The visitor center at Cowpens National Battlefield is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays like New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Christmas.
There is no entrance fee to visit Cowpens National Battlefield; admission is free for everyone.
From Gaffney, take I-85 north to exit 83, then Hwy 110 for 8 miles, turning right at the Hwy 11 and 221 intersection, immersing you in historic landscapes.
Parking is available in the visitor center lot and two battlefield lots off the main road. No overnight parking. No fees. RVs and motorcycles welcome, but no specific size limits mentioned. After-hours parking is at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hayes Road.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Cowpens National Battlefield, located just east of Chesnee, South Carolina, and near the North Carolina state line, is a historic site that embodies the tumultuous spirit of the American Revolutionary War. This 845-acre battlefield, once a pasturing area, now stands as a testament to the strategic brilliance of Daniel Morgan and his army.
The landscape here is a mix of rolling hills and open fields, evoking the very ground where Morgan’s troops outmaneuvered Banastre Tarleton’s British forces on a bitterly cold January morning in 1781. The site is dotted with monuments and markers that guide visitors through the pivotal battle that turned the tide of the war in the Southern region.
While the battlefield itself is devoid of the lush vegetation often associated with national parks, its historical significance and the surrounding countryside offer a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth. Thicketty Creek, which runs through the area, adds a serene touch to the otherwise stark landscape.
Visitors can explore the battlefield via a self-guided driving tour or on foot along the walking trails. The site also features a visitor center where one can delve deeper into the history of the battle and its impact on the war.
In the nearby town of Cowpens, travelers can find local artisans and small businesses that reflect the community’s rich heritage. For those seeking more immersive experiences, ranger-led programs and reenactments bring the history to life, especially during annual events commemorating the battle.
In the spring, the area is alive with blooming wildflowers, while autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change. Summer evenings are perfect for strolling through the battlefield, imagining the echoes of a long-forgotten war, while winter mornings offer a crisp, serene backdrop to this historic site.
- Area (mi²)
- 1.3
- Annual visitors
- 215 000
- Established year
- 1929
Top 3 Facts about Cowpens National Battlefield
The battle was exceptionally brief, lasting less than 30 minutes, during which American forces inflicted significant casualties on the British, including 110 dead, over 200 wounded, and 500 captured, highlighting the tactical brilliance of General Daniel Morgan’s double envelopment maneuver.
This verdant landscape is home to white-tail deer, cotton-tail rabbits, and turkeys, while streams and wetlands host turtles, frogs, and salamanders. As dusk falls, opossums, raccoons, and four species of bats emerge. The area boasts 542 plant species, including rare and unique flora, though invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle and kudzu pose a challenge. A hike here offers glimpses of a multitude of birds and a diverse ecosystem rich in natural history.
This scenic landscape features undulating hills and shallow valleys, with abundant vegetation and boggy wetlands that once hindered troop movement. The terrain is underpinned by deeply weathered metamorphic schists, formed over 200 million years ago, which have produced a thick layer of saprolite soils. Here, streams meander through the valleys, shaping the earth over millions of years.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit during mild spring or fall seasons. Check the visitor center’s limited hours before arriving. Follow the paved and wooded trails, and plan for a leisurely afternoon with rest stops. Enjoy reenactments like the Southern Revolutionary War Encampment. Pack meals as on-site options are limited.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for unpredictable weather, navigation tools, sunscreen, and a waterproof backpack. Bring a phone charger and bug spray. For longer stays, include camping gear and a first aid kit. Check the season for specific necessities.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, at least 25 yards, to avoid stressing animals. Never feed them, as it alters their behavior. Stay on trails and dispose of trash properly to preserve the natural habitat. Respect the environment to ensure its longevity.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and water areas, and check weather conditions and park rules. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities. Exercise caution and respect nature.
Seasons
In spring, mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and blooming wildflowers set the stage for immersive experiences. Enjoy living history demonstrations and battlefield tours, often featuring period weapon firings, from March to May. Ideal weather makes spring a prime time to explore this historic site.
Visit in summer for warm temperatures (80s-90s°F) and humid weather. Enjoy the Celebration of Freedom on July 5, featuring historical and family activities, amid lush green landscapes and scenic trails. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking immersive historical experiences.
Experience the crisp autumn air, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, as the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors. Attend the annual anniversary reenactments in January, though fall visits avoid the crowds. Ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Visit in winter (Dec-Feb) for crisp temperatures (40s-50s°F) and fewer crowds. Mild weather makes for ideal walking tours along the historic battlefield trails, offering a serene and immersive experience.[/s]
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Cowpens National Battlefield has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You should stay in Gaffney, South Carolina, which is the nearest city to the battlefield. The site is also close to the town of Chesnee, but Gaffney is a larger city with more amenities. The battlefield is about 9 miles north of Cowpens and 11 miles north of I-85.
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Dogs are allowed on all trails and roads as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. However, dogs are not allowed inside buildings, including the Visitor Center. Guide dogs for the visually and hearing impaired are an exception and can enter the Visitor Center.
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Parking is free at this national battlefield. There are no fees for entrance or parking, regardless of the vehicle type, including campers, trailers, motorhomes, and camper vans.
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The Battle of Cowpens, fought on January 17, 1781, near Thicketty Creek, South Carolina, was a crucial victory for the American patriots, led by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, against the British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. This battle significantly boosted American morale and disrupted British control in the southern colonies, marking a turning point in the war’s southern campaign. The victory also set the stage for the eventual defeat of the British, as it prevented them from gaining control over the south and ultimately contributed to their surrender at Yorktown later that year.