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Cherokee Ford Trail
3.8 ★★★★☆ 9 Google reviews · Running trail in Gaffney, South Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1.3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Cherokee Ford Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cherokee Ford Trail
This is a great loop trail for walking, running, and hiking. There is probably 100 feet of vertical descent and ascent covering just a bit more than 1 mile of trail. Nice views of the river close to halfway in. Definitely worth your time if you're in the area.
We didn't walk the trail but there's a nice spot at the end of the road to check out the river and that was lovely
Trail conditions & character
“Always empty nature spot to unwind and get some steps in, took the dogs and they found a cat.”
Plan your run at Cherokee Ford Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1.3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitecarolinathreadtrailmap.org
- Phone+1 864-489-6036
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Gaffney
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cherokee Lake Public
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Relaxing destination known for bird-watching, fishing and feeding the ducks, along with picnic tables.
S. Bernard Smith and Joe McCluney Park
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Public park featuring multiple playgrounds, a field, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Jolly Park
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Park featuring a public restroom, picnic tables, and exercise equipment, plus events.
Irene Ball Park
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Lake Whelchel Trail
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Scenic 7.5-mile loop for hiking and biking, winding through the woods alongside a lake and a creek.