Is it a pond or is it a lake? At 285 acres, Langley Pond certainly seems large enough to have earned the designation of lake. But this Aiken County swimming hole has been called a pond ever since it was created in the mid 1800s.
Aiken County's Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism claims it is the world's largest pond, measuring just a few inches short of being a lake. Pond or lake, it's become one of the southeast's premier rowing venues.
It was the home practice facility of the U.S. Rowing Team for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The only Olympic-class rowing course in South Carolina, it remains a popular training and regatta venue for rowing teams from all over the country.
But you don't have to crew to enjoy Langley Pond. It's just as popular with those who like to swim, fish, water ski or just sun by the water. The park features a bathhouse, playground, covered picnic area, concession stand, grills, boat ramp, a designated swimming area and a couple of docks. On summer weekends, it's a popular spot to cool off and unwind.
Built around 1870, the pond is part of Horse Creek Valley, named for the 24-mile Savannah River tributary that powered the region's industrial revolution. Back in the day, some 30 textile mills operated along Horse Creek. The stream continues to feed the pond, which runs from three to 18 feet deep.
Recreation at Langley Pond
