Overmountain Victory Trail: Lake Whelchel

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A South Carolina Fishing License is required. Boating permits are available to Cherokee County residents for a $25.00 annual fee, and no swimming or wading is allowed.

Lake Whelchel Trail is a 6.7-mile natural surface trail that encircles the city of Gaffney's primary water source (Lake Whelchel). 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 run the scenic route both through the woods and around the lake.

"Owned by the Board of Public Works, Lake Whelchel was dedicated in January 1971. The 200-acre lake off I-85 at the New Pleasant Road exit is named for Zeb Whelchel, who started on the board in 1954 and became chairman of the board in 1967. He is credited for the creation of the public reservoir that serves as the primary water source for Cherokee County, according to Donnie Hardin, general manager of the Board of Public Works. The lake is also a source of recreation. There is a public boat ramp (for boats up to 40 horsepower) and picnic facilities."