Fill Your Anderson Itinerary with Outdoor Adventures

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson is naturally a destination for outdoor recreation and adventure. The scenic landscape serves as the backdrop for a wide range of activities, from yoga in the park to hiking, biking and kayaking.

Along with the usual fitness and recreation facilities, Anderson offers a number of cool parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and burn some calories. Sadlers Creek State Park tops the list with its many recreational offerings.

The 395-acre park offers access to Lake Hartwell, one of South Carolina’s premier freshwater fishing destinations for catfish, bream, crappie and bass. Over the years, the 56,000-acre lake has served as the venue for a number of major fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Elite Series and Striped Bass Winter Classic. If you want to improve your chances of reeling in a trophy striper, book a trip with one of the many local fishing guides.

In addition to a 100-foot pier for fishing and two boat ramps, the state park offers more than 65 campsites, a six-mile beginners mountain biking trail and a half-mile nature trail. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the lakeside picnic tables.

Darwin H. Wright Park is another popular destination offering access to the bass-rich waters of Lake Hartwell. It features a fishing pier, along with a nine-hole disc golf course, swimming area, play equipment and some two dozen picnic tables and grills.

Visitors planning to fish or boat on Lake Harwell may also want to check out some of the area’s boating facilities, among them Portman Marina.

At 300 acres, Broadway Lake is much smaller than Lake Hartwell, but it’s also a favorite spot for paddling, fishing and boating. Along with a boat ramp, it features a nice swimming area and several lakeside picnic tables.

For an even quieter retreat to nature, try the lesser-known Rocky River Nature Park. The wetlands and lakes within its 400 acres offer opportunities for bird watching, trail walking, biking and kayaking. The park also features a discovery center with educational exhibits.

Sports-minded visitors will enjoy the extensive offerings at the 300-acre Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center. It boasts seven softball and baseball fields, three soccer fields, eight tennis courts, miles of paved and lighted walking paths, a disc golf course, picnic areas, the Kid Venture playground and Chris Taylor Memorial Park, featuring a duck pond, walking track and exercise stations.

Additional recreational facilities, including basketball courts, baseball fields, playground equipment and walking tracks, are available at city parks.

Throughout the year, the Anderson Recreation Department also presents a wide range of community events, from yoga and Zumba classes to holiday ice skating, at Carolina Wren Park located in the downtown historic district. In the summertime, the park’s fountain wall is a big hit with kids.

If golf is your thing, you’ll have your choice of several beautiful courses, including Cobb’s Glen Country Club, The Club at Brookstone, Pine Lake Golf Club, Anderson Country Club and Stone Creek Cove Golf Club.

Whether you’re into sports or outdoor fun, Anderson has you covered.