Croft State Park is a state park in South Carolina. Croft is known around the region for its equestrian facilities. The park regularly hosts shows in its arena and boasts more than 20 miles of equestrian trails.
Once an army training base, Croft State Park covers more than 7,000 acres of rolling, wooded terrain just a few miles from downtown Spartanburg. The park offers over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a playground, picnicking and camping, as well as fishing and boating in one of two lakes.
For more information visit https://southcarolinaparks.com/croft
One way to access the Southside Loop Trail is in Southside Park. Southside Park is on the south-west area of Croft State Park. From Spartanburg, SC head south on SC 56 to State Rd SR-42-500, turn left (east) travel for about 1 mile and you will enter Southside Park. There is plenty of parking and the collection box, trail map and trail head are at the south end of the parking lot.
Within the south side of Croft State Park you have access to see trails and can customize your hike for length and difficulty.
The State Park itself is relatively flat but the allure is the changing eco system within the park. You start your hike in a leaf filled forest, followed by a lush green valley, into a damp, boggy area next to the river and end in a pine needle forest. The convenience to Spartanburg is also a plus and you can catch the Palmetto trail into Spartanburg from Southside Park.
Weekday mornings are best time to avoid crowds and trail bikes.
ADMISSION
$2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free
If you have a Park Passport for SC, you have free access to this park.
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.