Many parks have similar amenities - seating areas, picnic tables, playgrounds - but some of Spartanburg's best parks have unique features elevating them above your basic outdoor area. Whatever you're looking for in an outdoor experience, Spartanburg is sure to have it.
Best for All Things Outdoorsy
If you’re looking for the best in hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and even equestrian activities, these parks are great for reconnecting with the great outdoors.
The Rail Yard
The Rail Yard has grown in popularity thanks to its unique fitness stations, family-friendly activities, proximity to local favorite Flock Shop, and more.
A playful connection to Spartanburg's railway lineage, the Rail Yard features water and misting stations to help beat the heat, as well as a picnic spot great for outdoor meals or even a quick snack during a run, walk, or jog along the Mary Black Rail Trail.
One of the most-popular parts of the Rail Yard is the Carolina Panthers NFL Play 60 playground. The playground features elements of an NFL Combine workout to promote youth activity through the league's Play 60 initiative. The course – with a 40-yard dash and other obstacles – is perfect for kids, but it is open to all ages, so make sure to test your 40-yard dash time (and don't be too upset if it doesn't compare to an NFL star's time).
Croft State Park
Start your day on the water with fishing, boating, or paddling in one of Croft State Park’s two gorgeous lakes. Or work up an appetite on 2.5 miles of hiking trails and 20+ miles of biking trails, then refuel at one of three picnic shelters. For a slower pace, take a horseback ride on 20+ miles of equestrian trails or practice your skills in the equestrian show ring.
Finally, make yourself at home with 50 campsites for RV or tent camping. Plus the park is pet-friendly, so bring your four-legged friend along for a romp in the great outdoors.
This expansive park filled with beautiful flora and fauna is just 5 miles from downtown Spartanburg, so spend a night in the park then stop in the city to experience some of the area’s best shops, restaurants, and activities on your way back home.
Anchor Park at Lake Bowen
Space where you can enjoy a little peace and quiet is a luxury these days, and if you’re wanting to indulge in that luxury, spend a day at Anchor Park at Lake Bowen. With 33 miles of shoreline along the 1,534-acre lake, this haven should the spot for your next fishing excursion. Spend a day out on the water, then head back to shore where you can enjoy your fresh catch thanks to the on-site communal grills and picnic pavilion.
Lake Blalock Park
This seemingly-private lake branches off the Pacolet River and stretches out for 1,105 acres, beckoning for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Lake Blalock Park features lush trees hugging the 45 miles of shoreline and offer a spectacular view in the summer and fall. Picnic shelters offer a place for you to stop and savor a lovely lunch in the fresh Piedmont air.
Best for Staying Active
From pickup basketball games to major softball tournaments, these parks are perfect for all you sporty types out there.
Duncan Park
Historic Duncan Park is home to something for everyone, particularly baseball and softball fans. Just outside of Spartanburg, you can find miles of trails, a lake, amphitheater, playground, and multiple ball fields at Duncan Park.
The baseball stadium is also home to the Spartanburg High School Vikings, and has hosted former MLB stars and Negro League players throughout its esteemed history.
Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park
Just behind Flock Shop, Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park is typically humming with cyclists as they tackle the park's wood-banked turns, jumps, and its somewhat-daunting elevated half-log trail. The Bike Park allows riders of all skill levels to cruise through the trees or soar through the air before taking a break in the Rest Garden and watching the other riders.
If you’re looking for a more consistent pace of action, drop into the pump track or Straight Rhythm to test your skills.
Stewart Park
One of the largest parks in the City, Stewart Park Stewart Park is a fabulous destination for any fitness-lover. Get your morning jog in along the paved trails, start a game of soccer on the multipurpose athletic field, meet some locals in a pickup basketball game (be sure to ask for their restaurant recommendations), then let the kids and their imaginations run wild through the spray-ground.
Best for Playing & Picnicking
These community gathering places are lovely spots to take a breather on a park bench or swing, enjoy a delightful picnic with your family, let the kids run and play, or even see local and national artists perform.
Barnet Park
Catch a live performance at the Zimmerli Amphitheater, watch your kids or pets frolic and take a run through the splash pad, or just get your steps in along Barnet Park's walking path.
And since Barnet Park is located near the heart of downtown, once you’re done exploring the seven acres of sprawling green space you can head just across the street to the Chapman Cultural Center where you’ll find the Spartanburg Science Center, Spartanburg Art Museum, Ballet Spartanburg, and even more places to exercise your brain!
Brookwood Park
Ideal for cycling enthusiasts, Brookwood Park connects to both the Palmetto Trail’s 14.1 mile Peach Country Passage and the 14 mile Blue Wall Passage.
Cycle the Peach Country Passage for stunning views of local peach orchards, which offer a particularly impressive scene in the springtime when the fruit trees are in full bloom. Or, if you’re more of an animal-lover, travel the Blue Wall Passage to observe 100+ species of birds and to catch a glimpse of the horses at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center.
Learn more about Brookwood Park, the Peach Country Passage, and the Blue Wall Passage, then plan your trip to visit.
Cleveland Park
Cleveland Park is home to a gorgeous clubhouse which overlooks the perfectly manicured landscape. The charming grounds are peppered with communal grills, swings, benches, and outdoor fitness equipment with paved walking trails that wind throughout. It’s a wonderful space for your next event, or to stop and relax for a moment during a weekend retreat.
This picturesque lakeside park is located right in the heart of historic Spartanburg. Come play a game of horseshoes or take in a performance at the amphitheater next time you’re in town.
McKinney Park
A great stop for families with young children who want a fun place to get their wiggles out, recently renovated McKinney Park has upgraded playground equipment, a spacious basketball court, splashpad for water-play, a concession stand and picnic area where you can grab some lunch, and even a community amphitheater where you can catch a movie or a live set from a local band. McKinney Park is an asset to our community, and we hope you’ll stop by to enjoy it as much as we do.
Rail Tail Dog Park
Sitting just across from the main entrance to Duncan Park, The Rail Tail Dog Park is the perfect place for your four-legged friends to get the rest of their energy out after a walk on the trail. The park is open during daylight hours and has on-site waste containers so you can take care of your dog’s business.
Can’t get enough of the outdoors? Check out Spartanburg County's hiking & trails, preserves & arboretums, and fishing spots.
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