Adventure Awaits on the Swamp Rabbit Trail

If the creation of Falls Park was the spark that set Greenville on track to become a beloved hometown and vacation destination to thousands, then it’s the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System that has become the locomotive still pulling us forward today! Local mom Liene, shares an overview of the entire trail.

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System from Travelers Rest to Downtown Greenville

The old Carolina, Knoxville, and Western Railway line was nicknamed for the large cottontail rabbit that roamed these parts back in the day, and although the tracks have been replaced by a paved trail (and locomotives by runners, walkers, and cyclists), the name stuck.

The 25-mile trail stretches from Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville, with additional sections in Lake Conestee Nature Park and Fountain Inn.

There is yet another extension off Laurens Road between Holland Park and Think Tank Brew Lab. Eventually, this part of the trail will connect to downtown and extend to Verdae Boulevard. Long-range plans have discussed bringing the trail all the way to Cedar Falls Park.

It could be that in the future the entire length of the Reedy River will be covered, and residents would have a multi-use trail connecting the Upstate to the Saluda River!

The north end of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

The trail starts in Travelers Rest (often referred to as “TR”), the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. What used to be a sleepy mountain town was transformed with the advent of the Trail into a hub for outdoor adventure. Today, TR is a destination in itself, not just a stop on the way to Caesars ​Head and Table Rock.

Local Swamp Rabbit Businesses

The trail system has become so intertwined with the legend of Greenville that dozens of local businesses have jumped on the train; for example, in Travelers Rest you will find the Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom, Swamp Rabbit Inn, Swamp Rabbit Storage and Swamp Rabbit Tees.

Travelers Rest

For ideas on what to do with a day in TR, check out this sample itinerary that includes parks, restaurants and shops all within an easy walking radius. If your visit falls on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the TR Farmers Market in Trailblazer Park and check out the kids’ table that features a new activity every week.

Furman University

Soon after crossing Roe Ford Rd. (and passing mile marker 26) you’ll reach Furman Univ​ersity. A couple of access points allow visitors to connect to the path that circles Swan Lake, and just before Duncan Chapel Road (about MM27.5), you’ll spot the old rail car that marks the location of a public parking lot and rest stop. Be sure to check out the Kidding Around Furman University article for more on this beautiful campus!

South of Furman University

Just after the intersection of the trail with Sulphur Springs Road you’ll find Swamp Rabbit Station, a pocket park at MM29 with a boxcar and locomotive – a perfect stop for those kids who love everything train-related!

Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery

Then push on another two miles to reach the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery (MM31.5) and the outskirts of downtown Greenville.

The West Side

Approaching the Kroc Center you pass Mayberry Park and come upon Unity Park. Unity Park is one of the newest parks to Greenville, and is a huge hit. If you haven’t been yet, put it on your bucket list.

The Children’s Garden

Where the Swamp Rabbit Trail turns to pass under South Academy Street, you know you’ve reached the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park (MM33.5), a perfect place to stop and rest before entering downtown.

Parks along the Trail

After passing through River Street underpass you’ll be right alongside the Reedy River all through Falls Park. There are dozens of adventures waiting for you here; from the splash pad that’s a perfect cool down on a hot day to the dozens of trails leading every which way, Falls Park is a highlight of the trail you won’t want to leave!

From Falls Park it’s just a short ride to Cleveland Park, through the Cancer Survivors Park. Cleveland Park is an old favorite; the trail passes Maj. Anderson’s memorial F-86 Saber jet fighter plane (MM35), numerous picnic shelters and playgrounds, and spur trails to the Fernwood Nature Trail and Greenville Zoo.

The end of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

The trail currently stops just north of Greenville Technical College’s main campus, at South Pleasantburg Drive, and resumes north of Lake Conestee Nature Park at Parkins Mill and Mauldin Rd.

There are suggested connection routes to take you to Conestee, but they travel busy thoroughfares and aren’t recommended for younger cyclists.

Conestee

However, once you reach Conestee you’ll find an oasis of calm. A spur trail within the park connects the trail system to Conestee Park (where the playground and dog park are), while the main trail winds around with the Reedy River to the historic Conestee Mill and dam. Here you’ll find a parking area and kiosk at the trailhead, mile marker 41, and the terminus of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

Read our complete overview of the Lake Conestee portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

Also, check out our itinerary for a day trip on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

For more information on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, please visit the Greenville County Rec website, and you’ll find maps of the trail here.  Happy trails!

What’s your favorite portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System?