Ways to Get Outside in York County This Spring
This blog was originally written and published by Visit York County. Some of the paragraphs and images below have been edited/revised by the Olde English District Tourism Commission. The original version of this blog can be found on Visit York County’s website here.
Looking for a way to soak up the warmer weather? We’ve put together a list of all the best ways to get outside this spring!
Visit the Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Anne Springs Close Greenway offers 2,100 acres of beautiful scenery and activities, including horseback riding, hiking trails and live music sessions. The Greenway 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 retreat.
Get Your Heart Racing at Carowinds
Are you a thrill-seeker? Carowinds has rollercoasters that will make your heart skip a beat! They also have a water park that boasts giant water slides, wave pools and a 3-acre kid’s play area. Carowinds opens for the season on March 9, 2024.
Take a Hike at Kings Mountain National Military Park
Take a hike at Kings Mountain National Military Park and learn about historical sites and people 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 Boat Ride on Lake Wylie
Whether you want to relax by going for a boat ride or you’re interested in more intense water sports, such as paddle boarding or water-skiing, Lake Wylie is the perfect place to get on the water. Check out Allison Creek Park along the lake’s shore, offering four boat ramps, a kayak/canoe launch, a fishing dock, 3 miles of trails, a playground and picnic shelters.
Float Down the Catawba River
As the weather gets warmer, the Catawba River is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Head down to the river with your tube and float for a while, or grab your paddles and kayak down the river — there’s always something fun to do on the Catawba. Check out these tips for how to have the perfect tubing adventure on the Catawba River.
Have a Picnic at Glencairn Garden
Glencairn Garden started as a backyard garden in 1928. It later expanded to 11 acres and features several fountains, short walking trails and a multitude of flowers, making it an ideal spot for a spring picnic.
Walk the Piedmont Medical Center Trail
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 you’re 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 of Mini Golf 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 Farms
You can get a variety of fresh produce from local farms in York County. Many of them offer delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. Since it’s springtime, don’t miss out on strawberries and more from these local farms: Bush-N-Vine, Black’s Peaches, The Peach Tree Orchard and Cherry Place Farm. (Pro tip: You can get ice cream when you visit Bush-N-Vine, Black’s Peaches and The Peach Tree Orchard.)
Wakeboard at SouthTown Wakepark
SouthTown Wakepark offers two custom lakes so that whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can have the ultimate wakeboarding experience. The water park also offers beginner lessons if you’re new to the world of wakeboarding.
Take a Stroll Through Winthrop’s 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 70ft tower, then zips across the Catawba River a total of 6 times. The Full Zipline Tour includes 9 ziplines, a suspended bridge and walking trails through the woods.
Relax and Unwind on Spacious Patios
Grab 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, Taco Molino, Grapevine (Riverwalk and Baxter Village), Towne Tavern (Rock Hill and Fort Mill), the Garden Cafe, Hoof & Barrel, Papa Doc’s Shore Club and Main Street Retreat.
For more ideas for what to do in York County, check out a few additional suggestions.