Last updated: December 30, 2022
Thing to Do
Green River Road on the OVNHT

NPS
One of the certified segments of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is the "Historic Green River Road" located within Cowpens National Battlefield in Gaffney, South Carolina. This trail was used by patriot militia on October 6, 1780 during their pursuit of British Major Patrick Ferguson and was the last large gathering and rest before the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780.
This level gravel hiking trail is a "there-and-back" hike approximately 1.8 miles long and begins at a "Trailhead Parking" area located on Highway 11 one mile away from the main entrance gate to Cowpens National Battlefield. The trail can also be accessed from the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center at 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, South Carolina 29341.
This level gravel hiking trail is a "there-and-back" hike approximately 1.8 miles long and begins at a "Trailhead Parking" area located on Highway 11 one mile away from the main entrance gate to Cowpens National Battlefield. The trail can also be accessed from the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center at 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, South Carolina 29341.
Details
Duration
45-60 Minutes
The 1.8 mile trail features interpretive signs describing the American Revolutionary War history of the site as well as later features such as a restored 1820s log cabin.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
The trail is a combination of a short paved sidewalk and a wide gravel road. It is level with 15 foot elevation change over the entire distance.
The trail is a 1.8 mile there-and-back trail beginning either at the Trailhead Parking Area or at the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center.
Hiking and walking are the main activities, but equestrian riding is allowed with horse trailer parking available at the Trailhead Parking Area.
No bicycles are allowed on this trail, but can use the Loop Road around the park.
The trail is a 1.8 mile there-and-back trail beginning either at the Trailhead Parking Area or at the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center.
Hiking and walking are the main activities, but equestrian riding is allowed with horse trailer parking available at the Trailhead Parking Area.
No bicycles are allowed on this trail, but can use the Loop Road around the park.
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
All animals must be under physical restraint of their owner at all times and cleaned up after, including dogs and horses.
Activity Fee
No
There is no fee associated with this location.
Location
Trailhead Parking Area for Historic Green River Road
Trailhead Parking Area for the Historic Green River Road.
Managed by Cowpens National Battlefield, this trail follow the path of the 1781 Historic Green River Road through the park. This trail is also co-located with the Carolina Thread Trail.
The parking area is located 1 mile down Hwy 11 North from the main entrance to Cowpens National Battlefield, and is open from dawn to dusk.
There are no restroom facilities at this location, but are only available at the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
For more information about Cowpens National Battlefield visit www.nps.gov/cowp.
Managed by Cowpens National Battlefield, this trail follow the path of the 1781 Historic Green River Road through the park. This trail is also co-located with the Carolina Thread Trail.
The parking area is located 1 mile down Hwy 11 North from the main entrance to Cowpens National Battlefield, and is open from dawn to dusk.
There are no restroom facilities at this location, but are only available at the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
For more information about Cowpens National Battlefield visit www.nps.gov/cowp.
Reservations
No
No reservations are needed to access the trail.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The Trailhead Parking Area and park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. All visitors must leave by nightfall.
Accessibility Information
The "Historic Green River Road" trail is a 1.8 mile wide gravel road. There are short paved sidewalks to access the trail from the Trailhead Parking Area, and to divert off the trail to the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center. The trail features a firm grassy shoulder in addition to the pea gravel.