At Whitestone Springs Spur, the trail leads to a historic spring. There, you can see traces of a bottling operation, several foundations and the foundation of a four-story hotel dating from the late 19th century. Stories tied to specific places like these sit alongside trails, museums and cultural offerings in Spartanburg. This lets you shape your discoveries around a wide range of interests.
Trails and Landscapes
Trail descriptions show just how varied the routes are. The Palmetto Trail: Croft Passage is 12.6 miles long, rated moderate and designated for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. By contrast, the Lake Blalock Nature Trail is almost two miles long, unpaved and has sections with gentle slopes. Conditions on this trail can vary.
Croft State Park has more than 20 miles of horseback riding trails, and demonstrations are regularly held in the arena. At Cottonwood Trail Preserve, meanwhile, 116 acres of protected natural area safeguard a 1.5-mile stretch of Lawson’s Fork Creek and several tributaries. More than four miles of trails are geared toward runners and nature watchers. Activities listed there include running, walking, kayaking and canoeing.
Lake Blalock’s size also helps put it in perspective: the lake covers 1,105 acres and has approximately 45 miles of shoreline. Lake Blalock Park offers a launch area for paddle sports and a boat ramp. As access rules may change, check the latest information before you go.
Railroad, Music and Art
The Hub City Railroad Museum is located in the historic Southern Railway Depot. It explores the development of railroads in Spartanburg and Upstate South Carolina, as well as their connections to the textile and peach industries. Interactive exhibits include a working telegraph, an old telephone system, and a locomotive bell and whistle. Here, you can learn about both the economic history of the railroad and its technology.
The Spartanburg Music Trail is a walking tour through downtown Spartanburg that introduces musicians with ties to the region. The stops cover genres including country, gospel, soul and rock ’n’ roll. Downtown is designated as a cultural district, with art galleries, studios, music venues and museums, as well as live music on the streets.
Other arts venues have their own distinct focus: the Spartanburg Art Museum at the Chapman Cultural Center features changing exhibitions and a permanent collection year-round, along with educational and community programs. Mayfair Art Studios is housed in a historic mill building with artists’ studios. Art fairs, performances, exhibitions and other events take place there.
Technology and Garden Art
At the BMW Zentrum Museum, milestones in racing and touring car production tell the story of the brand. On display are also rare historic vehicles and exhibitions about current technology. The BMW Zentrum Visitors Center is the only BMW museum in North America. Admission is free and self-guided; it is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Plant lovers will find a free public garden and nature preserve at Hatcher Garden, founded in Spartanburg in 1969. The Thomas W. Bartram Trail showcases plant specimens identified by Revolutionary-era botanist John Bartram and his son William. The garden continues the exploration of landscape and history through botany.
Discover more destinations: Duncan, Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Wellford, Startex, Lyman, Reidville, Sumter County.
For the broader travel overview: South Carolina.
