Overview
At Cowpens Battlefield National Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the American Revolutionary War. Explore the well-preserved battlefield where the decisive Battle of Cowpens took place in 1781. Walk along the trails that wind through the landscape, marked with informative signage providing insights into the strategies and significance of the battle. Engage with interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to appreciate the sacrifices of those who fought for independence, Cowpens Battlefield National Park offers a compelling and educational experience for all.
Experiences
Museum contains a reproduction 3-pounder cannon, other weapons and artifacts of the Revolutionary War period, and exhibits. "Cowpens: A Battle Remembered" is an 18-minute video shown hourly in the museum. American Battlefield Trust film on the American Revolution shown in the map room (18 minutes) Sales Outlet operated by America's National Parks offers books, postcards, and theme-related souvenirs.
Outdoor Activities
- Bicyclists should wear helmets and other protective gear.
- Biking is permissible on the Auto Loop Road. Bicyclists must travel in the bicycle lane in the same direction as traffic.
- Biking is not permissible on the historic "Green River Road".
- Biking is not permissible on any paved trails.
- Biking is not permissible on the nature trail.
- Bike racks are provided at the front of the Visitor Center.
The park's 2-mile Nature Trail leads you through varied habitat -- from floodplain to forest -- typical of the South Carolina upcountry. Sycamores, hollies, hickories, cedars, and 12 species of oak shade the trail. Look carefully on the forest floor for fan club moss and dwarf flower heartleaf (leaf), a threatened species. Of the 500 plus plant species in the park, most are native.
Morning and evening are the best times to spot wild turkeys, white tailed deer browsing on tender underbrush, and cottontail rabbits and gray squirrels scurrying for cover at the sound of your footsteps. As you cross the footbridges, look for turtles sunning on rocks, as well as frogs, salamanders, and perhaps snakes.
One of the certified segments of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is the "Historic Green River Road" located within Cowpens National Battlefield in Gaffney, South Carolina. This trail was used by patriot militia on October 6, 1780 during their pursuit of British Major Patrick Ferguson and was the last large gathering and rest before the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780.
This level gravel hiking trail is a "there-and-back" hike approximately 1.8 miles long and begins at a "Trailhead Parking" area located on Highway 11 one mile away from the main entrance gate to Cowpens National Battlefield. The trail can also be accessed from the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center at 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, South Carolina 29341.
Horse Riding Regulations
Cowpens National Battlefield is preserved to tell the story of the 1781 Revolutionary War battle. Recreational uses are allowed if they do not damage park resources or detract from the experience of visitors learning about the battle. Cowpens National Battlefield is a unit of the National Park Service, whose mission is to protect and preserve the park for the enjoyment of future generations.
Parking
Horse trailers are only allowed at the Trailhead Parking area located one mile east of the battlefield entrance on Highway 11. If using the Trailhead Parking Area, please park only in the identified parking spaces. Although not on park property, horse trailers are currently allowed to park at the battlefield access road next to the New Pleasant Church cemetery, but must not block the gate. If using either area, please be considerate of others and spread horse droppings before leaving.
Where to Enter the Park
Riders may enter and exit the park from New Pleasant Road, either outside of the Maintenance area or the cemetery adjacent to the New Pleasant Church. Horses may also access the park from the Trailhead Parking Lot. If entering from the cemetery at New Pleasant Church follow the fire road (mowed grass road) to the Nature Trail or to access the Green River Road. If entering from the Trailhead Parking Lot, please use the shoulder of the paved trail to access the historic Green River Road.
Where to Ride Your Horse
Horses are allowed only on the roads and trails designated on the map above. When possible, please ride on the road edge or trail shoulder, not the pavement. Along the Auto Loop Road, horses must yield to vehicles.
Horses are allowed on the nature trail but should keep off the bridges since they are not designed to carry the weight of horses. Horse crossings have been designated in these areas.
