Swamp Rabbit Trail Complete Guide

Individuals biking and walking along the Swamp Rabbit Trail between Linky Stone Park and Willard Street.

Discover Greenville’s Iconic Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of Greenville’s most beloved attractions—a 28-mile multi-use greenway that transforms an old railway corridor into a scenic pathway perfect for biking, walking, running, and exploring. Named after the historical Greenville & Northern Railway (nicknamed for the swamp rabbits that once roamed the wetlands), this paved trail connects Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville and beyond, winding along the Reedy River through parks, nature preserves, and charming communities.

Whether you’re a serious cyclist, a family looking for an easy outdoor adventure, or a visitor wanting to experience Greenville like a local, the Swamp Rabbit Trail offers something for everyone.

Trail Quick Facts

  • Total Length: 28 miles across multiple segments
  • Main Continuous Segment: 17.7 miles (Green Line from Travelers Rest to Greenville)
  • Surface: Paved asphalt (mostly smooth with some minor bumps)
  • Difficulty: Easy—mostly flat with gentle elevation changes
  • Best For: Biking, walking, jogging, rollerblading
  • Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk
  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly
  • Annual Users: Over 500,000 people

Understanding the Trail System

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is organized into three main “lines” (like a subway system) with various spurs and nature trails branching off:

Green Line (17.7 miles continuous)

The longest and most popular segment, running from north of Travelers Rest through Furman University, past downtown Greenville, to Verdae Boulevard. This is the trail most visitors experience.

Blue Line (Multiple segments)

Includes sections through Conestee Nature Preserve and connections near Cleveland Park, offering access to mountain biking trails and natural areas.

Orange Line

Features Hampton Station area with shops, restaurants, and e-bike rentals—a perfect starting or stopping point.

Additional Segments: Short sections in Simpsonville (0.9 miles), Fountain Inn (0.8 miles), and Laurens County.

Popular Starting Points & Parking

Downtown Greenville

  • Unity Park – Six free public parking lots with direct trail access
  • Falls Park on the Reedy (601 S Main St) – Multiple nearby parking garages
    • Riverplace Garage
    • Poinsett Garage
    • River Street Garage
  • Cleveland Park (150 Cleveland Park Dr) – Free parking, access to zoo and playground

Travelers Rest

  • Gateway Park (115 Henderson Dr) – Parking, restrooms, bike skills park
  • Trailblazer Park (235 Wilhelm Winter St) – Popular northern trailhead
  • Downtown Travelers Rest – Street parking along Main Street

Mid-Trail Access

  • Furman University – Multiple access points around campus
  • Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery (around Mile G314) – Parking for customers
  • Hampton Station – Parking available for shops/restaurants

Tip: Use the trail’s alphanumeric markers (like G314) placed every 1/10th mile as “addresses” for meetups or emergencies.

Bike Rentals

Don’t have a bike? No problem! Several shops offer rentals:

Downtown Greenville Area

  • Reedy Rides – (864) 419-2944 | 50 S Richardson St

Travelers Rest

Sunrift Adventures – (864) 834-3019 | 1 Center St, Travelers Rest

  • Full-service outdoor outfitter
  • Perfect for starting at the northern end

E-Bike Specialists

Pedego Greenville – (864) 565-9600 | Hampton Station

  • Exclusively rents e-bikes
  • Great for longer rides or less experienced cyclists

Other Options

Trek Store – (864) 235-8320 | Use Laurens Road Bypass to access trail at Cleveland Park

Must-Stop Restaurants & Cafes

One of the best parts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is the fantastic food scene along the route!

Along the Trail in Greenville

Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery (Mile G314)

  • Farm-fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods
  • Local grocery with fresh produce and craft beer
  • Weekend wood-fired pizza
  • Large fenced play area for toddlers
  • Perfect mid-trail rest stop

The Lazy Goat

  • Mediterranean-inspired cuisine
  • Beautiful riverside location near Falls Park
  • Great for a sit-down lunch

The Commons Food Hall at Unity Park

  • Family-friendly outdoor dining
  • Directly adjacent to the trail

Travelers Rest (Northern End)

Topsoil Kitchen & Market

  • Farm-to-table breakfast and lunch
  • Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients

Sidewall Pizza Company

  • Local favorite with multiple locations
  • Craft beer selection
  • Large covered outdoor seating
  • Located in a converted gas station

Whistle Stop at the American Cafe

  • Kid-friendly with train theme
  • Rooftop seating
  • Red caboose ice cream shop
  • Great for families

Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom

  • Cold craft beer
  • Food trucks on weekends (typically noon+)
  • Relaxing atmosphere

Upcountry Provisions Bakery & Bistro

  • Amazing baked goods and sandwiches
  • Take sandwiches to-go for a picnic

Other Great Options in Travelers Rest

  • Pink Mama’s Ice Cream Parlor – Perfect post-ride treat
  • Farmhouse Tacos – Fresh, delicious tacos
  • Leopard Forest Café – Cozy coffee shop atmosphere

Scenic Stops & Attractions

Falls Park on the Reedy

The crown jewel of downtown Greenville, featuring:

  • Stunning Reedy River Falls
  • Iconic Liberty Bridge suspension bridge
  • Manicured gardens
  • Public art installations
  • Free admission

Furman University

  • Beautiful campus with Furman Lake
  • Two trail access points for campus exploration
  • Perfect rest stop with scenic views

Cleveland Park

  • Playgrounds
  • Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts
  • Dog park
  • Fitness trail

Travelers Rest Downtown

  • Charming small-town atmosphere
  • Bronze swamp rabbit sculpture (find it near a rock column!)
  • Gazebo and park swings
  • Local shops and galleries

Historical Train Car

  • Restored charcoal-gray train car along the trail
  • Kids can climb aboard and explore

Conestee Nature Preserve

  • 400+ acres of protected wetlands
  • Bird watching
  • Additional nature trails

Trail Amenities

Restrooms: Available at Falls Park, Swamp Rabbit Café, Furman University, and Gateway Park in Travelers Rest

Water Fountains: At major parks along the route

Benches & Gazebos: Placed throughout the trail for rest stops

Bike Repair Station: Located at Swamp Rabbit Station near Sulphur Springs Road

Mile Markers: Posted every half-mile for distance tracking

Emergency Markers: Every 1/10th mile with location codes (example: G314 = Green Line, mile 31.4)

Trail Etiquette & Safety

✅ DO:

  • Stay right, pass on left
  • Announce “On your left!” when passing
  • Keep speeds under 20 mph (slower near crowds)
  • Stop at all road crossings
  • Keep one ear open (trail is not a “silent disco”)
  • Keep dogs leashed
  • Use hand signals when turning
  • Wear helmets

❌ DON’T:

  • Electric scooters, Onewheels, or powered devices (unless ADA mobility aids)
  • Block the trail when stopped
  • Use headphones in both ears
  • Litter (use the Greenville County Litter Ends Here app to report issues)

Trail Alerts: Text “swamprabbit” to (844) 792-1212 for event updates and closures

Last Updated: November 2025.