line for a nice relaxing day on the water. Pack a picnic or grab food to-go from a local restaurant and enjoy your view overlooking the water at the dedicated picnic areas.
Lawson’s Fork Creek
Weaving its way through Spartanburg, Lawson’s Fork Creek offers a variety of experiences depending on your skill level and comfort. From Class II and Class III rapids to leisurely floats, there’s room to test your abilities along this river.
For those skilled paddlers looking for some exciting rapids, there’s a 5-mile stretch that launches off at Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve. Start off next to the Cottonwood Trail before escaping into the natural flora of Spartanburg. Tree-lined shores keep the beginning of this trip rather calming before the heart-pumping rapids near the last leg. Higher water flows, especially during the rainy spring period, can amplify those rapids and test even the most skilled paddlers. Wrap up your trip before the Glendale Dam and cool down with a stroll around Glendale Shoals.
Lake Cooley
Discover one of Spartanburg’s hidden gems with a trip to Lake Cooley. Covering 330-acres, this reservoir offers a secluded getaway for those looking just to kick back and relax. Grab your permit from the office onsite before launching off from the ADA-accessible dock.
Whether you’re on a kayak, paddleboard, or a small motorized boat, this lake is the perfect place to float around and take in the gorgeous tree-lined shores. Since this lake feeds into the local water system, there are a few motor restrictions such as maximum power of 15hp for standard watercraft and up to 30hp for pontoon boats. These restrictions also help add some peace of mind to paddlers that they won’t be battling wakes any time a boat passes. Beyond filing permits and a variety of snacks and refreshments, the on-site office also houses summer programming including adventure camps and environmental education classes for youngsters looking to learn more about what surrounds us. For the full catalog of classes and events, check out Spartanburg County’s Parks Department catalog.
Lake Bowen
1,500-acres of open waters are waiting for you at Lake Bowen. With picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a reason Lake Bowen made the list of our Most Instagrammable Spots. Whether your vessel of choice is a motorized boat, kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, take to the waters during your next getaway to Spartanburg. Be sure to visit the Warden’s Office at Anchor Park before you launch and purchase your boat’s permit. With lifejackets available as well, stay safe during your day basking in the sun.
Bring the whole family along your adventure and make time to explore the fun things to do at Anchor Park. If your little ones still have energy after a day on the lake, they’ll love exploring the playground before settling down for a relaxing picnic. Sit on the banks of the lake, or under one of the picnic pavilions and make more of those memories that last a lifetime.
Discover something new, no matter how you choose to spend a day out on the water in Spartanburg. Snap a pic of your adventures and use #OneSpartanburg for your chance to be featured on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
