Start with coffee in Greenville. Pause beside a railcar in Berea. Follow the Swamp Rabbit Trail past Furman University, then take a break in Travelers Rest before riding back. This is our Swamp Rabbit Scenic Ride: an out-and-back that makes room for conversation and a few worthwhile stops.
The Pickens Swamp Rabbit route map.
The ride at a glance
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Distance: About 13 miles round trip for the main route. Your exact distance may vary with the park spur and other detours.
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Start and finish: Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville, SC 29611.
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Turnaround: Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.
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Route: Swamp Rabbit Trail north toward Travelers Rest, then return along the same trail. Follow the Trailblazer Park spur to reach the park.
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Surface and company: A paved, shared-use greenway with walkers, runners, and other riders. Expect road crossings.
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Plan for: A relaxed half day if you stop for photos, a break in the park, and a bite to eat afterward.
Stop 1: Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery
Meet at the café right beside the trail. It is a convenient place to grab coffee or a snack and make sure everyone is ready to roll. Set your route north toward Travelers Rest. If you plan to leave a car for several hours, ask the café about parking before your ride; organized group parking needs separate confirmation.
Stop 2: Swamp Rabbit Station @ Berea
Watch for Swamp Rabbit Station @ Berea near Sulphur Springs Road and Pinsley Circle. The vintage railcar and community mural make this a natural photo and regrouping stop. Pull completely clear of the travel path before stopping. The station lists a bottle refill point, but bring enough water for the ride in case it is unavailable.
Stop 3: Furman University
Continue north past the Furman trail access and enjoy a slower stretch together. The Henry David Thoreau replica cabin is a possible side trip on campus, near the lake. It is not on the main trail line shown in this ride's out-and-back directions but it's a fun stop and a nice place to walk around for a few minutes.
Stop 4: Trailblazer Park, Travelers Rest
Take the spur from the trail into Trailblazer Park. This is the turnaround: take a breather, regroup away from the trail, and head south along the same route. You can make the café your finish line and, if you like, stay for lunch on your own tab.
Ride well together
Bring a helmet, water, and a bike or trike in good working order. Keep right, call out or ring a bell before passing, slow down around other trail users, and stop at every road crossing. Before you leave, check Greenville County's trail map and notices for any closures or detours. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a much larger network; 13 miles describes this particular café-to-park-and-back ride.
Want to ride with Pickens Cycles when our Adventure Rallies are announced? Visit Ride With Us and get updates. We will share a confirmed date and meeting instructions there when the first ride is ready.