Since it opened in 2009 connecting Greenville to Travelers Rest, the Swamp Rabbit Trail has gained star status among South Carolina’s recreational attractions. The 22-mile multi-use greenway system was built on a historic rail bed and offers a scenic pathway for walking, biking, jogging, skating and dog walking.
The trail takes you past Furman University, ranked among the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine.
Furman features its own 13-mile network of paved pathways to explore the university’s 750 lush acres. Highlights along the way include unique gardens, a Japanese temple and a replica of Henry David Thoreau’s famed Walden cabin. The centerpiece of the trail system is a 1.5-mile loop around Furman’s 40-acre lake, offering views of Paris Mountain.
For those looking to do some off-road biking, TR offers easy access to some fantastic mountain biking trails at nearby Paris Mountain State Park and Pleasant Ridge Park.
In town at Gateway Park is the Bike Skills Flow Park, featuring a progression of trails with various challenges and terrains designed to introduce mountain bikers to the sport. It includes a figure-eight pump track and cross-country trail.
In addition to the bike course, Gateway Park has a baseball and football field, a basketball court, tennis courts, a picnic area and a playground.
Another playground popular with the younger set can be found at Poinsett Park. For parents, there’s a walking trail that circles the play area, allowing them to get in a little exercise of their own.
Those who want to escape to the backcountry will find plenty of outstanding options in the area, including Table Rock, Caesars Head and Jones Gap state parks.
If golf is your preferred recreational outlet, you’ll enjoy hitting balls at Spring Park Golf Range or playing a round at the challenging par-72 Furman Golf Club, ranked among the 30 Best Campus Courses in 2019 by Golfweek.
