Cherokee County delivers a rich quality of life that goes well beyond the workplace.
Cherokee County, the Gaffney, and the town Blacksburg offer plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities to residents through programs and services at local parks and recreation centers throughout the County.
For outdoors enthusiasts, the Broad River provides exceptional hiking, sightseeing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. Lake Welchel offers nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as a boat landing and picnic area. The eastern border of the county houses Kings Mountain State Park, the northern border of the county houses Cowpens Battleground for hiking and horseback riding, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are less than 1 hour to the northwest of Cherokee County.
State & National Parks
There are more than a dozen state and federal parks within an hour of Cherokee County. Cherokee County is the only county in the US to have three national parks within its boundaries: the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefield.
Kings Mountain State Park
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Adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, Kings Mountain State Park is a big, hilly, woodsy park with lots to do and has been a regional favorite for generations.
Built originally by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Kings Mountain has miles of trails, equestrian facilities, group camping barracks, campgrounds, two fishing lakes with boat rentals and the popular Living History Farm.
The farm is a realistic replica of a typical Piedmont farm from the early to mid 1800s. Buildings include a house, barn and gin, and there are gardens and animals, including cows, chickens and a bunch of friendly cats.
Regularly scheduled special events at the park bring in local crowds and the park also is adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
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Thomas Jefferson called it “The turn of the tide of success.” The battle of Kings Mountain, fought October 7th, 1780, was an important American victory during the Revolutionary War. The battle was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, SC in May 1780. The park preserves the site of this important battle and is located adjacent to Kings Mountain State Park just a few miles from Blacksburg, SC and Interstate 85 in Cherokee County.
Cowpens National Battlefield
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One of the turning points in the American Revolution, Cowpens National Battlefield is located on Scenic SC Highway 11 just west of Gaffney, SC. Cowpens National Battlefield has several activities available for visitors. Walking on the battlefield trail, having a picnic, and viewing exhibits in the Visitor Center are just a few. Several special events are held at the battlefield each year.
Museums and Education Centers
It Took Us All – A Revolutionary War Exhibit on Display at the Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery. It Took Us All is an engaging exhibit that brings to life the diverse roles played by women, children, enslaved and free Blacks, Loyalists, and Patriots during America’s War for Independence. Through personal accounts and narratives, visitors are immersed in the historical events that morphed present-day Cherokee County, South Carolina, into battlegrounds during the American Revolution.
The Crossroads – Located in the heart of Gaffney, The Crossroads is a Revolutionary War museum and educational center dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the American Revolution in the South Carolina backcountry. Inspired by the region’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence, the museum offers visitors an immersive look into the local battles, people, and events that helped shape the nation.
The Crossroads features a growing collection of Revolutionary War artifacts, historical displays, interactive exhibits, and educational programming designed to bring history to life for visitors of all ages. Through seminars, guest speakers, and community events, the museum provides opportunities to explore both local and national Revolutionary War history while highlighting the important contributions made by Cherokee County and the surrounding region.
Situated near historic Revolutionary War sites including Cowpens National Battlefield, The Crossroads serves as a place where history, education, and community come together to honor the sacrifices and stories of America’s founding generation.
Carolina Rising Museum
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The Carolina Rising Museum in Gaffney, SC, is an immersive Revolutionary War attraction. Located in the historic Carnegie Free Library, it is the world’s first museum to use AI and interactive 3D storytelling for backcountry Revolutionary War history. Visitors experience the American Revolution through AI-powered 3D characters, facial-recognition technology, and adaptive storytelling.
Begin your adventure into the Carolina backcountry, where frontiersmen who were just settling these lands were divided over one question – Liberty or Loyalty? During your visit to Carolina Rising, you will explore the backcountry, witness immersive recreations of the escalating conflict, and meet revolutionary heroes who have waited over 200 years to tell you their stories. Choose an option below for ticketing, hours, and logistical information. Carolina Rising is built upon generations of local research, new innovations in immersive and interactive technology, and an immeasurable amount of time and effort from a multitude of people – all while being housed in Gaffney’s historic and preserved Carnegie Free Library.
Cherokee County Museum
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The Cherokee County Museum is located on the site of the original Central High School. Pictured above, this school served the area until the 1950s when the current building was begun. It developed, in stages, into the the building that the CHAPS organization secured in 1999. CHAPS members voted to purchase the historic Central Elementary School building and property. Through the support of members, local residents, area businesses, and local and state governments, a Grand Opening Gala of the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum was held on May 17, 2008. Since then, CHAPS has continued the renovation and expansion of the facility to include interactive children’s STEM rooms, sports hall of fame, archives, research areas, and additional exhibit and rentable spaces.
The City of Gaffney has a year-round schedule of events including the “Shindig at the Gaffney Cabin” which provides a concert series from April to August. Information & Visitor’s Center can provide information to residents and visitors about a host of cultural events that happen throughout the year from Irish fest each March to Christmas at Limestone in December. To learn more about events in Gaffney, visit: www.getintogaffney.com
Limestone University offers artistic and cultural events through the year including the Limestone University Theatre, art and music exhibits and the annual Christmas at Limestone. In addition, Limestone University athletics provides fans of inter collegiate sports an opportunity to visit and cheer on the school throughout the year. For more information about events at Limestone University visit: www.limestone.edu
The South Carolina Peach Festival is held every July in Cherokee County. Historically being one of the major producers of peaches in the U.S., Cherokee County hosts the festival each year which brings in thousands of tourists and residents to celebrate the legacy of our community.
In addition to our festivals and events, nowhere in the South will you find high school football on a Friday night that is more of an event and a spectacle than in Cherokee County. High school football is tradition here and whether you support Blacksburg High School or Gaffney High School, you’ll find each stadium the place to be on Friday nights in the fall of the year.
Shopping & Dining
Located throughout the area are a number of fine restaurants and shopping. Our major retail location is the Prime Marketplace more commonly referred to as “The Yellow Mall”. There are also many retailers downtown Gaffney. For dining or a night out on the town, we have many local staples such as Kelly’s Steakhouse, Smak Deli, Carolina Café, Daddy Joes, Trackside Tap Room, The Big E and more!
