South Carolina, Swamp Rabbit Trail

Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip -- Day 5:  After yesterday's hike to Mt. Sterling, I wake up in Travelers Rest, a village on the outskirts of Greenville, South Carolina and just across the street from the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  Today is another two-fer as I plan to ride to downtown Greenville and then drive north to Virginia to bike the New River Trail.

... a train

The "Swamp Rabbit" was the nickname given to the shortline railroad that preceded the bike trail.  A failed business venture, only 15 of the planned 282 miles of track were laid -- echoes of the old sitcom, "Petticoat Junction."  It seems its current incarnation as a bike trail is more successful.  In 2013, the mayor said that the trail had "been phenomenal for the whole county, but more so for us in Travelers Rest. I can't begin to tell you how much of an economic boost it's been to this town."

A ghost bike memorial to bicyclists killed on local roads

Like any rails-to-trails, the path is straight and flat.  With a nice blacktop surface, I'll be in Greenville before you can say "And that's Uncle Joe, he's a movin' kind of slow." 

The Swamp Rabbit -- wide and well-paved trail

How to perform an endo

In the center of Greenville, I find Fall's Park, a picturesque waterfall, and a attractive suspension bridge.

Reedy River Falls

Curved suspension bridge over the Reedy River

Greenville's Falls Park

I explore the trail for bit past the park, but I have more riding to do in Virginia so I snap a few photos and head back to the car. 

State:	South Carolina
Date:	2013-10-31
Route:	Swamp Rabbit Trail
Distance:	20 miles