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Posted:
Friday, December 19, 2003
Croft State Natural Area, South Carolina
By Kym Rouse Campbell
Croft State Natural Area is located in the foothills region near Spartanburg, South Carolina and includes over 7,000 acres of rolling terrain that were once part of a World War II Army training camp known as Camp Croft. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger became an American citizen here. The rolling grounds include an old gristmill, old homesites, cemeteries from earlier settlers, as well as forgotten military structures. In addition to its military history, Croft State Natural Area's cultural features include remnants of a Native American soapstone quarry, which is registered as a Heritage Trust Site. The hills, creeks, and lakes provide excellent habitat for a variety of flora and fauna and are teeming with wildlife such as wild turkey, raccoons, fox, and white-tailed deer. Croft State Natural Area offers 21.5 miles of excellent horse trails that vary in difficulty and length. The fairly mild South Carolina winters provide a perfect time to ride the trails at Croft State Natural Area.
The 21.5 miles of moderate to strenuous hilly trails at Croft State Natural Area pass through densely forested habitats. They consist of four loop trails, one connector, and a trail that parallels the main road. The 3.5-mile Fairforest Creek Loop, the 2.4-mile Lake Johnson Loop, the 4.5-mile Lake Johnson/Fairforest Creek Connector, and the 1-mile Horace Craig Trail are considered moderate. Strenuous trails include the 6.5-mile Foster's Mill Loop and the 3.5-mile Rocky Ridge Trail. The footing is a mixture of rocky root systems with some boggy areas that may be closed during wet times of the year, and the trails range from single-track to wide enough for two horses. The pines, cedars, and oaks provide plenty of shade even on the hottest of days. There is plenty of water on the trail for your horse from small and large creeks and two lakes.
Registration is required upon arrival at the registration area located adjacent to the park store. Trail maps are located at each trailhead, and any trail closures will also be indicated at the trailhead. Day-use parking is available at a large gravel parking lot that is located in front of the park store. Once every few years, the trails are closed for deer hunting on consecutive weekdays during September, October, and November.
For camping, Croft State National Area offers fifty packed-gravel campsites with electric and water hookups. The campground has complete restroom facilities with hot showers. Up to 25 campsites can be reserved, while the remaining 25 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you reserve a campsite, up to two stalls can be reserved for your horse. Two campsites may be reserved exclusively for the handicapped. Five campsites can accommodate rigs/RVs up to 40' in length, while others are large enough for rigs/RVs up to 30'. A primitive camping area, with nearby water and restroom facilities, is available for up to 100 people.
Croft State Natural Area's equestrian facilities include 54 10'x12' stalls. Stall rental includes bedding, and you must bring your own feed and water buckets. Wash racks are located at the stables, as well as near the show ring. The tack shop, which also has drinks and snacks, is open Friday through Sunday. There is a first-class 150'x300' show ring, and the Spartanburg Horsemen's Association holds horse shows here on a regular basis.
Hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing are also available at Croft State Natural Area. There is a 1.5-mile nature trail and about 10 miles of mountain bike trails. In addition, Croft State Natural Area has tennis courts and a playground. A boat ramp provides access to Lake Craig for private boats, which are restricted to those with electric trolling motors. Non-motorized fishing boats can be rented by the hour or per day. With a valid South Carolina fishing license, you can fish for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish in the park lake. For a fee, seasonal pool swimming is offered Friday through Sunday. Six picnic shelters can be reserved. However, if they are not reserved, shelters may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, including maps and directions go to www.sctrails.net/trails/ALLTRAILS/Equestrian/Equestrian.html and www.discoversouthcarolina.com/stateparks/parkdetail.asp?PID=14431.
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