“I have to make sure I take you to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery the next time you visit,” I said to my mom over Facetime. “It’s one of my favorite places right now.” 

“Oh, I think I’ve been there,” she said. “My friend, Glenda, took me last time I was in Greenville. Isn’t it a part of Falls Park, where the Liberty Bridge is?” 

“Yes and no,” I said. “That was a part of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, but the Trail itself is 28 miles long and connects Traveler’s Rest to Greenville. There’s a LOT to do on the trail…” 

Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail is an iconic “road without cars” that is a destination for locals and tourists alike. Originally, it was an old railroad line, but in 2009, the railroads were pulled up and replaced with asphalt roads, and the Trail now includes many playgrounds, restaurants, nature views, and gardens. Check out the two sample itineraries below to plan your visit today! 

Sample Itinerary #1: Heading North 

To start in Greenville and head to Traveler’s Rest, one ideal parking spot is Unity Park and The Commons. Unity Park is a 60 acre park that includes playgrounds, a splash pad, picnic tables, restrooms, and more. The Commons is an indoor food court, with options like Automatic Taco, Pangaea Brewing, Methodical Coffee, and more. This section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is known as the Green Line and will continue up to the town of Traveler’s Rest, or TR, as it is affectionately known. 

After Unity Park, individuals would pass by the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, a cozy little local spot that includes a restaurant, grocery store, coffee shop, and makeshift playground. It’s a great stop for a sweet treat and a rest along the way. Continuing north, visitors will travel through Furman University’s campus, which includes additional trails and historic buildings. Notably, Furman’s 1.5 lake loop is a beautiful journey that overlooks Paris Mountain and Furman’s iconic Bell Tower. 

Finish up the day’s trip with a visit to TR specifically Trailblazer Park, which includes green spaces, a playground, and picnic tables. Topsoil Restaurant, Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse, and Farmhouse Tacos are all delicious options to stop for a bite to eat after a long ride. Be sure to check out the stores, bookstores, and mountain views while visiting sweet little TR! 

Sample Itinerary #2: Heading South 

If heading South on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, many individuals opt to start by parking in downtown Greenville, exploring the Reedy River, and taking in the beauty of Greenville’s 345 foot Liberty Bridge. Individuals may fuel their journey with a sweet treat from Spill the Beans or Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar. From there, individuals can travel through Cleveland Park, the city's largest park, which also encompasses the Rock Quarry Garden, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Greenville Zoo. Many playgrounds, restrooms, picnic tables, and green spaces are readily available along this path. Swamp Rabbit’s Blue Line begins here and will end at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve. 

From Cleveland Park, visitors may stop for a bite to eat at the Holland Park development, which includes Double Stamp Brewery and/or Home Team BBQ. A high ropes course, Flying Rabbit Adventures, is also located in the Holland Plaza, in case visitors are looking for even more adventure along the trail. Six miles from downtown Greenville, riders can continue south to visit the 600 acre Conestee Nature Preserve. It offers peaceful trails and excellent views of wildlife, as well as a playground and picnic spots. 

Conclusion

The Swamp Rabbit Trail connects Greenville to Traveler’s Rest and includes many opportunities for adventure in between. One could spend an hour, an entire day, or a whole week exploring the various trails, parks, and restaurants that bring the Upstate to life. Whether you’re heading north, south, or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

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