Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

Opened in 2009, the Swamp Rabbit Trail has transformed Travelers Rest in Greenville, South Carolina, from a sleepy community to a destination frequented by foodies and fitness enthusiasts who are looking for an escape Upstate. Mainly following the bed of an old railroad that used to be in the area, the 22-mile greenway begins at Greenville Technical College and ends at the city limits north of Travelers Rest.

The town mayor once mentioned that the trail was like a phenomenon that immensely helped the local economy grow. In 2014 alone, an estimated half a million people visited the trail, a quarter of which came from out of state.

What is it that visitors do at Swamp Rabbit Trail anyway? Here are a few of their favorite activities to do at the Swamp Rabbit Trail in South Carolina.

Cycling

Perhaps the most famous and common thing to do at the trail is to go cycling. The paved rail-to-trail pathway has become a favorite among cyclists that it has caught the attention of USA Today, Southern Living, and other national publications. Whether you’re going for a leisure ride or testing your power and stamina, the trail offers a little something for every cyclist.

The trail is 8 to 12 feet wide, with rubberized areas for runners. There is a short gap of unpaved road, which runs for a few miles. The trail continues at I-85 and traverses through Lake Conestee Nature Park, a sprawling 400 acres of forest and wetlands.

If you don’t own a bike, don’t fret because there are many bike rental companies in Greenville; some even bring the bike directly to you. There is also a bike fix station somewhere along Sulphur Springs Road if you need to pump your tires midway.

Hiking

If cycling isn’t your thing, then you can simply hike your way through the trail and enjoy the scenery at your own pace or gamely watch cyclists hastily conquering the 22-mile stretch. The Reedy River is also a constant view throughout your journey.

It takes roughly an hour to finish the trail on a bike. It will surely take more than that if you plan to do it on foot. Amenities like water fountains, restrooms, benches, and picnic areas are also available to anyone who wants to stop and appreciate the view. These stopovers ensure that every person can take breaks when they want to.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Eating, Drinking, and Shopping

On a good day where the sun is out, expect to see many people on the trail. Restaurants and microbreweries can be found along the Rabbit’s route to cater to the needs of hungry and thirsty visitors.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery is perhaps one of the most talked-about food hubs by visitors. This grocery and café opened to provide easy access to fresh produce from local farmers. They serve coffee, freshly baked bread, and pastries. This small business also brings in the community together with events like cooking classes.

For people looking for a pint and maybe more, a favorite spot among locals and tourists is Birds Fly South Ale Project, a local brewery slightly off the trail opened by a husband-and-wife duo in 2016. They are known both for their traditional and inventive flavors and beer concoctions. They also have live music and hold special events like movie nights on weekends.

Boutique stores and gift basket shops are also plentiful. You can buy your souvenirs and memorabilia to commemorate your visit to Swamp Rabbit Trail and the other attractions you may have visited in Travelers Rest.

Art Tour

The trail is home to various art installations created by local artists and funded with the community’s help.

Among them is The Tortoise has a Spare, a mural of what appears to be a rabbit and a tortoise mounted on bicycles. Artist Kathleen King painted it on a brick wall in 2014. It was the first installment to be inaugurated in what is now Swamp Rabbit Trail’s Public Art Collection.

In an interview, Kathleen said that her style of “scribble art” evolved over time, but she drew inspiration from her own experience with cycling for the mural in Greenville. She wanted to interpret it visually that was somehow minimalist but would still evoke the speed and fun of being on a bicycle.

Another one is the Runner, a ten-foot structure made of plasma-cut steel and coated with acrylic paint. It was installed to honor the late administrator of the Greenville Track Club and one of the town’s beloved athletes, Darrell Jennewine.

What Are You Waiting For?

If you love food and the outdoors, Greenville’s South Rabbit Trail in the town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, should be high up your list of destinations to visit. There truly is something for everyone here, from local breweries to public art to miles and miles of greenery.