I finally made it to York County’s newest park. Here’s who would enjoy it most

Eight years after I first wrote about a massive waterfront property York County thought about buying for a new park, I’m standing on it.

Catawba Bend Preserve is a vast landscape on the Rock Hill side of the Catawba River. The county spent $21 million on the 1,900-acre site, former timber land for a paper and pulp company. Another $6.3 million went toward opening its first phase.

When the park opened this month, the acreage for all parks run by York County nearly doubled. Eventually Catawba Bend will have event areas, camping, mountain biking and river launches for paddlers. Today, it has trees and trails.

It’s a massive, natural work in progress.

Catawba Bend is nothing like the playground and ballfield parks, which got me thinking. Sure, hikers and outdoors people would love this place. But who else would enjoy Catawba Bend the most as it sits today?

Here’s my list:

Top 5 groups that would love Catawba Bend

Parents of boys

Let’s throw in rambunctious girls, too. This is the homer pick. The river gives Catawba Bend its name, but the trademark feature is the hybrid pine grove that spans most of the property. Huge trees spread wide apart give parents what feels like miles of visibility to let Junior loose a little. But, there are some steep drops if you wander off the natural trails that parallel the river, so maybe don’t let him too loose.

Primitive picnickers

Ever watch some Victorian drama where the fancy folks enjoy tea on the grounds and think, wow, that looks fun? The pine grove could totally host tea on the grounds. There aren’t big venues yet, or large shelters to host family reunions. But a lunch date with a checkered blanket and food from a wicker basket? Chef’s kiss.

People who don’t like people

Face it. Not everybody likes everybody. With 1,900 acres, there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax. Go on a Friday morning or Monday afternoon. More than 2 miles of natural trail lead to open meadows, wooded paths and scenic views. Bring a book. Apart from park staff, it’s possible to enjoy Catawba Bend without interacting with another soul if that’s your idea of a good time.

Dog owners

Tall pines on the opposite side of the trails from the river ought to make great shade in the summer. Winter river views should peek through the deciduous branches. There’s probably not a bad time to take Rover for a long walk. Bring a leash. Pick up after him. He may even make a friend or two.

Day trippers

The rural roads leading to Catawba Bend are scenic. The park isn’t far from the Catawba Indian Nation. So while it’s a haul for folks from York or Clover, Catawba Bend could easily pair with another stop for a day trip. The tribe’s annual Yap Ye Iswa Festival in the fall is an obvious choice. Rock Hill restaurants off Dave Lyle Boulevard aren’t far, either.

Honorable mention

• Disc golf enthusiasts: Courses are coming, and I saw at least one target among the loblollies.
• Boy/Girl Scout jamboree organizers: Every Scout in three counties could fit on this huge property.
• Professional hide and seekers: So, so many huge trees.
• Victorian drama film location scouts: See above.

Is Catawba Bend a good spot for everyone?

If I’m thinking about best fits, I have to consider the worst ones, too. Here are my top three types of people who may not love Catawba Bend just yet:

People who change fishing spots too quickly

Catawba Bend requires patience. Fishing isn’t allowed yet, as the Big Pond, Beaver Pond and Turtle Pond fill back up after county improvements. Eventually they’ll be stocked with bream, bass and catfish. There’s parking beside Big Pond, and trails to the others.

Folks who forget to use the bathroom

There’s a new, clean restroom area just beside the main parking and trailhead. Use it. Once out on the trails, it’s a miles-long loop serenaded by the soft sound of rushing river water. Bring water and your other Scout essentials for the hike. Just, you know, be prepared.

People with limited mobility

Catawba Bend has ramps, some paved surfaces and all the standard ADA compliance features. Still, at heart this place is for hiking and reconnecting with nature. Natural surface trails sometimes have roots. Many of the best views take a good long walk to find.

More about Catawba Bend Preserve

Still want to check it out? Here are the need-to-know details to plan your trip.

• Catawba Bend is at 4134 Catawba Bend Parkway in Rock Hill.
• The park is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday through Monday, and closed midweek.
• It’s free for York County residents, who will need to show a driver’s license. For anyone else, it’s $8 for a day pass, $6 for seniors or children 6 and older, and free for children 5 and younger.
• Pets are allowed, but only on leashes.
• Bicycles are allowed on paved roads.

This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 5:11 AM.