7 Ways to Get Outside in South Carolina’s York County

Looking for ideas on things to do outside in South Carolina’s York County? Discover all the outdoor adventures in York County in this list featuring ways to get outside in the OED this spring.

Visit the Anne Springs Close Greenway

The Anne Springs Close Greenway offers 2,100 acres of beautiful scenery and activities like horseback riding, hiking trails and live music performances. It is open to the public for a small daily fee, and with picnic areas, playgrounds and a nature center, it is an ideal destination for a peaceful day spent outdoors.

Cross Steele Creek via a 125-foot suspension bridge at Anne Springs Close Greenway.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at Carowinds

Are you a thrill-seeker? Carowinds has rollercoasters that will make your heart skip a beat! Not to mention a water park that boasts giant water slides, wave pools and a 3-acre kid’s play area. The park opens for the season in mid-March, but be sure to check out its website for current hours before you go.

Enjoy fun rides for all ages with a family trip to Carowinds.

Take a Self-Guided Tour at Kings Mountain National Military Park

Take a hike at Kings Mountain National Military Park and learn about historical sites during a self-guided tour. This national park preserves and commemorates the site of the October 7, 1780, Revolutionary War battle that turned the tide of the war. (Bonus: Down the road is Kings Mountain State Park, where you can enjoy miles of forested trails, two fishing lakes, a spillway, picnic shelters, campsites and more.)

Take a self-guided tour through history at Kings Mountain National Military Park.

Enjoy a Relaxing Boat Ride on Lake Wylie

Whether you want to relax on a boat ride or you’re interested in more intense water sports, like wakeboarding or water skiing, Lake Wylie is the perfect place to get out on the water. Check out A llison Creek Park along the lake’s shore for a peaceful day by the water.

Try out some new water sports like wakeboarding on Lake Wylie.

Float Down the Catawba River

The Catawba River is the perfect place to soak up some sun as the weather gets warmer. Head down the river with your tube and spend the day floating—there’s always something fun to do on the Catawba. Check out these tips for the perfect tubing adventure on the Catawba River.

Plan the perfect float with friends down the Catawba River. Photo courtesy of
Visit York County.

Find Spring Flowers at Glencairn Garden

Glencairn Garden started as a backyard garden in 1928. The garden has expanded to 11 acres and features several fountains, short walking trails and a blooming display of flowers, making it an idyllic spot for a spring picnic.

Stroll through the spring blooms at Glencairn Garden.

Check Out the Riverwalk District

The Riverwalk District has loads of outdoor fun for everyone. Bring your bike or take a walk on the Piedmont Medical Center Trail, which is part of the Carolina Thread Trail. While at the Riverwalk, check out the new amphitheater and the Rock Hill Outdoor Center, which has the Giordana Velodrome, the BMX Supercross Track and the Rock Hill Criterium Course.

Play a Round at Mr. Putty’s Fun Park

This outdoor fun park in Tega Cay has activities for all ages. With axe-throwing, a bar at the 19th hole for the adults and a mini-golf course that even your kids will master, you’re sure to have a great time at Mr. Putty’s Fun Park.

Visit Local U-Pick Farms

Find a variety of fresh produce from the local pick-your-own farms in York County. Since it’s springtime, don’t miss out on picking strawberries, putting together a bouquet of fresh flowers and more from these local farms. You can start planning your spring visit to farms like Bush-N-Vine, Black’s Peaches, The Peach Tree Orchard and Cherry Place Farm. (Pro tip: You can get a fresh scoop of ice cream when you visit Bush-N-Vine, Black’s Peaches and The Peach Tree Orchard.)

Find fresh strawberries at local U-pick farms like Cherry Place Farm.

Try Wakeboarding at SouthTown Wakepark

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro at SouthTown Wake Park you’ll have the ultimate wakeboarding experience. Featuring two custom lakes, the wake park offers lessons for every level of skill. So if you’re new to the world of wakeboarding, SouthTown Wake Park is the perfect place to learn.

Stroll Winthrop’s Scenic Campus

Winthrop University’s scenic campus has plenty of areas to walk and enjoy the warm weather. Take a stroll down Scholars Walk and relax on the swing benches or stop and smell the flowers when you visit Winthrop’s Hardin Gardens. You can also check out student artwork around the campus.

Zip Through the Trees at Camp Canaan

Do you want to check out nature from a different perspective? The Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour gives you a bird’s eye view. This 3-hour exhilarating adventure starts at the treetops in a 70-foot tower, then zips across the Catawba River a total of 6 times. The Full Zipline Tour includes nine ziplines, a suspended bridge and walking trails through the woods.

Enjoy a Brew or Bite Outdoors

Get your friends and head over to any of the YoCo Brew Trail locations for drinks on the patio. Or grab a bite at one of these restaurants and bars with outdoor seating: The Pump House, Napa at Kingsley, Spice Asian Kitchen, Grapevine (Riverwalk, Downtown York, Baxter Village), Garden Cafe, Hoof & Barrel and Papa Doc’s Shore Club.

Slow Play Brewing

Explore more ideas for what to do in York County here.

This blog was originally written and published by Visit York County. Some of the paragraphs and images have been edited and revised by the Olde English District Tourism Commission.