Recreation & Facilities
As part of its community investment, Board of Public Works offers several recreational facilities for Cherokee County residents. Please call (864) 488-8800 if you'd like more information about these facilities.
Lake Whelchel
The 200-acre lake off I-85 is named for Zeb Whelchel, who began serving on Board of Commissioners in 1954 and became chairman of the board in 1967. He is credited for the creation of Lake Whelchel, the public reservoir that serves as the primary water source for Cherokee County. The lake is also a popular recreation spot in Cherokee County. There is public boat ramp and picnic facilities, fishing is permitted at Lake Whelchel with a valid SC Fishing License. Boating permits are available to Cherokee County residents for a $25.00 annual fee. These permits can be purchased at our main office. Our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you in reserving the Lake Whelchel picnic facilities. In order to reserve the picnic facilities, customers must come to the main office to sign an agreement and post a $100.00 deposit ($50.00 will be refunded after use, provided facilities are cleaned properly). The boat landing and picnic facilities are located just off I-85 at exit 95. Take the service road (Wilcox Avenue), directly in front of the UPS Trucking terminal, and turn right onto Sierra Drive then bear right onto Boat Landing Drive.
Lake Hours, September - February :
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lake Hours, March - August :
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Phone:
864-206-4475
Address:
151 Boat Landing Drive
Gaffney, SC 29341
Lake Whelchel Trail
The Overmountain Victory Trail encircles the city of Gaffney's primary water source, Lake Whelchel, creating a 6.7-mile natural surface trail. The trail is part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail which traces the route used by patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. Today, the public is invited to hike the scenic route both through the woods and around the lake. You can hike, bike, run, bring a pet, or just enjoy the scenery.
Address:
198 Concord Road
Gaffney, SC 29341
Gun Range
Our newly renovated gun range features pistol, rifle, and skeet shooting areas. There is no charge to use the facility, but the skeet shoot does require tickets, which can be purchased at our main office Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. The gun range is open to Cherokee County residents only. A valid S.C. driver's license or identification card is required for entry.
Range Hours, April - September :
Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Range Hours, October - March :
Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address:
1421 Victory Trail Road
Gaffney, SC 29340
Peachoid
The Peachoid water tank, located on Interstate 85 near exit 92, has long been Gaffney's claim to fame. The elevated water storage tank, designed in the shape of a peach, was built by Board of Public Works in 1981. At that time, a water study had pointed out that the town needed a new elevated water storage tank. Jack Millwood, who served on the Board of Commissioners at the time, had the idea to build the new tank in the shape of a peach, as a nod to Gaffney's history of peach production. Slowly the idea grew and captured the imagination of the Board members and denizens of the town. Soon, the project started coming together. Constructed by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, the Peachoid was later painted by artist Peter Freudenburg, who was tasked with painting the tank in colors matching the types of peaches grown in the area. Today, the Peachoid stands guard over interstate 85 in Gaffney, capturing the attention of hundreds of thousands of travelers who drive past each year.