Rock Hill runs over 30 parks, from the 3.35-mile Catawba River Trail to Glencairn Garden and a Lake Wylie beach. Parks office: 803-329-5620.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Rock Hill’s Parks & Facilities directory. Temporary closures are posted on the city’s Park Status page.

Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism runs more than 30 parks and four recreation centers, from neighborhood playgrounds to a velodrome. Most parks are open daily from dawn to dusk and are free.

Who to call

Catawba River Trail

The city’s signature trail is a 3.35-mile paved, multi-use path along the Catawba River, 10 feet wide, with flat stretches, hills and some steep grades. It runs from Riverwalk, 575 Herrons Ferry Road, at the north end to River Park, 1782 Quality Circle, at the south end, and is part of the Rock Hill Trails and Greenways System and the Carolina Thread Trail. A third access point, the Catawba River Trailhead at 100 Celriver Road, has restrooms, water and parking and joins the trail between mile markers 2.25 and 2.5.

  • Open daily, dawn to dusk
  • Dogs allowed on a leash of 3 feet or shorter
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Canoe and kayak launch near the trailhead; mountain bike trails branch off the main path
  • The trail floods; check the Park Status page after heavy rain

The details are from the city’s Catawba River Trail page.

Glencairn Garden

An 11-acre garden at 725 Crest St., open daily from dawn to dusk, free. It began in 1928 as the backyard garden of David and Hazel Bigger and was deeded to the city in 1958. Look for fountains, ponds, a Japanese footbridge, the Children’s Garden and the Veterans Garden. In fall, the city says, sasanquas bloom and the hardwoods turn; spring brings thousands of azaleas, and the garden inspired the city’s spring Come-See-Me Festival. Questions: 803-817-5121. See the city’s Glencairn Garden page.

Big parks

Park Address What is there Phone
Cherry Park 1466 Cherry Road 68 acres; softball and baseball complex, trails, a large playground; open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 803-329-5672
Manchester Meadows 337 E. Mt. Gallant Road 70 acres; soccer and lacrosse fields, trails, lake, playground; open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 803-326-3792
Rock Hill Lake Park 4037 India Hook Road 21 acres on Lake Wylie; beach and swim area, five fishing stations, kayak launch, 1-mile natural trail 803-329-5620
Fountain Park 300 E. Main St. Downtown park; Old Town Market and festivals 803-329-5620
River Park 1782 Quality Circle South end of the Catawba River Trail 803-817-5122

Rock Hill Lake Park was built in 2022 as part of Duke Energy’s relicensing and is run by the city. Pets are not allowed in its beach or swim areas.

Dog park

Spencer Park, 1036 Eastwood Drive, a 9.8-acre neighborhood park, has an off-leash dog park with a section for small dogs (30 pounds or less) and one for all sizes, with water fountains and waste stations. Read the dog park rules (PDF) before you go.

Cycling

Rock Hill’s cycling complex on Riverwalk Parkway includes the Rock Hill Velodrome, 1000 Riverwalk Parkway, and the BMX Supercross Track and Criterium course at 1307 Riverwalk Parkway. See the city’s regional parks list for each venue’s hours and contacts.

Neighborhood parks and recreation centers

About 20 small neighborhood parks have play areas or shelters; shelters are first come, first served and cannot be reserved. The city’s four recreation centers are:

  • Boyd Hill, 1165 Constitution Blvd., 803-329-5652
  • Emmett Scott, 801 Crawford Road, 803-329-5661
  • Fewell Park, 1204 Alexander Road, 803-329-5645
  • Northside (see the city’s recreation centers page)

The city’s public pools open in summer.

What this means for you

  • Best fall walk: the Catawba River Trail or Glencairn Garden, both free.
  • Bring the dog to Spencer Park, or on a short leash to the river trail.
  • After heavy rain, check the Park Status page before heading to the river.

More: walking and biking trails, dog-friendly Rock Hill, things to do in Rock Hill this month and getting around Rock Hill.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Catawba River Trail in Rock Hill?

The paved trail is 3.35 miles long and 10 feet wide, running along the Catawba River from Riverwalk at its north end to River Park at its south end. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Is Glencairn Garden free?

Yes. The 11-acre garden at 725 Crest St. is open daily from dawn to dusk with no admission fee.

Is there a dog park in Rock Hill?

Yes. Spencer Park, 1036 Eastwood Drive, has an off-leash dog park with separate areas for small dogs (30 pounds or less) and for dogs of all sizes. It is open dawn to dusk.

Where can you swim in a lake in Rock Hill?

Rock Hill Lake Park, 4037 India Hook Road, has a beach and swim area on a cove of Lake Wylie, plus fishing stations and a kayak launch. Admission is free except for events.

Are dogs allowed on the Catawba River Trail?

Yes, on a leash no longer than 3 feet, according to the city.