Lake Haigler

The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a remarkable 2,100-acre nature preserve that opened to the public in 1995 through the vision and generosity of the Close family, whose roots on this land stretch back more than two centuries. Located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, the Greenway has become one of the premier outdoor recreation destinations in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Unlike many public parks, the Greenway operates as a privately managed nonprofit preserve and receives no regular operating assistance from state or federal governments, relying instead on memberships, donations, and program fees to maintain its extensive trail system and natural resources. Visitors can enjoy more than 40 miles of trails that wind through forests, meadows, wetlands, lakes, and streams while providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation. This hike is described in a counter-clockwise direction, beginning at the Greenway’s Nature Center. From there, head south before turning right as the trail reaches the scenic shoreline of Lake Haigler. The 28-acre lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and carp, making it a favorite destination for local anglers. You’ll likely encounter fishermen casting from the banks or small docks, so it’s courteous to keep dogs leashed and away from fishing lines—even if they find the shallow shoreline irresistible on a warm day.

The trail soon passes the Greenway campground before continuing around the peaceful western shoreline of Lake Haigler. This section offers some of the best scenery on the hike, with towering hardwoods providing shade while the calm waters reflect the surrounding forest. Two attractive wooden bridges cross narrow arms of the lake, creating excellent vantage points for photographs and quiet moments to watch turtles basking on logs, great blue herons stalking the shallows, or ducks gliding across the water. During spring and summer, wildflowers bloom along portions of the trail, while the fall season brings vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold foliage that are reflected across the lake’s surface. After crossing the second bridge, the trail turns east and follows the lake’s southern shoreline, where occasional openings in the trees reveal expansive views across the water. The route eventually loops north across the lake’s dam and spillway, another picturesque spot where flowing water creates a pleasant soundtrack for the final portion of the hike. From the dam, the Nature Center is only a short walk away as the trail heads west to complete a relaxing loop that highlights many of the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s most beautiful landscapes.