Location: Spartanburg
Top Things to do in Spartanburg
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Spartanburg, South Carolina (SC)
Spartanburg is the most populous city in and the seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States, and the 12th-largest city by population in the state. The city of Spartanburg has a municipal population of 37,013, and Spartanburg County has an urban population of 180,786 as of the 2010 census. The Spartanburg Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Spartanburg and Union counties, had a population of 317,057 as of the 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.
Restaurants in Spartanburg
1. Cottonwood Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By X3642JBjamesl - Spartanburg, United States
I found this trail in 1978. My first apartment was through the woods...a forgotten and now long gone place called Crystal Springs. I was a college freshman living on peanuts( if I was lucky). A friend told me about Cottonwood and it was easy to find, as it abuts the high school fields, by the river. From the wacky days of youth, into the days of fatherhood...this trail is a staple of freedom, exercise, nature loving and tranquility my babies are growing into men knowing and loving. The long blond hair is short and mostly gray now, but the trail beckons my name. The mountain bike zips through and serenity overcomes the real world burdens...if only briefly. I walk this lady in weather cold and hot, and every climate in between, and always leave a better man. Pack a backpack with picnic supplies and walk this amazing trail from end to end and back again. It’s never the same twice. Make memories like my children and I did, and still do. You cannot find a better walking trail in this county. I often feel like I should pay for an attraction like this...it’s that good. The heck with 5 stars...this place gets 50 stars.
2. Tyger-10 Nature Park
3. Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By X3642JBjamesl - Spartanburg, United States
Many years ago, I would observe Harold Hatcher in his 90’s working long hours in this former gully. It is amazing to now recognize his vision was so far ahead of what seemed possible at that time. Walk these grounds and feel the spirit of a humble and altruistic man, whose vision is now the number one free attraction in Spartanburg County. There is something magical about this sanctuary in the city. Do yourself a favor travelers...get off the highway, grab a sandwich at Arby’s and enjoy a peaceful break in the gazebo. Then, stretch your legs on the paved trails and listen to the songbirds. Be kind...drop a little something in the donation box and write something kind in the guest ledger. When you head back to the highway...you will be a different driver. Relaxed, calm and revitalized. Why can I only go 5 stars? Let’s give the place 10 and call it a day.
4. Croft State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By B3855VKsandrar
Enjoyed 2 mile hike around Lake Johnson. Although it took us a few minutes to find the actual entrance-It was an easy to follow, quiet rustic path mostly shaded. Enjoyed spotting a few different types of wildflowers and looking out to the lake.
5. Barnet Park
6. Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve
7. Cleveland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
View all facilities Cleveland Park Cleveland Park Event Center Facebook Opens in new window Twitter Opens in new window Google Plus Opens in new window Email Opens in new window Documents Park Hours (PDF) Park Rules (PDF) Other Link Reserve a Facility Online Features Amphitheater Event/Party Site Green Space Grill Horseshoe Pit Kitchen Lake Multipurpose Room Outdoor Fitness Equipment Parking Picnic Shelter Picnic Tables Playground Restrooms Swings Trails Cleveland Park is managed by the Spartanburg County Parks Department. Cleveland Park is Spartanburg’s most visible public park and is located in the historic center of Spartanburg, adjacent to the Northside Redevelopment project. Used for community meetings, special events, and weddings, the picturesque lakeside park also provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with walking trails, lakeside swings, benches, and picnic pavilions.
Reviewed By Sburris65 - Simpsonville, United States
I recently had a meeting out this way. I passed by the park on my way to my meeting and thought..wow that is a really pretty park...I will have to come back. Turns out that my meeting wasnt as far as I thought it was and I ended up with an hour to kill. So now was the perfect time to go visit that park. This park is a true gem. I park near a beautiful shelter area. There are plenty of trees and very well landscaped. This was back in September when the fall leaves were begining to change and it was stunning. The paths here are very well paved making this an accessible park to everyone. A nice walking path with several photogenic bridges. There is a very nice meeting space. And a huge playground any kid would love. There is a nice stream that runs through the park. And one very unique feature of the park is one of the walking paths runs right under the highway. I spent about 45 minutes walking around, enjoying the weather, and taking lots of photos. And I didn't see everything. Somehow I missed the duck pond and gazabo!! But I needed to get back to my car and get to my meeting. And while this park looks brand new, apparently it is over 100 years old. It is immaculately maintained. Which given the area where the park is located, that is ever more amazing. Like I said it is very accesible. There is plenty of places to park. They do have plenty of places to have a picnic and they do have the shelters if they are not being rented. They do have restrooms. They do have shelters for rent and 2 event centers. This would be perfect for meeting or your next big get together. This would be a stunning place for a small outdoor wedding and then host the reception in one of the event centers. Though one of them holds 250 people. This is also, I am sure, a very popular place for formal portraits.I was here mid week and saw several high school senior portraits and a bride having her picture taken. They do host a number of events througout the year. I even noticed they are hosting a burn off the turkey yoga class on Black Friday. But it is sold out, so I guess I wont be burning off anything! They also have a sports field. I have been here going on 4 years and had never heard of this place. So it was quite a terrific and unepected find. And I am already planning a mid week juant over there to find that duck pond this week as I have some stale crackers I need to get rid of. So if your looking for a nice place to have a picnic or a lovely space to have your next event..look no further than the Cleveland Park. There is truly something for eveyone here.
8. Milliken Arboretum
9. Hollywild Animal Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 280 reviews
Temporarily Closed This SC Upstate family-oriented tradition is celebrating 27 years and offering an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike! Drive through millions of lights, themes, music, and displays that transform the nearly 100-acre-park into a winter wonderland in celebration of the holidays. Be sure to allow plenty of time to stroll in "Santa's Village" to enjoy relaxed fun with family and friends. There, you can pet, feed, and admire dozens of animals, have your photo taken with Santa, warm your hands or roast marshmallows by the bonfire, and visit Mrs. Claus' attic for an incredible panoramic view of the lights. Snap that selfie with a zebra, camel, or one of many animals waiting to meet you. Finish your evening with a drive to the inspirational nativity area. For an additional fee per vehicle you can enter our Enchanted Deer Forest and hand-feed hundreds of animals (animal food provided) from the comfort of your car.
Reviewed By Odyssey243806 - Spartanburg, United States
I was hesitant after reading some reviews but decided to go anyway since it's rather close to me. Took teenaged kids. We had a blast. The lights were nice. The staff is friendly and the enchanted deer forest is well worth the extra 10 bucks. You get a bag of food and an option to buy extra bags, which we did to help with the donation for the park. The bison and cattle came right to us and we got to feed them, camel, zebra, and other animals. We had a convertible and decided to drop the top so everyone in the car could pet any animal from any side. The animals are not at all sick looking or bloated as some ppl claimed. They were perky, happy and omg so friendly. They were all free roaming and chose to come see ppl and grab a snack, none were forced. They all actually seem excited to get a treat. I am sorry some did not enjoy it but as for me and my family, this was a night to remember and we will be back next year.
10. Hub City Art Park
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