New Prospect, SC
Lake Bowen has a boat ramp located on SC Hwy. 9, and a public fishing pier. (Because Lake Bowen is a water system lake certain rules apply.)
Water Sports
At scenic South Carolina State Parks, you’ll find the best boating, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and hiking in South Carolina. One of the original 13 Colonies, South Carolina’s significant contributions to American history are brought to life in historic parks throughout the state. A popular family, sporting and group vacation destination, South Carolina State Parks feature cabins and villas, campgrounds, picnic areas, meeting rooms and even equestrian stables.
Anderson County, SC
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lake covers 56,000 acres and offers fishing and water sports.
Lake Lure, NC
Located in Rutherford County, Lake Lure is on Highway 64/74A, approximately an hour’s drive from Spartanburg. Directions are available on the website.
These two Spartanburg County lakes provide a variety of lodging and boating resources.
Western North Carolina Area
More than a rock, Chimney Rock Park in Lake Lure, North Carolina is 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!
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.
When you’re in Spartanburg, you’re just over an hour away from the nation’s leading home furnishings resource and a shopping experience you’ll never forget. See a thousand lines in nearly a hundred beautiful factory stores, outlets and galleries. Ideas galore. Famous North Carolina prices. On-site hotel, restaurant, shipping service. Visit hickoryfurniture.com.
The State Theatre of North Carolina, and one of the finest local playhouses in the United States. Highly acclaimed throughout the theater world. The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina. Check the web site for schedule: www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
AppalachianTrail.com offers extensive information relating to the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Thousands of AT trail hikers have shared their advice, photos and stories for others. From various wildlife you might encounter on the Trail – to the best movies featuring the AT – we have it covered. You can read other hiker’s stories, discover the highest peaks, famous places and attractions on the Appalachian Trail, and research communities along the way. We strive to be your all-everything reference when planning your AT hike and learning about the history of the trail.