Exploring the Lake Whelchel Trail with Simba the Adventure Pup!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another pawsome hike from the road.

This time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving copilot) and I took on the Lake Whelchel Trail in Gaffney, South Carolina — and wow, what a gorgeous spot! This nearly 8-mile loop circles the peaceful Lake Whelchel, offering a mix of lake views, wooded trails, and plenty of wildlife along the way.

🗺️ About the Lake Whelchel Trail

The Lake Whelchel Trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail network and is a hidden gem right near the South Carolina/North Carolina border. The ~7.9-mile loop wraps all the way around the lake, with wide, well-maintained paths and moderate elevation changes that keep things interesting without being too intense.

We hiked this as a solid half-day adventure — taking time to stop, enjoy the views, and let Simba explore. Along the way, we spotted herons, turtles, and lots of friendly locals out enjoying the trail.

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Simba was in his element, splashing at the lake’s edge and sniffing every turn in the trail.
✔️ Plenty of water access — perfect for water-loving dogs (but remember to pack fresh drinking water, too!).
✔️ Shaded sections — lots of tree cover to help keep cool on sunny days.
✔️ Wildlife galore — birds, turtles, and maybe even a deer or two!

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

If you’re traveling through Gaffney in your RV, Lake Whelchel makes a fantastic stop to stretch your legs (and your pup’s paws!). While there’s no camping right at the lake, you’ll find RV-friendly campgrounds nearby, making it easy to plan a day hike and then settle in for the night.

🎥 Watch Our Full Hike


In our latest video, we take you along the full Lake Whelchel loop — sharing the peaceful scenery, Simba’s adventures, and tips for hiking longer trails with your dog.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV travel, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever fun!

📲 Follow us on all platforms → @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Recommend Lake Whelchel

✔️ Beautiful, peaceful lake views the entire way.
✔️ Dog-approved — Simba gives it four muddy paws up!
✔️ Great for a solid day hike without heavy crowds.
✔️ A hidden gem for RV travelers near the SC/NC border.

Thanks for following along on another adventure! Simba and I are crisscrossing the country in our RV, hunting for the best dog-friendly trails, campgrounds, and hidden gems. Got a favorite lakeside trail or scenic loop we should check out? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾🌊🚐

Location: Gaffney, SC, USA

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