Swamp Rabbit Trail: Greenville’s Ride Through Culture and Nature

The Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville is no ordinary bike route; it’s an ever-beating artery through South Carolina’s Upstate, linking riverfront parks, historic mill towns, and the local spirit along a scenic 22-mile stretch. To ride the Swamp Rabbit is to tap into Greenville’s vibrant pulse, where cyclists share the path with families, joggers, and the occasional heron fishing in the Reedy River.

In downtown Greenville, the trail launches with a grand entry through Falls Park, where a graceful pedestrian bridge arcs over the rushing waterfalls and garden paths bloom with color. This is the gateway to the ride, a lush beginning for what’s to come. Just four miles in, you’ll find the Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery, a beloved local landmark where cyclists pause for flaky pastries, fresh-brewed coffee, and a generous farmstand stocked with Southern produce. The café is more than a stop—it’s an invitation to taste the heart of Greenville.

Continuing north, the path opens to shaded stretches under tall oaks, and fields unfold beside you, offering pockets of cool and sunlit glades. Approaching Furman University, the trail edges along a quiet lake, a perfect resting point with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that reward the journey.

At the northern end in Travelers Rest, the trail spills into a small town bursting with character. Here, spots like Sidewall Pizza and Brewery 85 welcome riders with wood-fired pizzas and craft IPAs—a satisfying end to the trail’s journey through Greenville’s soul. The Swamp Rabbit isn’t just a ride; it’s a celebration of community, connection, and the simple joy of discovery on two wheels.

Adventure Guide Summary: Swamp Rabbit Trail Highlights

Trail Start: Falls Park on the Reedy, Downtown Greenville

• Highlights: Start the journey with Falls Park’s suspension bridge and waterfalls—a stunning gateway to the trail.

Pit Stop: Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery

• Details: About 4 miles in, this café offers local food, pastries, and picnic tables for a shaded break.

Scenic Point: Furman University

• Details: Just under 7 miles from the start, this lake-side spot at Furman’s campus offers picturesque views and a peaceful pause.

Trail End: Travelers Rest

• Notable Stops: Sidewall Pizza for wood-fired pizzas and Brewery 85 for locally brewed beers—a perfect finish to the trail.

Directions from Greenville: Start at Falls Park and ride north; the Swamp Rabbit Trail leads you directly to Travelers Rest. It’s a manageable, round-trip ride totaling about 22 miles.

This trail suits both newcomers and seasoned cyclists, blending nature, culture, and rest stops perfect for a leisurely or immersive day of cycling in Greenville’s backyard.