The Swamp Rabbit Trail, the Way It Was Always Meant to Be Ridden

WHAT IS THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL?

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a paved, multi-use trail network that winds for more than 30 miles through Greenville County, connecting communities and destinations like Travelers Rest, Furman University, downtown Greenville, Unity Park, Cleveland Park, Verdae, and more. Greenville County currently describes it as a 32-mile-and-growing network, and that last part is important: the Swamp Rabbit Trail is still expanding. The City of Greenville and Greenville County continue planning and building new connections, extensions, bridges, and neighborhood access points with the long-term goal of creating an increasingly connected trail network throughout the area. Recent projects include extending the Green Line farther south toward Millennium Boulevard and developing new connections from neighborhoods such as North Main.

But before it was a trail, it was a train. For nearly 100 years, a small railroad followed much of this same corridor along the Reedy River, running north from Greenville toward Travelers Rest. The ride was reportedly so rough over the uneven tracks that locals nicknamed the train the “Swamp Rabbit.” Greenville families even rode the railroad out of the city for picnic excursions in the country, packing up for the day and heading north to spend time outdoors together.

When the railroad corridor was eventually transformed into a trail, the Swamp Rabbit name stuck. Today, families are still traveling that same route — only now they’re doing it on bikes, with kids in tow and maybe a picnic blanket packed for the ride. And as Greenville continues expanding the trail network, there will only be more places to explore by bike in the years ahead.

HOW MANY MILES ARE IN EACH SECTION OF THE TRAIL?

• Verdae / Legacy Park → Cleveland Park = approximately 4–5 mi.

• Cleveland Park → Downtown Greenville / Falls Park = approximately 1.2 mi.

• Downtown Greenville → Unity Park = approximately 1–1.5 mi.

• Unity Park → Swamp Rabbit Café / Hampton Station = approximately 2–3 mi.

• Swamp Rabbit Café / Hampton Station → Furman University = approximately 3–4 mi.

• Furman University → Downtown Travelers Rest = approximately 3.5 mi.

• Downtown Travelers Rest → Northern Trail End = approximately 2–3 mi.
  
  One important distinction: the 28 miles is the entire network, not one continuous 28-mile straight shot. The primary Green Line is the part most visitors think of as “the Swamp Rabbit Trail,” running from the Travelers Rest area through Furman, downtown Greenville and south toward Verdae.

ARE THERE ANY RULES ON THE TRAIL?

Yes! The trail rules can be found HERE.

WHO CAN USE THE TRAIL?

The Trail is for everyone! Bikers, runners, walkers, skateboarders, dog walkers, etc. You can go out by yourself, with friends, or with the whole family!

WHERE CAN I PARK ALONG THE TRAIL?

There are plenty of convenient places to park and access the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, and the best starting point depends on which section of the trail your family wants to explore. On the southern Green Line, Legacy Park (336 Rocky Slope Road) is one of our favorite family starting points, with free parking, public restrooms, a playground, and access to the Green Line via the Legacy Connector near the pond. Additional access points can be found around Icehouse Lane/Stinson Road and Verdae Boulevard, while Holland Park (815 Laurens Road) offers free parking, food and direct access to the Green Line closer to downtown. Cleveland Park (150 Cleveland Park Drive) is another excellent option, with free parking directly beside the trail and easy access to Cleveland Park, the Greenville Zoo, playgrounds and picnic areas. If you want to begin closer to downtown Greenville, you can use one of the City's public parking garages near Falls Park and RiverPlace, or start at Unity Park (320 S. Hudson Street), where complimentary designated public parking, restrooms, playgrounds and direct Swamp Rabbit Trail access make it one of the easiest starting points for families. Farther north, there is trail access around the Cedar Lane/Swamp Rabbit Café area, although visitors should pay attention to posted parking restrictions and avoid treating business parking as all-day public trail parking. The trail also runs directly through Furman University, where visitors should use designated visitor parking and follow current campus parking rules. In Travelers Rest, two of the easiest starting points are Gateway Park (115 Henderson Drive) and Trailblazer Park (235 Trailblazer Drive); Trailblazer Park offers free onsite parking just steps from the trail, while Gateway Park makes a particularly fun family starting point with trail access, restrooms, a playground and its bike-skills area. Parking availability and rules can change, so always check posted signs before leaving your vehicle for an extended ride.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON THE TRAIL?

Think about always being prepared: water, phone, sunscreen, snacks, money and a way to carry everything.

ARE THERE PUBLIC RESTROOMS AND WHERE CAN I GET WATER ALONG THE TRAIL?

Yes! There are public restrooms and water fountains located throughout the Swamp Rabbit Trail system. Some of the easiest places to plan a bathroom or water break are the larger parks and destinations along the route. Depending on the section you're riding, these include Legacy Park, Cleveland Park, Falls Park/downtown Greenville, Unity Park, the Swamp Rabbit Café area, Furman University, and Trailblazer park in Travelers Rest.

IS THERE A TRAIL SHUTTLE?

No, the Swamp Rabbit Trail does not have a dedicated shuttle service that runs along the trail. However, Greenlink public buses operate near portions of the trail in the Greenville area and are equipped with bike racks, making it possible to ride one way and use public transportation for part of your return trip.

WHERE CAN I FIND PLANNED ITINERARIES?

We have suggested trips of various lengths for people of all ages, abilities, and interests. You can view these itineraries HERE.

WHAT ARE SOME ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTIONS ALONG OR NEAR THE TRAIL?

The Swamp Rabbit Trail isn’t just about the ride — there’s a ton to see and do along the way. Depending on how far you explore, you can stop at Greenville Zoo, ride through Cleveland Park, explore Cancer Survivors Park, see the waterfall and Liberty Bridge at Falls Park, play at Unity Park, grab a treat at Swamp Rabbit Café, check out the trains at Swamp Rabbit Station, ride around Furman’s lake and Bell Tower, or make your way all the way to downtown Travelers Rest and TrailBlazer Park. Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, gardens, public art, coffee shops, restaurants, historic railroad features, and plenty of little surprises that make getting off the bike and exploring half the fun.

ARE THERE BIKE RACKS ALONG THE TRAIL?

Yes. In most cases, there are bike racks near trailside stores and attractions.