For nature lovers near Fort Mill, the top options are the Anne Springs Close Greenway plus a few nearby regional hikes in both South Carolina and North Carolina. These offer wooded trails, lake views, and good wildlife and bird-watching.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Anne Springs Close Greenway is the premier hiking spot in Fort Mill, with about 2,100 acres of protected lakes, forests, and pastures and roughly 40 miles of trails. Trails range from easy to moderate and are well-marked, with specific routes designated for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking; dogs are allowed on-leash, and day-use fees or membership are required.​
Easy Local Walks and Greenway Loops
Within the Greenway and the Fort Mill area, several easier, family-friendly paths give you short nature walks with scenery and wildlife. The Fort Mill Gateway trail, for example, is an easy, paved walk that loops around a pond and passes landscaped green space while still offering bird and waterfowl viewing. These are good options for relaxed strolls or quick after-work walks.​
Nearby Regional Hikes
If you are willing to drive a bit, hiking resources list several standout trails close to Fort Mill, including Crowders Mountain Loop via Crowders Trail, the Shorts Lake Loop, and the Ridgeline Trail, which run from easy to difficult and give more elevation and views. Trail compilations also highlight more than 40 trails within driving distance of Fort Mill (e.g., Riverwalk Trail, Nanny’s Mountain, McDowell Nature Preserve, Tega Cay area paths), so you can match length and difficulty to your preferences.​
Tips for Nature-Focused Visits
For the Greenway, check hours (typically 7 a.m. to sunset), trail-use rules, and any closures before you go, and remember there is a small per-person day fee if you are not a member. Bringing binoculars and planning early-morning or late-afternoon hikes will maximize wildlife viewing around the ponds, forests, and open fields in and around Fort Mill.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.carolinathreadtrailmap.org/services/item/anne-springs-close-greenway)
[2](https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trails)
[3](https://www.trailforks.com/region/anne-springs-close-greenway-14021/)
[4](https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/anne-springs-close-greenway-equestrian-hiking)
[5](https://www.ascgreenway.org)
