Adventure Awaits on the
Catawba River
Two restored whitewater channels, scenic trails, historic ruins, and a state park on the way — all in one small town.
Whitewater GuideWhitewater Rapids
Duke Energy releases water on scheduled weekends from March through October, creating Class II–IV rapids through two restored bypass channels right through town.
More on the Water
Beyond whitewater — flatwater paddling, swimming, fishing, and full-service boat launches across multiple access points.
Flatwater Paddling
Great Falls & Cedar Creek ReservoirsCalm waters perfect for leisurely paddling, stand-up paddleboarding, and family outings. Launch from the Nitrolee Access Area or Stumpy Pond Access Area. No flow release needed — paddle any time.
The reservoirs above Great Falls offer miles of serene flatwater ideal for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing day on the water. The Nitrolee Access Area at 529 Catawba River Rd provides a boat ramp and parking.
No flow release schedule needed for flatwater — paddle any time! Life jackets required by SC law for children under 12.
Springs Park Swimming & Pier
Swimming · Fishing · Boat RampFull-service waterfront recreation at Springs Park on the Great Falls Reservoir. Features a swimming area, fishing pier, boat ramp access, and restroom facilities.
Springs Park offers two access points: the Boat Ramp Access with parking, boat ramp, canoe launch, and restrooms; and the Pier Access with parking, swimming, fishing, and restrooms. A great spot for a full day on the water.
Swimming is at your own risk — no lifeguard on duty. Keep an eye on children at all times.
Fishing
Catawba River & Fishing CreekCast for largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, and white perch below the old dam sites and along Fishing Creek. Multiple access points provide river access for bank and boat fishing.
Great Falls sits at the confluence of Fishing Creek and the Catawba River — two of the best fishing spots in Chester County. Below the old dam sites, striped bass and white perch congregate in the tailrace. The reservoirs above town offer excellent largemouth bass fishing. Access via Nitrolee, Fishing Creek Access, Springs Park, or Stumpy Pond.
A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. Purchase online at the SC DNR website.
Trails & Nature
Great Falls is building a connected trail network through woodlands, along the river, and over historic rail lines — with a state park on the way.
Great Falls Rail Trail
4 miles (planned) · Crushed stoneA new trail repurposing a historic rail line, part of the Carolina Thread Trail network. Phase 1 is complete with parking off Republic Street.
This trail follows the old rail corridor through Great Falls, connecting the town center to the surrounding trail network. When complete, it will link to Rocky Creek Trail and the new state park on the reservoir islands.
Parking available at the Republic Street trailhead. Trail surface is crushed stone — suitable for walking, jogging, and mountain biking.
Rocky Creek Trail
Varies · Natural surfaceA natural-surface trail through wooded terrain along Rocky Creek. Connects to the broader trail network being developed throughout Great Falls.
A more rugged experience through mature hardwood forest along Rocky Creek. Watch for wildlife — deer, wild turkey, and a variety of songbirds are common.
Wear sturdy shoes — natural surface can be muddy after rain. Bug spray recommended in summer.
Springs Park Trail
Reservoir views · Paved accessTrail access through Springs Park along the Great Falls Reservoir, connecting to waterfront recreation areas including the swimming pier and boat ramp.
A pleasant walk through Springs Park with access to the reservoir waterfront. Great for combining a trail outing with fishing, swimming, or a picnic.
Parks & Recreation
Family-friendly parks, a local golf course, and a brand-new state park coming to the reservoir islands.
David Lex Minors Recreational Park
Playground · Baseball · Picnic AreaCommunity park with playground equipment, baseball fields, and picnic areas. Popular for family gatherings and youth sports.
Features include playground equipment, baseball fields, and open green space great for birthday parties and family reunions.
Republic Golf Course
9 Holes · Cash OnlyA challenging 9-hole course with the option to play 9 or 18 holes. One of the area's best-kept secrets for casual golfers looking for an affordable round.
This classic 9-hole course offers a relaxed atmosphere and challenging play. Bring cash — card payments are not accepted.
Cash only! The course offers both 9 and 18 hole rounds at affordable prices.
Dearborn State Park
Cedar Creek Reservoir IslandsA new South Carolina state park is under development on several islands in the Cedar Creek Reservoir, including Dearborn Island.
The park will feature hiking trails, scenic viewing areas, primitive camping, a yurt village, and interpretive exhibits about the historic Mount Dearborn Arsenal built in 1803. A pedestrian bridge to Dearborn Island will provide access.
The state park is currently under development. Follow the Town of Great Falls for opening announcements.
History & Heritage
From a Revolutionary War arsenal to a textile empire — Great Falls' history is carved into its landscape. Explore the ruins and learn the story.
Republic Cotton Mill #2
Built 1916 · Last Mill StandingThe sole surviving structure of the Republic Cotton Mills — the textile empire that built Great Falls. At its peak, three mills employed hundreds and the company constructed the town's streets, housing, and commercial district.
Republic Cotton Mill #1 began production in 1911 with 175 workers producing cotton cloth. Mill #2 followed in 1916, and a silk mill (#3) in 1923. The company owned 208 acres, built 75 houses for workers, and ran a department store offering groceries, dry goods, and a pharmacy. All three mills closed in the early 1980s — today, Mill #2 is the only structure still standing.
The ruins are visible from the road near the river. Please respect the site — the structure is not open to the public.
Nitrolee Fertilizer Plant Ruins
Built 1911 · Never CompletedRuins of a pioneering fertilizer plant built in 1911 by Duke Power and the Southern Electro-Chemical Company. Designed to produce calcium nitrate using an electric arc process powered by the Catawba River — it was abandoned before completion.
The Nitrolee plant was an ambitious attempt to fix atmospheric nitrogen into calcium nitrate fertilizer, reducing America's dependence on imported Chilean saltpeter. The facility harnessed hydroelectric power from the Catawba at Nitrolee Falls to drive the energy-intensive electric arc process. However, the simultaneous invention of the Haber-Bosch process — a far cheaper method — rendered the plant obsolete before it ever opened. Today, the decaying Arc Building and foundations remain, and an interpretive center at the adjacent Nitrolee Access Area tells the story.
The ruins are located near the Nitrolee Water Access. Look for the interpretive signage about the historic Arc Building.
Explore the Map
Click any marker for details. Use the “Show on Map” buttons from any activity above to filter points.