Fun in the South Carolina Upstate and Mountains! From rafting and rock climbing to hiking and biking, the Upstate has activities for visitors of all ages.

Popular activities include:
biking . disc golf . family fun . fishing . golf . hiking/backpacking . hot air balloon rides . rafting . rock climbing . scenic drives . shopping . water sports . other great ideas

Barnet Park in downtown Spartanburg hosts summer concerts, call 864-596-3105 for more information.  

Chimney Rock Park
More than a rock, it’s a mountain of possibilities. Enjoy a leisurely walk or a challenging hike out to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Sign up to take a rock climbing clinic or spend a half or full-day taking rock climbing instructions. Bring a picnic or pick up a Hiker’s Lunch and savor the views. Take the kids and the dog on the Great Woodland Adventure trail. There’s no shortage of ways to find yourself breathless. Check out our special events and group activities. Just 60 miles north of Spartanburg. Open all year. Live it up! 800-277-9611 828-625-9611

Cowpens National Battlefield
Cowpens National Battlefield, in Cowpens, SC, commemorates a decisive battle that helped turn the tide of war in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The battle at the "Cow Pens," one of only a few successful double envelopments in history, is recognized by historians as one of the most important of the American Revolution.

Freewheelers of Spartanburg Bicycle Club have their regular Club meetings on the first Monday of each month. Visit the website for more information on meetings and events, places to ride, and people to ride with.

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
The mission of Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is to be a place for the public to come for inspiration, enjoyment and education through the study of nature. The Garden is home to over 10,000 trees, shrubs and flowers. Admission is free.

Hollywild Animal Park
Hollywild Animal Park is located near Inman in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, one of the most scenic and culturally diverse areas of South Carolina's Upcountry. Nestled on over 100 acres, Hollywild is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing an interactive and enlightening experience for our visitors as we continually improve the lives of our animals in an enriching and respectful environment.

Lawson's Fork Creek
Lawson's Fork is now accessible to paddlers who want to put in at Whitney and float to the Cottonwood Trail, a distance of 4.5 river miles. The "put-in" just below the dam, along U.S. Highway 221, was recently completed.

Milliken & Company Campus is the perfect place for a picnic. Open during daylight hours, the park-like campus has gGreen fields, ponds and fountains, and a jogging trail. Take the California Avenue exit on Pine Street/585, cross the bridge and turn left on the frontage road.

Music on Main
Since its inception ten years ago, BellSouth FastAccess Music on Main has been embraced by the Spartanburg community as a favorite after-work social gathering. What began as a plan to re-introduce the business community and the local residents to the downtown area is now a destination point where you can meet your friends and colleagues, hear great live music, enjoy food and beverages in an outdoor setting, and just have plain fun!

Peachoid Water Tower is the 1-million-gallon water tank built by the Gaffney Commission of Public Works to honor the state's (and particularly Cherokee County's) fresh peach industry. The giant peach is easily seen from I-85, but you can take the exit for S.C. Highway 11, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, for a closer look.

Walnut Grove Plantation
Walnut Grove Plantation is on land granted in 1763 by King George III to Charles Moore when the area was known as the backcountry. The documented collection of antique furnishings and accessories vividly portrays living conditions in Spartanburg County prior to 1805.

Asheville Drifters Guided Fishing Tours
Asheville,NC
The Smoky Mountains offers many great lakes, rivers, and streams to challenge anglers of all skill levels.

Flying Tigers Sport Parachute Center
Seneca, SC
Experienced instructors will take you through the skydiving experience and can even video your freefall.

Biltmore Estate
Asheville, NC
George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts. Request a FREE 32-page Visit Planner
1-800-543-2961

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dillsboro, NC
With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in the Great Smoky Mountains. Tuckasegee River Excursion (3½ hour round trip), Nantahala Gorge Excursion (4½ hour round trip) and the Gourmet Dinner Train (2½ hours) are just a few of the wonderful excursion trips available to passengers. 1-800-872-4681 or 828-586-8811

Lake Lure Tours
Lake Lure, NC
Step on board these luxurious boats and visit the blockbuster hit Dirty Dancing film site, delight in mountain legends and breathtaking views. Suitable for all ages. Hourly tours, twilight and dinner cruises. Private and group charters. U.S. Hwy. 64/74A in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge, 35 miles north of Spartanburg. Lake Lure is ranked by National Geographic Magazine as one of the top scenic lakes in the world.

South Carolina Botanical Garden
Clemson, SC
This beautiful garden is located on the grounds of Clemson university.

South Carolina State Parks
An interactive map helps you search for state parks in the area.