CROFT STATE NATURAL AREA offers a little something for everybody. Once part of a World War II Army training camp known as Camp Croft, the park spans 7,054-acres of rolling terrain, two lakes, and supports an exceptional habitat for all that nature has to offer. Diverse recreational opportunities include hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, seasonal swimming, camping, equestrian facilities and more. Even educational opportunities await visitors. In addition to a historical exhibit on the camp’s military history, remnants of a Native American soapstone quarry are on display, giving Camp Croft its Heritage Trust Site designation.

Under the auspices of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Croft also is the perfect place to enjoy a horseback trip on one of five riding trails. The park has excellent equestrian facilities, including 54 horse stalls with fresh shavings available every night and a first-class show ring.

Horse lovers also are encouraged to take advantage of several riding clubs and farms in the area, as well as the 390-acre FOOTHILLS EQUESTRIAN NATURE CENTER (FENCE), located on the South Carolina border near Landrum. The center
is criss-crossed by five total miles of hiking and riding trails, complete with information stations and shelters.

Spartanburg has 34 parks! Families enjoy the recently renovated CLEVELAND PARK, featuring a miniature train, event center, walking trails, lake with island gazebo, and picnic facilities. The Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation Department also oversees the region’s largest soccer complex, softball and baseball complexes, a BMX track, indoor pool, and a variety of exciting programs and special events for youth and adults.

Dove and quail hunters, as well as those who enjoy shooting clay targets, will enjoy a day at the RIVER BEND SPORTSMAN’S RESORT. Located in Fingerville, River Bend also offers top-notch creature-comforts, including dining and lodging facilities. This makes for the perfect end to a perfect day in the field.

For those who prefer getting around on foot, the newly-designed PALMETTO TRAIL makes its way through Spartanburg County. Built along the lines of the Appalachian Trail, the Palmetto Trail spans the state of South Carolina, running from the coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Upstate. The brainchild of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, the “PT” cuts through Spartanburg city and county and is well worth a hike, if only for a mile or two of the 400-mile trek. The PT also offers a special feature in that trail markers are written in brail on the section that runs beside the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind.

A "wilder" form of outdoor attraction can be found in Inman, at HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARK. Hollywild is a 100-acre
family-friendly park, filled with countless opportunities to enjoy over 500 animals from around the world. Elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, bears, birds, chimpanzees, zebras, camels, llamas and more are ready to greet you. Many of the animal residents have been featured in over 60 major motion pictures and countless commercials. Be sure to look for the Zooper-stars! You can also go on a "Safari Ride," where you will be surrounded by herds of free-roaming animals, many of which will eat right out of your hand. It is an unforgettable experience you will want to revisit time and time again. There are many opportunities for close contact throughout the Park, including "bottle babies," a favorite of children of all ages. Learn, touch, explore, ride, picnic, shop, laugh and play until your heart’s content, at the most fun and interactive animal park around!

Spartanburg is also a place that offers the unique combination of food and outdoor fun. Being the “Fresh Peach Capital of the World,” Spartanburg is home to acres and acres of peach orchards. Many families enjoy a day in one of several “U-Pick” Peach Orchards, enjoying self-service fruit fresh from the tree. For those keeping a tighter schedule, roadside stands are found in abundance featuring bags of ripe peaches to be consumed immediately or baked in a favorite recipe.