5 Places That Anyone Who Loves Nature Will Want to Visit in Spartanburg, SC

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor space in Spartanburg? We gathered our five 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.

My family loves to spend time outdoors together. We feel fortunate to live in a place with so many great outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and great temperatures. Now that spring has truly arrived, we’re spending more and more time outside.

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

Cleveland Park

Cleveland Park is right in the center of Spartanburg. This park is a quiet gem in the middle of the city with a lake, swings, a playground, and walking trails. There are 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 the garden without realizing it was there. If so, you’ve been missing out! This is a free public garden, once again, right in the middle of Spartanburg. You might even say it’s “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 don’t 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 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 South Carolina’s largest state parks? Croft State Park, on the Eastside of Spartanburg, is only five minutes from downtown. This park is huge! It has miles of trails for exploring, whether by foot, bike, or horse! It 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 onsite. The park also hosts regular programs and events. See the Croft State Park website for more details.

450 Croft State Park Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29302

Admission: $3 for adults | $1 for children 6-15 | Free for 5 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 offers plenty of outdoor dining options, as well as Sparkle City Mini Putt.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Spartanburg?

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