Croft State Park

Hi there! Today we visit Croft State Park, nestled just below the city of Spartanburg. this park is geared more towards our equestrian friends. It does however have 2 small trails that are for hiking only. The rest of the trails are shared for hiking/biking/horses. The shared trails don't lend to hiking/biking too well because of this. There's a lot of parking for trucks with trailers and a good size riding ring, a very nice park for equestrian needs! There's also a lake here with boat rentals. This park is a pay to use park.

Today we hiked the lake Craig trail then walked down the road a little to the nature trail. You can cut half of the lake Craig trail and head straight to the nature trail but be sure to get a good look of the trail maps before you head out as it can be a little confusing going between trails.


This is the lake by the boat rental house.


First we parked at the lake parking to see the lake and then hit the trail from there and try to connect to the nature trail. The short lake Craig trail is one of the hikers only trails, it's  less than a mile long and fairly easy. It skirts around the lake but not on the shore so you won't be able to see much of the lake in the summer months.




Don't forget to look up when hiking!



Once you get on the nature trail (Finding it from the Lake Craig trail can be a little difficult, make sure to get a good look at the map!) you find several way-points with information on the animals or trees in that area. Plenty of good information and well kept way-points. This trail is also a hiker only trail.



I had to include this picture, there are several benches along the trail and some of them are by the river, however this bench is just randomly along the trail. When you sit down you're looking directly at the woods! No "view" however if you're tired of the walk it's a welcome rest.


There is an old mill site close to the river, all that's left is this wall and sunken in area.


The nature trail has some wooded trails and is a little hilly but not to difficult. It is well marked and easy to follow.


The trail also boarders a nice river and shoals. There are parts of the trail elevated pretty high above the river but it does come down to the shore and there are several "beach" spots along the shore.



The "beach" areas are nice and there are several benches here.



No, do not do any diving!! The river seems pretty shallow but the water is swift and there are lots of shoals. There's plenty to see along this trail, it's about a mile and a half, but fairly easy, even with the hilly terrain. 



One last interesting note, we found this cemetery near the facilities area on the Foster trail where it comes to the road. I wasn't able to track down the ranger at the time and ask about it but we did stop to pay respects..


I hope you enjoyed this post as much as we enjoyed hiking it! Even though this park is tailored more towards our equestrian friends there's still plenty to do from regular camping to the lake to the nature trails. It is a large park and has miles of trails, although most of them are not hiking only. I recommend this park, especially if you have horses. To see the pictures featured here and more from my visits to this park check out the "SC State Parks" gallery on my website: http://www.centerlightstudios.com/