Sports

Greenwood’s mild climate and seasonal weather allows the outdoorsman many avenues for recreation. Lake Greenwood, which features over 11,000 acres of water along the borders of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties, offers largemouth bass and crappie fishing and has become a popular destination for boaters as well. Located within a 30-45 minute drive of five different lakes, the area known as the “Lakelands” region has gained popularity with competitive and recreational fishing. The Lakelands region also offers a large number of campgrounds and parks. Many sites are located alongside one of the lakes in the area and feature lake swimming, hiking trails, and picnic areas for reunions, etc.

Greenwood’s beautiful rural areas and tall forests provide a perfect setting for hunters, offering most any type of game available during the various hunting seasons. Designated hunting areas identified as Wildlife Management Areas are provided by the U.S. Forest Service and are open to the public. The Sumter National Forest, located in portions of Abbeville, Edgefield, McCormick, and Greenwood counties, provides many recreational and sporting opportunities. In addition, several sportsman’s camps and hunting preserves are located nearby for group recreation. For more information on hunting and fishing licenses required in the area, go to www.dnr.sc.gov.

For the tennis player, Greenwood is an active and vibrant tennis community. Numerous racquet clubs make recreational tennis easily accessible, including the newly renovated public tennis courts at the Civic Center recreational area. Because of the numerous tennis facilities available, Greenwood has played host to some major tennis tournaments including the Atlantic Coast Conference championships and state league championships.

League and tournament tennis, with the exception of the winter months, is ongoing and offers play on different levels through the USTA League. League tennis is organized as competitive team match play. Teams and matches are set up according to NTRP ratings, so teammates and opponents will be at the same skill level.

Greenwood is also a prime location for cycling. Each year, Uptown Greenwood hosts the Pro Cycling Challenge. The Uptown Greenwood Pro Cycling Challenge is a premier cycling event that is part of the South Carolina Heritage Cycling Series and the larger USA CRITS 2006 Championship Criterium Series. For one evening, Main Street Greenwood is transformed into a world class criterium race course featuring over 100 of the best cycling professionals in the world. A criterium race combines the excitement of high speed cycling with the appeal of Uptown Greenwood's small town charm. The race is run on short laps through Uptown offering specators the opportunity to watch Olympians, World and National Champions, up close as they ride at top speeds for up to two hours.

Hiking and biking trails are also popular in the Greenwood region. For a list of trails, visit www.sctrails.net.