Last updated: January 5, 2023
Thing to Do
Lake Whelchel on the OVNHT
NPS/WC
One of the certified segments of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is the "Lake Whelchel Trail" in Gaffney, South Carolina.
On the morning of October 7, 1780, patriot militiamen used a trail that now lies under Lake Whelchel during the last leg of their pursuit of British Major Patrick Ferguson. Several more hours of hard riding would bring them to the Battle of Kings Mountain.
This 7.5-mile natural surface loop trail is great for hiking and mountain biking, with a Trailhead Parking lot at 198 Concord Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341.This property is managed by the Gaffney Board of Public Works and is co-located with the Carolina Thread Trail.
For more information, check out: Overmountain Victory Trail - Lake Whelchel Segment (carolinathreadtrailmap.org)
On the morning of October 7, 1780, patriot militiamen used a trail that now lies under Lake Whelchel during the last leg of their pursuit of British Major Patrick Ferguson. Several more hours of hard riding would bring them to the Battle of Kings Mountain.
This 7.5-mile natural surface loop trail is great for hiking and mountain biking, with a Trailhead Parking lot at 198 Concord Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341.This property is managed by the Gaffney Board of Public Works and is co-located with the Carolina Thread Trail.
For more information, check out: Overmountain Victory Trail - Lake Whelchel Segment (carolinathreadtrailmap.org)
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Duration of visit will vary depending on speed and mode of adventure!
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
This trail is heavily used by hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. Please stay aware of mountain bikes in areas with blind curves.
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian due to the trail length. Small out-and-back trips are recommended for groups with younger children.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as leashes are maintained and waste is cleaned up.
Activity Fee
No
There is no fee associated with using this trail. Information about purchasing boat and fishing licenses can be found at the Boat Launch offices.
Location
Lake Whelchel Trailhead Parking
Lake Whelchel Trailhead Parking Area is located at 198 Concord Road, Gaffney, SC 29341. There are no restroom facilities at this location.
Additional parking can be found at the Boat Launch at 122 Boat Landing Dr, Gaffney, SC 29341.There are restroom facilities and lake offices at this location.
The trail is a loop with spur access to the Trailhead Parking Area, 7.5 miles round trip. This trail is natural surface and moderate difficulty.
Features of the trail include several small bridges, wildlife viewing, and crossing along the shoulder of the concrete lake dam.
Additional parking can be found at the Boat Launch at 122 Boat Landing Dr, Gaffney, SC 29341.There are restroom facilities and lake offices at this location.
The trail is a loop with spur access to the Trailhead Parking Area, 7.5 miles round trip. This trail is natural surface and moderate difficulty.
Features of the trail include several small bridges, wildlife viewing, and crossing along the shoulder of the concrete lake dam.
Reservations
No
Reservations are not needed to use this trail.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
This is a natural surface trail, totaling 7.5 miles round trip. Most of the trail is wide enough for a single hiker, and will require pulling off to the side when passing. Several areas have steeper hills that may prove difficult for some users.