5 Places that Anyone Who Loves Nature Will Want to Visit Spartanburg

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Are you looking for the perfect outdoor place to walk or picnic in Spartanburg? We gathered together our 5 favorite spots to enjoy nature with our children. Our list includes a garden, a park with a gazebo, and a park that overlooks a lake.

It may be the four true seasons Spartanburg has to offer, but my family loves to spend outdoors together. We feel fortunate to live in a place with so may great outdoor activities, beautiful scenery and great temperatures. Now that Spring has truly arrived, we are spending more and more time outside.

No matter what part of Spartanburg County you live in, you will find beautiful outdoor spaces for your family to explore. Whether it is a park, a lake, a garden, or a boisterous downtown restaurant, there is something outdoors for everyone. For even more fun ideas of things to do outside see our giant list of things to do outside in Spartanburg.

outdoor spaces in Spartanburg Hatcher Gardens

Cleveland Park

Located right in the center of Spartanburg is Cleveland Park. This park is a quiet gem in the middle of the city with a lake, swings, a playground, and walking trails. There is plenty of spaces for picnics and room for kids to roam and explore. In addition to the accessible playground, the park is a beautiful setting. So much so that it is frequently used for special events and weddings.

141 N. Cleveland Park Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Admission: Free

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

We love Hatcher Garden & Woodlawn Preserve on the Westside of Spartanburg. Located off John B. White Sr. Boulevard, you might have even passed it without realizing it was there. If so, you have been missing out! This is a free public garden, once again, right in the middle of Spartanburg – you might even say “hidden.” The gardens have beautiful trails to explore with waterfalls, flowers, butterflies, observation decks and more.

820 John B. White Sr. Blvd.
Spartanburg, SC 29304

Admission: Free

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen

There are several wonderful lakes to visit around Spartanburg County, but even if you do not own a boat, Lake Bowen’s Anchor Park is a welcoming outdoor space in North Spartanburg. With an excellent enclosed playground that overlooks the lake, you can enjoy great views while your kids run free. Plus, there are picnic tables and grills available. It is also a great spot to find the geese, so be prepared to get up close and personal with some feathered friends as you walk around the park.

8515 Hwy 9
Inman, SC 29349

Admission: Free

Croft State Park

Did you know that Spartanburg is home to one of the largest South Carolina State Parks? Croft State Park, on the Eastside of Spartanburg, is only five minutes from downtown. This state park is huge! It has miles of trails for exploring whether by foot, bike, or horse! Really – it even has equestrian trails. In addition to all the outdoor trails to explore, there is also a huge lake for fishing and other water activities. Plus, families can extend their visits by camping on site. The park also hosts events regularly like the monthly Music in the Woods event. It is free for those under fifteen years of age and only $2 for adults to visit Croft State Park.

450 Croft State Park Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29302

Admission: $2 for adults | Free for 15 and under

Cottonwood Trail

Cottonwood Trail is a nature preserve that protects a wonderful outdoor space near downtown Spartanburg. Recognized as an “urban green space,” Cottonwood Trail allows visitors to spend time outdoors while remaining close to the city. The trail is clearly marked and is easy for even the littlest hikers, and they will love trekking across the various footbridges. While on the trail, you should expect to see plenty of wooded areas and wildlife, but you should also spend some time visiting the other connected trails that are part of the preserve, such as the Wetlands Trail.

Accessed off Beechwood Drive (off Fernwood Drive)
Spartanburg, SC 29307

Admission: Free

For those looking for other outdoor spaces in Spartanburg, don’t forget that Downtown Spartanburg also offers plenty of outdoor dining options, as well as Sparkle City Mini Putt.

What’s your favorite outdoor location in Spartanburg?

Jennifer Curry
About the Author
Jennifer relocated to Spartanburg seven years ago, and now spends her days working from home and taking care of her two kids. She loves this area because we can go from rural areas to urban areas to the mountains within an hour. Her favorite things to do with her kids are using their imaginations and visiting Spartanburg County local libraries. Follow Jennifer at www.litlovingmom.com.

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