Spring has sprung, and the sun is officially out. Enjoy the warmer weather with our curated list of the best outdoor activities to enjoy this spring!
1. Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Anne Springs Close Greenway offers 2100 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, but being a member will get you a few perks: special member rates on summer camps, outdoor recreation programs, and special events.
2. Carowinds
Are you a thrill-seeker? Carowinds has rollercoasters that will make your heart skip a beat! They also have a water park with giant water slides, wave pools, and a 3-acre kid's play area. Bonus: The brand-new Aeronotica Landing is officially open! Aeronautica Landing is a tribute to the Carolinas’ spirit of invention, exploration, and aviation. This new experience features five new rides and two new dining venues, including a new restaurant with a craft beer bar and patio.
3. Kings Mountain State Park
Head out to Kings Mountain State Park, where you can explore miles of paved trails perfect for hiking and two lakes for fishing. The park also features a historical farm featuring horses and mules. Stay overnight at one of their campground accommodations, which are available for two-night stays.
4. Lake Wylie
Whether you want to relax by boat ride or are interested in more intense water sports, such as paddle boarding or water skiing, Lake Wylie is the perfect place to get on the water! You can also plan a day on the lake by renting a stand-up paddleboard from the Goat Boater!
5. Catawba River
The Catawba River is the perfect place to soak up some sun as the weather gets warmer. 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 the perfect tubing adventure on the Catawba River.
6. Glencairn Garden
Glencairn Garden started as a backyard garden in 1928. It expanded to 11 acres and features several fountains, short walking trails, and flowers. This is the perfect place to picnic on a gorgeous spring day!
7. 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. While at the Riverwalk, check out the new arena and the Rock Hill Outdoor Center, which has the Giordana Velodrome, the BMX Supercross Track, and the Rock Hill Criterium Course.
8. Mr. Putty’s Fun Park
If you haven’t been to Mr. Putty’s yet, you're in for a treat. This outdoor fun park has activities every age will love. With ax-throwing a bar at the 19th hole for the adults and a mini-golf course that even your kids will master, you will have a great time here! Check out our blog on 5 Ways to Have Fun at Mr. Putty’s.
9. Visit Local Farms
Local farms in York County offer a variety of fresh produce. 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, Springs Farm, and Cherry Place Farm.
You can get ice cream when you visit Bush-N-Vine, Black’s Peaches, and The Peach Tree Orchard, but here are some other places throughout York County where you can get the best ice cream.
10. 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. They also offer beginner lessons if you're new to wakeboarding. They open for the season starting in March!
11. Camp Canaan
Do you want to see nature from a different perspective? The Camp Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour gives you a bird' s-eye view. This three-hour exhilarating adventure starts at the treetops in a 70-foot tower and then zips across the Catawba River six times. The Full Zipline Tour includes nine zip lines, a suspended bridge, and walking trails through the woods.
12. Grab a drink on the YoCo Brew Trail
Get some sunshine and sips! Bring your friends and head to any of the YoCo Brew Trail locations for drinks on the patio! Make sure to grab a YoCo Brew Trail passport!