There are nearly 55,000 acres of national forest lands, all accessible to the outdoor enthusiast. A 25 mile stretch of the Palmetto Trail runs through the county, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and great photography opportunities. Union County has a total of four rivers (Broad, Tyger, Enoree, and Pacolet) that offer miles of scenic floating, fishing, and camping. A 24 mile stretch of the Tyger River has been designated as the Tyger River Scenic Float. The Broad River offers a unique small mouth bass fishery thats generally unseen this far south of the mountain streams.

Union County is also home to two state parks. Rose Hill State Park, which consists of a southern style mansion, and Blackstock Battlefield, which was the site of the Battle of Blackstock during the Revolutionary War.

Union County is located in the upstate section of South Carolina. Several large cities, including Spartanburg, Greenville, Columbia, and Charlotte, are within a short drive. The South Carolina coast and the Blue Ridge mountains are both only a short drive away.