Beginner’s guide to hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and more at Anne Springs Close Greenway, 15 minutes from Charlotte

If you’ve never been to the Anne Springs Close Greenway, here’s the inside scoop on what you should do and how much it costs.

First, what is it?

The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100 acre nature preserve and recreational park.

We’re talking 40 miles of trails, a private 12-acre dog park, horseback riding, and a general admission fee of just $5 for non-members. Ages 4 and under get in free.

Getting there and getting started

The ASCG is in Fort Mill, SC. About a 15-20 minute drive from Charlotte. They’re open everyday, 7 a.m. to sunset.

There are 3 main entrances, all of which give you access to trails.

For your first time, I suggest parking at the Dairy Barn or Laike Haigler entrance.

• Dairy Barn entrance: 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29715
• Most iconic entrance, the spot of the old dairy farm

• Can’t go wrong with parking here. Access to the Greenway headquarters, trails, and amphitheater where the summer concert series is held.

• Lake Haigler entrance: 1604 21 Bypass, Fort Mill, SC 29715
• At the intersection of Highway 21 and Coltharp Road
• Enter here if your mission is to start with the Haigler Loop trail or if you want to go camping.
• Adventure Road entrance: 104 Adventure Road

• Use this entrance to get to the biking trails and Mary Warner Mack Dog Park.

For detailed directions to all entrances, click here.

Hiking and biking

Most people come to the ASCG for the trails.

Trail maps are posted at all entrances to the Greenway and use different colors to indicate different trail systems: yellow for hiking, purple for horseback riding and hiking, red for mountain biking and hiking.

It’s hard to see the map below, click here for the larger full version.

Popular hiking trails:

• Haigler Loop: Most popular, pretty view, 1.75 miles
• Trekker Loop: Short and sweet, 0.8 miles
• Blue Star: Challenging, 7.2 miles
• Steele Creek: 1.9 miles

• Paradise Loop: New trail, slightly hilly, wraps around a lake, 3 miles

Agenda Pro Tip: If you’re a runner, try the 5K runner’s loop. It consists of the Steele Creek and Blue Star trails. Perfect length, and a staff favorite.

Mountain Biking: Access the mountain biking trails from the Adventure Road entrance. All biking trails are identified in red on the trail map. ($5 for non members| free for members)

Overwhelmed? Come in with a plan… look at the trail map, pick a trail, and start hiking. For your first time, I suggest parking at the Dairy Barn and walking the long gravel road that leads to the Steele Creek Loop.

Super overwhelmed? Try a guided hike if you’re intimidated and don’t want to deal with a trail map.

Kayaking, fishing, camping, and more

Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle around Lakes Crandall and Frances and Stumpy Pond. Bring your own kayaks for free or rent them on weekends through September. Paddles and life jackets provided. (Non-members $10| members $5)

Fishing: Offered exclusively to members.

Camping: Campsites are located above Lake Haigler, near the Rush Pavillon. Camphouse has a bathhouse and restrooms. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. (Members $8 per night| non-members $22 per night)

Dog Park: The Mary Warner Mack Dog Park hosts 12 acres of enclosed natural space for dogs to play. Includes a mile-long off-leash trail that leads to lakefront access, a dog washing station, hydration stations, shaded shelter, and more. Dog park membership is an additional $10/month on top of the Greenway membership, and it covers up to 4 dogs.

Horseback Riding: Guided trail rides, private riding lessons, lead line horse rides, and more. Personal horseback usage for members is free, $15 for non-members.

Eliminate daily fees and get a one year pass for all outdoor recreation, fishing privileges, and more: $49/ year for individuals, $99 for families. The Greenway currently has over 17,000 members.

Become a member here.

Food/drink

There aren’t any food or drink options on the actual Greenway, so pack a picnic. Or, check out downtown Fort Mill for local bites like Hobo’s and Local Dish.

Summer Concert Series

Every Thursday through August starting at 6:30 p.m., enjoy music at the Greenway’s outdoor amphitheater. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating.

Free for members, $5 per person for non-members.

See the full events calendar here.

Haigler Club

Want to get involved? The Greenway has a young professionals club that promotes and supports the Greenway through volunteer service, leadership, fundraising activities, and social events.

Each month, they host a “Serve & Sip” event that incorporates adventure-based activities while giving back through volunteer service. (No fee to join, just a background check)

Become a member here, and check them out on Insta

Not sure where to start? Here’s a bucket list of 34 Greenway must-do’s.