Greenville, South Carolina, has always been an excellent destination for cyclists — beginners and pros alike. With amenities like Hotel Domestique, designed by famed pro cyclist George Hincapie, the foothills region is a dream for those training to race, but it’s also become a popular spot for leisure cyclists thanks to one of the most popular rail trails in South Carolina: the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Spanning 28 miles, this paved path offers a gentle grade and ample miles for the casual biker to enjoy the lush landscape and quaint town of Travelers Rest.
Where This Rail Trail Is and What Makes It Unique
While the hills and surrounding mountains of Greenville are great for more advanced cyclists, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is an easier, more approachable option for families and those who want to be active at a faster pace in a safe environment. Best of all, this is one of the most accessible options because it is quite flat, making it easy to cover more ground on two wheels.
In addition to other walking and biking trails in South Carolina, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a great option because it is also a smooth, paved path, which means you don’t need to worry about having a more specialized bike for gravel or mountain trails. Instead, you can pedal along the comfortable bike trail and enjoy the city’s best features, such as public art downtown, the award-winning Falls Park on the Reedy, and thick forest views on the way out to Travelers Rest. It’s a rewarding way to experience Greenville’s culture and the charming, small-town atmosphere at the trail’s end in Travelers Rest.
What You’ll See Along the Way
Apart from enjoying the ride itself, half the fun of this rail trail is the opportunity to make plenty of stops along the way. The Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery remains one of my favorite pit stops for snacks or a light meal before continuing along the path. Whether it’s picking up a breakfast sandwich or grabbing a celebratory craft beer on the way back, it’s an optimal stop with great shopping while you wait for your order. And if you have a rack with saddle bags or another way to transport goods, you’ll want to make a few stops in downtown Greenville to shop before pedaling toward Travelers Rest.
This small community that marks the end of the trail has been revived thanks to the biking path. Now, those who follow the path and venture out to this charming town will find cafes, shops, and even a driving course for anyone who wants to take a break from biking to sharpen their golf stroke. If you find yourself at this point of the trail around lunch, head to Farmhouse Tacos to refuel before turning your wheels back toward Greenville…