The 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail links Greenville and Travelers Rest in one of the area’s favorite landmarks. Every day, multiple walkers, runners and bicyclists take advantage of the railroad-turned-greenway. And if you’re coming to Greenville, you can, too.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail was built in 2009 as part of the “Rails to Trails” initiative. The Carolina, Knoxville and Western Railway was first nicknamed the Swamp Rabbit because of the marshy land it passed through and its bouncy ride. It was only fitting that the greenway that replaced the railway be named the same.
Greenville and Travelers Rest have taken advantage of the tourism opportunity. Bike rental shops, restaurants and ice cream shops line the trail in both communities. An annual race—the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit 5K—has also taken place on the trail since it opened.
Though BJU isn’t directly on the trail, it’s less than a 10-minute drive to Cleveland Park, the closest free parking entry point. Downtown Greenville also has several Greenville B-cycle rental stations. Through this bike share program, bicyclists can purchase a membership for a single day, a week or a year before choosing a bike from a station.
There are a few rules to observe when using the Swamp Rabbit Trail:
- Stop at all road crossings.
- Stay right unless passing—then make sure those you’re passing know you’re passing them.
- Keep your dogs on a lease 6 feet or shorter (and clean up after them, please).
- Take your trash with you when you leave.
To help you enjoy the Swamp Rabbit, we’ve created a trail map with parking and bike rentals listed as well as a few of the BJU students’ favorite hotspots. Prisma Health has also created an interactive map and a guide to food and drink within a mile of the trail. Whether you walk or ride, get out and have fun and enjoy the scenery around Greenville on your next visit.