Horses must stay on the designated trails and may not be on the paved Battlefield Trail, the Scruggs House lawn, or around the visitor center and its parking area. However, they may cross the paved trail and the Auto Loop Road to access the Green River Road.
Behavior
Horses must be under the control of the rider at all times. Owners are responsible for the behavior and actions of their horses while in the park. Skittish or untrained horses are not permitted because of the danger they pose to visitors. All riding in the park is at your own risk. There is no expectation that all areas are safe for horses and riders. Please be considerate of others who use the park. If possible, remove horse excrement to woods/brush at least 20 feet off park trails.
Programming
The Junior Ranger Program for Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail encourages you to get out and explore!
This trail was the primary route used during the American Revolution by patriots from across the frontier to reach the key patriot victory of the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780. The trail today consists of a 330-mile Commemorative Motor Route, an extensive network of disconnected hiking trails, and great site partners throughout Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Use this free Junior Ranger book while visiting one of the partner sites, walking along one of the trails, or driving along the motor route.
Once completed, there are three ways to submit the book for the badge!
1. Submit the book at one of our participating site partners.
2. Mail the book to our headquarters at 338 New Pleasant Road, Gaffney, SC 29341.
3. Email us scans or images of the completed book at ovvi_information@nps.gov.
While exploring the trail at our partner sites, don't forget to ask if they also have a Junior Ranger or similar program that you can complete for additional prizes!
Junior Rangers explore, learn, and protect. The Cowpens National Battlefield Junior Ranger program is for ages 6 - 10+.
How to Become a Junior Ranger...
Step 1
Attend one Park Ranger or Park Volunteer-led program, or an audio-visual program in the Visitor Center. Check with a staff member for program times and locations. In order to answer the Visitor Center questions in this booklet, look carefully at or listen to the exhibits. Remember that other people may be visiting, so be quiet and respectful.
Step 2
Complete the number of activities in the booklet for your age group.
After completing steps 1 - 2, take your booklet to a staff member at the front desk of the Visitor Center to receive your certificate and badge. Have Fun!
The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Junior Ranger Program features five units of the National Park Service! Download the program, complete the actvitities, and earn a Junior Ranger badge! Learn more about units related to the American Revolution.
Complete the Booklet by Visiting the Parks
You may complete this booklet by explorin the five sites in person. Before you visit make sure you know when each site is open. Once you have completed the booklet show it to one of the rangers at any of the parks to recieve your badge!
Complete the Booklet at Home
Even if you can't visit all five sites, you can still complete this Junior Ranger booklet and learn about the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. Download and print the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Junior Ranger Program. Visit each park's website for help completing the activities. Once you have completed the booklet you may email it or send it by mail to one of the five sites. A ranger from that site will mail you you Southern Campaign Junior Ranger badge!
Join the Overmountain Victory Trail Association as they recount the story of the Kings Mountain Campaign. Details to follow.
Join us for World War II displays, living historians, special film, ranger-led walks, and more! Details to follow.
On January 18 and 19, join us in observing the 244th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens! This event will include guest speakers, ranger guided Battlefield Walks, calvary demonstrations, historic weapons demonstrations, 18th century music, and more! More details to follow.
Join us in celebrating National Junior Ranger Day! More details to follow.
Join us for ranger-led walks, children's activites, historic weapons demonstrations, and more!
Join us and librarians from the Spartanburg County Public Libraries to celebrate National Reading Month and the March Into Reading program! This event will include historic weapons demonstrations, ranger-led walks, librarian-led story times, bookmobile, and more! Details to follow!
Join us for historic weapons demonstrations, ranger-led talks, children's activities, special programs, and more! More details to follow!
On January 18 and 19, join us in observing the 244th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens! This event will include guest speakers, ranger guided Battlefield Walks, calvary demonstrations, historic weapons demonstrations, 18th century music, and more! More details to follow.
Outdoor Activities
Experiences
Event Programming
