We drove past the Peachoid for two years.
Not on purpose. It just kept happening — we’d be passing through Gaffney, South Carolina on the way to somewhere else, and there it would be. The Peachoid Gaffney SC — a giant peach-shaped water tower that, as the internet has widely noted, also looks exactly like a butt — is visible from I-85 and impossible to miss. And every time, we kept moving.
It wasn’t until we started planning a day trip from Shelby — 11 miles as the crow flies, 15 once you actually hit go — that we realized how close we’d been this whole time.
So we finally went. We didn’t even make it to the Peachoid first — on the way to kill some time at antique malls while we waited for the fog to lift, we spotted a Food Network sign in a window, and the whole plan shifted. Turns out Guy Fieri had poked his spiked head into a little restaurant called Harold’s right there in Gaffney. If you want that detour story, we’ve got you covered right here.
But eventually we made it to the peach.
Finding the Peachoid Gaffney SC
The Peachoid sits in Millwood Park, a small green space right off the highway in Gaffney. There’s a tiny parking area out front, which on the day we visited was completely occupied by one single car. One car. Taking up the whole situation.
We ended up parking in the lot of the closed restaurant next door. And then I looked at the fence.
It’s fully fenced. Gate and everything. And I was not happy about it. A public park, a roadside attraction, and you’re going to fence the whole thing off? I had opinions. I was expressing them.
Zach walked over to the gate.
It was open. Just a little lever. You just… pop it and walk in.
I had been stomping around like a petulant child over a lever.
The Peachoid Photo Op (And the Apple Watch Incident)
A man got out of the one car and offered to take our picture.
I declined. Politely, but firmly. I had my Apple Watch — you know, big girl technology. I’m a person who knows things about photography and did not need assistance from a stranger in a parking lot.
When I was absolutely certain my phone was set at the perfect angle, I walked quickly back to Zach. We got into position. Hit the button on my watch.
Move closer.
If I moved any closer, the photo would be of our feet with a peach blurred in the background.
I walked back to the man, humbly. I asked if he wouldn’t mind taking the picture after all. He was very gracious about it. The Apple Watch has not been mentioned since.
The Peachoid Gaffney SC: World’s Largest Peach and Functioning Water Tower
Let’s talk about what the Peachoid actually is for a second. It’s 135 feet tall. It holds one million gallons of water. It’s a fully functioning municipal water tower. AND it is the World’s Largest Peach.
We have been to a lot of World’s Largest things — it’s basically our whole thing, and it all started with the World’s Largest Slip Knot. The Peachoid earns its spot on that list without question. Gaffney didn’t just build a water tower. They built a world record. Designed by artist Peter Freudenberg and awarded Steel Tank of the Year in 1981 by the Steel Plate Fabricators Association — yes, that is a real award and yes, the Peachoid has the plaque to prove it.
Up close, it leaks. Just a little. Trails of water running down the sides like the peach is sweating. Whether that’s normal or not we cannot say, but it is very much happening.
And yes. It looks like a butt. We are not the first people to notice this. We will not be the last. The internet has many feelings about it and they are not wrong.
Is the Peachoid Worth the Stop?
The park around it is actually really nice. Clean, well-maintained, with a dedication plaque honoring Jack E. Millwood, who served as a commissioner for the Board of Public Works for 22 years. It’s a small town doing right by its weird giant fruit water tower, and we respect that completely.
For context, the World’s Largest Spinach Can water tower holds the same one million gallons. We’re just saying.
Is it worth stopping for? Absolutely. It’s free, it takes maybe 20 minutes, and it’s right off I-85. There is no reason not to stop.
Just check the gate before you start stomping around. Trust us on that one.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Peachoid Gaffney SC
Where is the Peachoid located?
The Peachoid is located in Millwood Park at 200 Peachoid Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341, right off I-85.
How tall is the Peachoid?
The Peachoid stands 135 feet tall and holds one million gallons of water.
Is the Peachoid the World’s Largest Peach?
Yes! The Peachoid in Gaffney SC is officially the World’s Largest Peach. It’s also a fully functioning municipal water tower. Gaffney went all in.
Is the Peachoid free to visit?
Yes! The Peachoid and Millwood Park are completely free to visit.
Why does the Peachoid look like a butt?
We are so glad you asked. It just does. The designers were going for a realistic peach shape and they absolutely achieved it. The internet has never recovered, and honestly, neither have we.
When was the Peachoid built?
The Peachoid was built in 1981 and won Steel Tank of the Year. Yes, that is a real award.
Is there parking at the Peachoid?
There is a small parking area directly in front of Millwood Park. It is small. If it’s full, the closed restaurant next door worked fine for us. Also, check the gate before you assume it’s locked. Just a tip. Here are more reviews (with more tips) at TripAdvisor!
What else is there to do around the Peachoid in Gaffney SC?
Lots of things! You can head over to a few of the fantastic antique shops in the area – our faves were Wilkins Star Vendors Market and Pieces From The Past! Stop in at Harold’s Restaurant and chow down on some Guy Fieri-recommended fatback or the chili burger. Let us know if you find things we missed! We are always in for lunch at Harold’s!