Only 10 minutes south of Charlotte, NC, York County is the perfect home base for year-round recreation in the Carolinas. Watch nature show off her beauty as you explore a variety of outdoor spaces. Renew yourself in our wide open spaces, winding trails and lush gardens or stroll along the glassy waters of Lake Wylie and the Catawba River.
In 1851, Rock Hill was just a railway stop between Columbia and Charlotte. By 1929, a prosperous, progressive city had emerged, with tree-lined streets and beautiful family homes, thriving businesses and artisans, even its own Opera House and the South’s best known women’s college. But most fascinating were the people who lived here. Explore our town’s proud past – a past shaped by Southerners who weren’t afraid to grow and change, to imagine a new world for themselves.
The impressive recreation and research complex surrounding Winthrop Lake is located approximately one mile from the main campus. The one-mile loop around the lake is one of approximately five miles of walking and bike trails that criss-cross the complex and conveniently connect to Rock Hill’s public trails.
The Walt Schrader Trails are eight miles of nature paths used to relax, get some exercise or learn about our natural history. Visitors may use the trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding (call for access days). As you wander along the trails, you will explore forest, wetland and prairie, each with its own distinctive plants and wildlife, as well as historical landmarks dating back to the 1770s. Admission to the trails is included in the regular admission of Historic Brattonsville.
Cherry Park is Rock Hill’s premier softball/ baseball facility nestled in a beautiful 68-acre park with scenic trails, a large playground and numerous park amenities. A 1.5 mile asphalt, lighted, and secured walking, biking and jogging trail is available. Cherry Park can be enjoyed year-round at no cost.
Offering scenic views of the Catawba River, this 10 foot wide trail is a 2.25 mile walk in and then 2.25 mile back out. (It does not form a loop.) Along the beautiful Piedmont Medical Trail you will find benches, pet stations, bridges, some hills, and an abundance of nature. Restrooms are located at the parking lot.
Everyone can enjoy River Park's environmentally sensitive 70 acres on the pristine Catawba River. Several miles of wooded trails, including handicapped accessible trails, wander through the park and along the scenic river. You can enjoy a picnic while observing plants, birds and animals in a peaceful undisturbed setting.
Anne Springs Close Greenway is 2,300 acres of pristine land filled with spacious forests, rambling terrain, shimmering lakes and rolling pastures. This beautiful, pastoral environment contains 28-acre Lake Haigler, and 36 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. The greenway is a popular place for picnics and features guided nature tours, two “swinging” suspension bridges, two historic cabins and kayak and canoe rentals at Lake Haigler.
Enjoy paved and lighted walking or biking trails at Manchester Meadows. A paved 1.1 mile loop will take you by wetlands, a water fountain, and state of the art soccer fields. There are several additional connecting trails.
Kings Mountain State Park is a 6,883-acre retreat on the fast-growing Interstate 85 corridor. The park has two lakes and several streams for fishing and almost 35 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. The park has a 19th century living history farm.
