Chester County’s new white water access in the Town of Great Falls, offers rafting, canoeing and kayaking. This project, Canal Street – White Water – Short Shoot, is funded by Duke Energy, which is putting water back in the original channels of the Catawba River which were dammed 100 years ago to provide power for local textile mills.
Canal Street - White Water - Short Shoot
Project in partnership with Duke Energy
COMING SOON
Dearborn Island State Park
Project in partnership with Duke Energy
On the “Big Island” site of the historic Dearborn Armory, Duke Energy is developing a new state park, Dearborn Island State Park. This park will feature the Great Falls Rail Trail for biking and hiking plus a trail leading to a new pedestrian bridge, which will span to the island from the Lower Great Falls canoe and kayak launch.
Parks
State & National Parks
Landsford Canal State Park
Each year, this historic park welcomes thousands to its stunning display of rare Rocky Shoals spider lilies—the largest population of spider lilies in the world.
Chester State Park
This 523-acre park features a foot bridge over a 160-acre lake for fishing and observing wildlife, plus patrons can enjoy disc golf, camping, boating and walking trails.
Sumter National Forest: Woods Ferry Recreation Area
Located on the Broad River, this area lies within a wooded floodplain offering a variety of activities including boating, fishing, canoeing, camping, as well as horse and hiking trails.
Water Sports
Citizens enjoy boating, hunting, fishing, water skiing and swimming in area lakes and legendary rivers. Chester County has the Broad River as its western boundary and the Catawba River as its eastern boundary, with many tributaries, reservoirs, lakes and streams in between.
Theme Park
The Carolinas' Premier Entertainment Destination for 50+ Years
Featuring their new immersive experience, Aeronautica Landing, Carowinds is located 20 minutes from Chester County on the South Carolina-North Carolina state line. Open year-round, this full-featured theme park offers live concerts and themed shows, more than 60 world-class rides, a massive waterpark, plus an on-site hotel and a 55-acre campground for fun getaways.
Gardens
With its mild climate, South Carolina provides a natural greenhouse for botanical life. In Columbia, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden combines animals from each continent with beautiful flora. Just two hours east or west you’ll find 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson and Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter with its floral canvas of Japanese iris and eight types of swans from around the globe. Venture an hour further and discover Magnolia Plantation in historic Charleston and Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, featuring a world-renowned collection of statuary.
Other Sports
Golf
Known as a golfer’s paradise, South Carolina features exceptional courses, 30 of which are in our area and 300 within a three-hour drive. Chester Golf Club rests just outside Chester, and nearby, you’ll find Republic Golf Course in Great Falls and a course at Rock Hill Country Club. In addition, Charlotte presents many exceptional courses, as well as the Wells Fargo Championship held annually at Quail Hollow Club. Plus, for the ultimate golf vacation, head east to Myrtle Beach where over 100 courses span the 60-mile Grand Strand.
Skydiving
For those who prefer their excitement in the air, Skydive Carolina, located at the Chester Catawba Airport, has served the region for more than 20 years with its diving school, tandem plunges, and programs for experienced divers.
Equestrian Sports
Chester County offers multiple horse farms and equestrian centers, including the Gaston Farm Road Equestrian Center, which features riding schools and stables along with an equestrian show ring at Chester State Park.
Sporting Clays
Sporting clays are used to promote firearm safety, sportsmanship and leadership abilities. Rocky Creek Sporting Clays in Chester County includes a 12-15 station course, a 5 stand, a flurry machine station and a clubhouse.
Professional Sports
Charlotte is a major hub for professional sports. During the fall and winter months, The Carolina Panthers of the National Football League play at the Bank of America Stadium. From October through April, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets play at the Spectrum Center. A Triple-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, the Charlotte Knights play during the spring at Truist Field. For the hockey fans, the Charlotte Checkers play from October to April at the Bojangles’ Coliseum. As the latest addition to Charlotte’s professional sports roster, the Charlotte Football Club is the new Major League Soccer franchise which plays at the Bank of America Stadium from March to November.
