Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, golfing; there’s plenty to do in Anderson County. Here’s a sampling:
Hartwell Lake
The single biggest feature in Anderson County is Hartwell Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake with a 962-mile shoreline that forms the western border of the county.
The flood control and hydroelectric power lake was completed in 1963 a named for Hartwell, Georgia, a town that is closest to the dam.
The Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers feed the 56,000-acre lake. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill bream and hybrid bass are abundant. White bass, striped bass and chain pickerel are also found.
There are several campgrounds and parks along Hartwell Lake, including Sadlers Creek State Park, picnic areas and boat access areas. There’s a swimming beach at Darwin Wright Municipal Park just off U.S. 178 (Liberty Highway) north of the city of Anderson.
Visit the Hartwell Lake Visitors Center located on U.S. 29, about 1 mile from Hartwell Dam. It has exhibits and tours. Free. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tour of dam and powerhouse available for groups by reservation only.
For more information, call 1-888-893-0678.
Hartwell Lake as two commercial marinas in Anderson County:
Big Water Marina
320 Big Water Road
Starr, S.C. 29684
U.S. 29 South
Telephone: 226-3339
Portman Marina
1629 Portman Marina Road
Anderson, S.C. 29625 S.C. 24 at S.C. 187
Telephone: 287-3211
Broadway Lake
Broadway Lake is a 300-acre Anderson County lake surrounded by homes. It is a popular lake for fishing. Varieties of bass, crappie and catfish are major species.
Anderson County’s mild climate lets golfers get out just about year-round, although most will put down their clubs during the winter months. There are eight public or semi-private golf courses in Anderson County, along with some private golf clubs. Here’s a list of the public courses:
Boscobel Golf Club: (864) 646-3991
Brookstone Meadows Golf Club: (864) 964-9966
Cobb’s Glen Country Club: (864) 226-7688
Pine Lake Golf Club: (864) 296-9960
Saluda Valley Country Club: (864) 847-7102
Starrwood Golf Course: (864) 352-6700
Stone Creek Cove: (864) 224-4653
Woodhaven Golf Course: (864) 646-9411
Further information on Anderson County historical sites and museum hours is available at Pendleton District Historical, Recreational and Tourism Commission, 125 East Queen Street, P.O. Box 565, Pendleton, SC 29670. Telephone: (864) 646-3782.