Outdoor Recreation

Lake Murray

This 50,000 acre lake was completed in 1930 and provides hydro-electric power as well as recreational opportunities to the midlands of South Carolina. In addition to the public access found at Sunset Road Recreational Area and Kempson's Bridge on Hwy 395, ramps and facilities may be found at Holland's Marina (803)364-3934, P&L Boat Landing (803)364-3033 and Dreher Island State Park (803)364-3530. [Link to Lake Murray Tourism and Recreation?]

Dreher Island State Park

Used for training exercises by the Army Air Corps in the 1940's, this park consists of three islands, 348 acres and twelve miles of shoreline on Lake Murray. Featured facilities include 112 camping sites, sheltered picnic areas, nature trails, boat ramps, rental slips and vacation villas. Open year-round. For further information, contact: Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Road, Prosperity, SC 29127, (803)364-4152.

Lynches Woods

This 276-acre woodland area began as a project of the CCC in the 1930's. A 4.7 mile scenic road is complimented by hiking and equestrian trails. Recent additions to the park include a sheltered picnic area, restrooms and two primitive campsites. Lynches Woods serves as the Gateway to the Upstate for the Palmetto Trail. The park is located behind Piedmont Technical College at the intersection of Hwy 76 Bypass and Hwy 34 Bypass. For more information: Newberry Soil And Water Conservation District, PO Box 434, Newberry, SC 29108, (803)276-0032.

Sumter National Forest

Covering 56,595 acres in Newberry County, the Sumter National Forest offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Hunting, fishing, primitive camping, nature trails, bird-watching, equestrian trails, picnicking and boating are among the many possibilities of this natural resource. For more information: Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger and District Office, 20 Work Center Road, Whitmire, SC 29178, (803)276-4810.

Palmetto Trail

Two sections of the Palmetto Trail are open in Newberry County. A fourteen-mile trail begins at Brickhouse Campground (off Hwy 66 west of Whitmire) in the Sumter National Forest. Lynches Woods has a three-mile trail which will serve as the Gateway to the Upstate. For more information: Palmetto Trails, 1314 Lincoln Street, Suite 213, Columbia, SC 29201, (803)771-0870.

Wells Japanese Gardens

This small park on Lindsay Street in Newberry was designed in 1930 by the Wells family as a private garden. With two ponds, bridges, pagodas, lotuses and exotic plants, this park offers a lot of nature in a small space. The garden is an on-going restoration project of the Newberry Council of Garden Clubs. It is open daily from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM.

Carter & Holmes Orchids

Founded in 1946, Carter & Holmes has grown to 18 greenhouses covering two acres. They are recognized internationally as a source of orchids and exotic plants. Visitors are welcome, but large groups should make arrangements in advance. The greenhouses are located at 629 Mendenhall Road and are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. For further information: Carter & Holmes Orchids, PO Box 668, Newberry, SC 29108, (803)276-0579.

Lake Greenwood

This 11,400 acre lake was completed in 1940 following the construction of the dam at Buzzard's Roost on the Saluda River. The lake adds miles of scenic shoreline to the southwestern corner of Newberry County.

River Access

Newberry County is bounded in part by the Saluda, Broad, Tyger and Enoree Rivers. Public landings provide access to these scenic and historic waterways.

Saluda River:

A public boat ramp is located at Higgin's Bridge just off Hwy 121 south of Silverstreet. Access may also be obtained from the Saluda River Resort Campground at 1283 Saluda River Road, Silverstreet, SC 29145, (803)276-7917.

Broad River and Parr Reservoir:

In 1914, the Broad River was dammed in order to produce electricity at Parr Shoals. Access to the river and the reservoir may be obtained where Heller's Creek and Cannon's Creek cross Broad River Road. A boat ramp and picnic area are provided at each site. Enoree River: Sumter National Forest maintains two boat ramps with restrooms on the Enoree River. One is located at Brazelman's Bridge Road, and the other is at Keitt's Bridge on Maybinton Road.

Golf

Newberry County has two 18-hole golf courses. A par 72 facility is located at The Country Club of Newberry, 4012 Nance Street, Newberry, SC 29108 (803)276-2385. The Mid Carolina Country Club is on the frontage road of Exit 82 on I-26, near Prosperity, (803)364-3193 and is open for public play on weekends and after 2:00 PM on weekdays. A 9-hole course is located in Whitmire at the Whitmire Golf Course, Hwy 121, Whitmire, (803)694-3966.