Why you should get out of town and explore Anne Springs Close Greenway
If you want to get out of the city for the day and don’t feel much like driving the two or three hours to the mountains, then consider heading down to Fort Mill to check out a cool place to bring friends and family: Anne Springs Close Greenway.
It’s the same exit as the old Charlotte Knights stadium (remember that?) and only two miles beyond the old baseball water tower.
The greenway boasts more than 2,100 acres of outdoor and indoor activities, including boating, camping, horse riding, fishing, geocaching, mountain biking, guided nature walks, and special concerts and events.
While some events require a membership pass, much of the greenway and its 40 miles of trails are accessible for enjoyment for a $5 per person fee.
During my past few visits I spotted everything from butterflies to baby deer, and while I can’t promise that every visit you’ll see a bounding Bambi, you can surely get a glimpse of the resident farm animals including cows, horses, sheep and donkeys.
I’m partial to the greenway’s swinging bridge, which makes me feel a bit like Indiana Jones every time I cross it. Even if you don’t have the same delusions of being a globetrotting, adventuring archaeologist, you’re sure to enjoy the tranquil scene and sounds of the babbling Steele Creek below you.
Don’t know where to start? You can make your first visit during any weekend in October during the Fall Frolic Festival.
Held from Oct. 3 – Nov. 1, this event promises fun for all ages, featuring kayaking, rope-led horse rides, farm animals, hay bale mazes, cornhole, pedal carts and more. If you’ve never been to ASCG, this is a perfect time to get an introduction.
Prices for the Fall Frolic Weekends are $12, $10 for members and free for kids ages four and under.
Anne Springs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving recreational space for the public, utilizing the land donated by the children of Anne Springs Close.
Photos: T. Ortega Gaines/Charlotte Observer; Steve Bishop; Anne Springs Close Greenway Facebook page
This story was originally published September 27, 2015 at 10:27 PM with the headline "Why you should get out of town and explore Anne Springs Close Greenway."