Outdoor Recreation
Cherokee County government as well as the town of Gaffney and Blacksburg offer 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 and the Blue Ridge Mountains are less than 1 hour to the west 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.
Festivals & Events
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. The Gaffney 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-sc.com.
Limestone College offers artistic and cultural events through the year including the Limestone College Theatre, art and music exhibits and the annual Christmas at Limestone. In addition, Limestone College athletics provides fans of intercollegiate sports an opportunity to visit and cheer on the school throughout the year. For more information about events at Limestone College visit: www.limestone.edu
The South Carolina Peach Festival is held every July in Cherokee County. One of the major producers of peaches in the U.S., Cherokee County plays host to this festival each year which brings in thousands of tourists and residents in celebration of the South Carolina peach. For more information visit: www.scpeachfestival.net.
In addition to our festivals and events, nowhere in the South will you find high school football on a Friday night 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. The major retail shopping location in Cherokee County are the Prime Outlets located on Interstate 85 near Gaffney. Prime Outlets offers more than 100 retail outlet stores offering a wide range of goods and services. Visit www.getintogaffney-sc.com to download the Gaffney resource guide for more information about retail, dining, and accommodations in the Gaffney area.