Recreation

Bennettsville offers recreational activities from cultural to fitness.

Visitors to Bennettsville can enjoy plays, musical performances, hear authors, play golf or tennis and enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Paul Wallace, just a few blocks from downtown. Lake Paul Wallace is a 600-acre man-made lake with beach and swimming areas. A 1.5-mile lighted walking trail divides the lake into two areas separating water sports from fishing.

Recreation facilities in the City of Bennettsville include Bennettsville Community Center, Bennettsville Fitness Center, Smith Park & Playground, Kidsland Fun Park, Woodland Park, King Street Park & Playground, Bennettsville Tennis Complex and McLeod Street Basketball Courts.

Marlboro Civic Center
106 Clyde Street
843-454-9496

Bennettsville Community Center
714 N. Marlboro Street
843-454-2142

Marlboro Country Club
404 Country Club Drive
843-479-7741
www.marlborocc.com

Marlboro County Historical Museum
119 South Marlboro Street
843-479-5624

Northern Crescent Bicycle Trail
www.sctrails.net

Bennettsville Bike Trails

Dear Friends,

Thank you for checking out our bike trails. We have designed them to give you the most pleasure as you cycle around our town.  Please study the safety suggestions found elsewhere in this page. Safety is our number one priority.  We want you safe at all times. Enjoy your rides and thank you for “riding our trails.”

Larry McNeil, Former Chief
Bennettsville Police Department

For bicycle enthusiasts and pleasure riders, Bennettsville has developed several trails in and around the city. These trails are located on well traveled roads without bike lanes. Bicyclists should use caution and wear safety gear such as helmets. Please be aware, there is no bike riding allowed on sidewalks in Bennettsville.

Trail 1
Trail 2
Trail 3
Trail 4
Trail 1

5.3 miles Rated relatively easy

  • Leave the Bennettsville Visitor Center at 304 East Main Street and turn right on Main Street.
  • Continue on Main through downtown and turn right on Tyson Avenue (Hwy. 9).
  • Turn left on Fayetteville Avenue toward Marlboro County High School.
  • Turn left on International Drive.
  • Turn left on Sulgrave Road.
  • Turn left on East Main Street Ext., back to the Visitor Center.

Trail 2

2.6 miles Rated the easiest of our trails

  • Leave the Bennettsville Visitor Center at 304 West Main Street and turn right on Main Street.
  • Turn right on Broad Street in front of the courthouse.
  • Turn left on Fayetteville Avenue.
  • Turn left on Tyson Avenue (highway 9).
  • Turn left on East Main Street back to the Visitor Center

Trail 3

9.2 miles Rated the most difficult

  • Leave the Bennettsville Visitor Center at 304 West Main Street and turn right on Main Street.
  • Continue to Cook Street and turn left.
  • Continue on North Cook Street to Beauty Spot Road and turn left (Marley is on your right).
  • Follow Beauty Spot Road to Highway 9.
  • Turn left on highway 9.
  • Continue on highway 9 to Main Street.
  • Turn right to Visitor Center.

Trail 4

3.6 miles Challenging but a fun ride

  • Leave the Bennettsville Visitor Center at 304 West Main Street and turn right.
  • Turn left on Cheraw Street (highway 9).
  • Go one block and turn right on Market Street.
  • Turn left on Marlboro Street.
  • Continue to County Club Drive (County Club on your right) and turn right.
  • Turn right on Cook Street (highway 385).
  • Turn right on Main Street and follow to Visitor Center.

Here are some additional tips for motorists and bicyclists to be safe on the road and respectful of each other.

IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY FOR EVERYONE WHO SHARES THE ROAD

Ways bicyclists can improve safety:

  1. Follow the law — it’s the safest way to ride. Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as other drivers and need to follow the same traffic laws.
  2. Be predictable — ride in a straight line, signal turns and check behind you before turning or changing lanes.
  3. Come to a complete stop at every stop sign and red light.
  4. Ride with caution around parked cars and position yourself in the field of vision of a motorist pulling out of a parking space.
  5. Be conspicuous — ride where drivers can see you, use lights at night and wear bright clothing.
  6. Be aware — anticipate the next move of drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists. Watch for debris, potholes and grates.
  7. If you are a beginner or are returning to bicycling, seek out clubs or bicycling advocacy organizations in your community for tips on safe riding, instruction, and group rides to improve knowledge and confidence.
  8. Ride Ready — tires need air, brakes must work, chains should run smoothly, and quick release wheel levers must be closed.
  9. Carry identification and cell phone, emergency cash, as well as repair and emergency supplies.
  10. Wear a helmet.

Ways motorists can improve bicycle safety:

  1. Respect bicyclists as legal road users with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Drive courteously and with tolerance. That cyclist is your neighbor and you are sharing the same road.
  2. Obey the posted speed limit, and don’t drive too fast for conditions.
  3. Come to a complete stop at each stop sign and red light.
  4. Check over your shoulder, and always check your blind spot. A bicyclist could be there.
  5. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the bicycle in front of you.
  6. Use low-beam headlights when driving in low-visibility conditions.
  7. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in and entering crosswalks.
  8. If you plan to turn right or pull into a parking space shortly ahead of a bicycle in front of you, do not pass.
  9. Signal all turns and lane changes 30 meters (100 feet) in advance.
  10. Pass bicyclists only if is safe to do so. Exercise patience.