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Going outside in Spartanburg can be a peaceful repose or a fun-filled affair — it just depends on the visitor. Looking for a serene camping or hiking experience? Spartanburg has just the place for you. In search of something more exciting like mountain biking? It’s easy to find that in Spartanburg, too. It’s all up to you; just pick your adventure.
Formerly a World War II Army training camp, Croft State Park is the perfect place to get away. The park consists of more than 7,000 acres of wooded terrain and offers campsites, 20-plus miles of hiking trails and spots for fishing and boating. The park is located five miles from downtown Spartanburg but feels like a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Free and open to the public, Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is one of the city’s best walking destinations, and is perfect for a peaceful jaunt through gardens. The preserve features 10 acres of landscaping with different flora blooming in each of the four seasons. The Cottonwood Trail Preserve is an even larger urban green space with some 50 species of trees, a 550-foot boardwalk, an observation deck and more than 5 miles of walking trails spread over 116 acres.
If you need a place for the kids to burn off some steam, you’re in luck. Spartanburg has an abundance of family parks, among them Cleveland Park, located in the center of the city. Here you'll find walking trails and a lake, along with a playground featuring a rubberized play surface and two structures accommodating children of different ages. Anchor Park is another great spot for a family picnic, with fishing and boating opportunities, picnic shelters and grills and a large playground.
Sparkle City Mini Putt is a free downtown miniature golf course featuring nine holes inspired by Spartanburg landmarks. Pop into a nearby local business, such as Paisley Paw or The Local Hiker, and borrow a putter and golf balls to play this fun mini course.
While Croft State Park is a great destination for a relaxing outing, it also is a haven for a variety of sports. The park offers more than 20 miles of mountain biking trails, a skeet shooting range, 20-plus miles of equestrian trails and an equestrian show ring and stable.
Holston Creek Park is home to facilities for a variety of sports. It includes a 27-hole disc golf course, baseball and softball fields and a mountain biking course. A fishing pond, playground and picnic shelter round out the park’s offerings.
If you love watersports, head to Lake Cooley Park and Outdoor Education Center. This park features boat ramps, grills, a community center, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
The Wofford Terriers men's and women's basketball teams provide visitors to Spartanburg with even more athletic entertainment. Fans can purchase tickets to watch the teams play in the state-of-the-art Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium.
