Boat, Bike, and Hike at Sadlers Creek State Park

Got boat, boots and bike? Travel on up to Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson for a triple-play vacay. 

The 395-acre park on the western edge of South Carolina's uplands features an easy half-mile nature path, 6.5 miles of mountain biking trails and access to the beautiful Lake Hartwell. It's a one-stop shop for outdoor adventure.

Lake Hartwell is definitely the big draw here. The park is set on a peninsula overlooking the 56,000-acre lake - one of three large reservoirs of the Savannah River. If you're into fishing, the catch of the day can include bass, bream, crappie, catfish and trout.

A boat ramp offers access to the lake for those who prefer to fish from a boat. But there are plenty of quiet spots along the shore to cast your line. The park also features three dozen lakefront campsites where you could easily launch a kayak or canoe.

When you're ready to put away your paddle or pole, hop on your bike and try out the beginners mountain biking trail that runs through the park. I rode it recently and will tell you more about in an upcoming blog.

For a less-strenuous exercise option, take a walk on the Pine Grove Nature Trail, a half-mile loop that circles downhill to the lake. As you stroll through the hardwoods and pines, be on the lookout for wildlife. The forest serves as a habitat for an assortment of birds, deer and other woodland critters.

In addition to the outdoor amenities, the park also has a lakeside pavilion that can accommodate up to 150 people, two picnic shelters and a scattering of picnic tables, some with nice views of the lake.

Lakeside camping also is plentiful at Sadlers Creek. Of the park's 52 campsites, 37 of them overlook the water. Along with the standard campsites, the park offers 14 sites reserved exclusively for tent camping and a primitive campground for groups of up to 50 people.

For more information on Sadlers Creek State Park, click here or call (864) 226-8950.