Lake Greenwood

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Lake Greenwood Water Levels

Winter Sunset

(Uploaded by Dean Daly [bluestingray])

Lake Greenwood Photo Gallery (1 photo)

Lake Greenwood: Description

Lake Greenwood, located in the counties of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry, is one of South Carolina's more popular lakes. Stretching 20 miles and with a shoreline of 212 miles, Lake Greenwood is the site for many recreational activities as well as residential homes. Recreational activities include boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and more.

Lake Greenwood was created by impounding the Saluda River. The Dam, known as Buzzard's Roost Dam near Chappels, South Carolina was constructed in 1935 and finished in 1940. Originally built and operated by the Greenwood County Electrification Commission. In 1966 Greenwood County elected to sell the transmission lines and the steam generating plant. Also the county leased the powerhouse to Duke Power Company for 40 years. In 2006 the lease expired and the control of the Dam reverted back to Greenwood County. While under the lease, Duke Power worked to renew the operating license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by incorporating new rules of operation for historical preservations, fish and wildlife habitat, river sustained flows, drawdown curves, fishery issues, and improved public access.

Lake Greenwood has become a choice residential and retirement area for the counties of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry. Even without a lake home, visitors can enjoy many lake amenities such as campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, playground equipment, and trails. Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area occupies a series of peninsulas on Lake Greenwood, and is one of 16 state parks in South Carolina built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Along with camping, boating, and picnicking, Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area is open to fishing. Visitors may enjoy fishing in Lake Greenwood for bass, crappie, bream, perch, catfish, and stripers. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish at Lake Greenwood.

Nearby Lake Greenwood is the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. Recorded on the National Register as a Revolutionary War site, Musgrove Mill hosts several events though out the year such as a Living History Day when the Battle of Musgrove Mill is reenacted. Additionally, Archaeology Day at Musgrove's Mill, Soldiers for the King, and The Battle By Candlelight, are also hosted by Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.

For Lake Visitors who enjoy a walk through the garden may want to visit to the nearby Park Seed Company. The 500-acre national headquarters features nine acres of gardens, including an All-American Selections trial, rose, container, herb gardens and more. Each year Park Seed Company's participates in the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers, which is a three week celebration of flowers that include garden tours, art and photography competitions, and much more.

Whether it is visiting nearby attractions, or relaxing by the lake, there is much to do at Lake Greenwood. Take time to enjoy all the Lake has to offer.