2017 GUIDE
MAP & TRAIL HISTORY • POINTS OF INTEREST PLACES TO SHOP & EAT A Publication of
Publisher / Assistant General Manager Patricia M. Betts
2017 GUIDE
IT/Production Manager Jeff Ruminski Advertising Consultants Diana Davis Tyler Donaldson Sales Assistant Leslie Manthey Production David Denton Rachel Hoeft Carrie Harder Distribution Manager Bobby Crews
MAP & TRAIL HISTORY • POINTS OF INTEREST PLACES TO SHOP & EAT A Publication of
Copyright © 2017 IWANNA, USA LLC
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A History of the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail The rails-to-trail Swamp Rabbit idea was born in 1999 when Greenville County bought 13 miles of abandoned railroad track for the trail for $1.3 million. The trail got its quirky name from the defunct G&NR train, locally called the Swamp Rabbit. It is believed the name came from the wetlands along the Reedy River that the line traversed and the bouncy nature of the ride. The history of the Greenville and Northern Railway (G&NR) is one filled with financial struggles from the onset of the railway in the late 1880s when a small group of local businessmen launched a railroad with the vision of connecting Greenville County to the Atlantic ports and Tennessee. At that point, it was called the CK&W (Carolina, Knoxville & Western) Railway, but it went bankrupt after only 2 years. The railway was bought and sold countless times for the next 30 years. Finally, around 1920, the Baker Fentress Company bought it, changed the name to Greenville & Northern Railway Company, and used the line for hauling timber for 37 years. From 1957 until 1998 there are even more owners and many uses, including weekend passenger service and industrial hauling. Service from Travelers Rest to River Falls is abandoned,
and the rails on that section are removed. In 1998, the section of the line from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest is put on the market. Upstate Forever, a nonprofit group based in Greenville, launches a campaign for public acquisition of the line and converting it to a trail. By 2005, the vegetation on the rails was starting to be cleared and plans were beginning to create the trail as we know it today. In 2007, believing in the positive health benefits of the trail, the Greenville Health System (GHS) announced its partnership with Greenville Rec and the trail was named the “Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail.� Officially, the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail debuted the weekend of May 7-9, 2009, with its inaugural 5K Race with more than 2,000 people participating. The trail now draws a half-million bicyclists, joggers and strollers a year and spans from Travelers Rest to Conestee Parks, with a 1 mile offshoot in Fountain Inn.
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GATEWAY PARK
TRAVELERS REST
The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail parallels Main Street through Travelers Rest and has sparked economic development and public-private partnerships along the way. Gateway Park, located behind Sunrift Adventures, offers additional recreational opportunities including a Mountain Bike Skills Park.
TRAILBLAZER PARK
POINSETT PARK
WESTSIDE PARK & AQUATIC CENTER
DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE
FALLS PARK
The Reedy River runs through the heart of downtown Greenville. the Liberty Bridge provides a scenic vista over the falls, excavated mill ruins and gardens. Cleveland Park with the Greenville Zoo, open fields, trails, tennis courts and playgrounds is the largest park in the City of Greenville.
CLEVELAND PARK
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SHORT HOP AHEAD
The Trail continues to grow and connect communities throughout Greenville County. From this point to the next section of the GHS Swamp Rabbit is 1.7 miles south. You can take S. Pleasantburg Dr (0.6 mi) to Windmont Dr. (0.2 mi) and then a right on Parkins Mill Rd. (0.9 mi) or continue on Cleveland St. (0.2 mi) and take a right on Parkins Mill Road (2.2 mi). Follow the rules of the road and Be Safe!!
CONESTEE PARK
CONESTEE PARKS
These two combined parks encompass over 400+ acres and include boardwalk trails, mountain biking, regular birding programs, viewing tower, river vistas, playground, and baseball complex.
FOUNTAIN INN
The GHS Swamp Rabbit takes a bigger hop down to the City of Fountain Inn. Located at 107 Mount Zion Dr, Fountain Inn, this trail segment is currently one mile long.
KEY: TRAIL SURFACES 8-15 ft wide asphalt Mixed Surface (asphalt/gravel) On Street Connection
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1 mile between arrows Playground Mountain Biking
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Embrace an Active Outdoor Lifestyle BLUE SKIES AND WARM WEATHER entice people to enjoy the great outdoors. For many people, few things are more enjoyable than soaking up some rays and breathing in some fresh air. Moderate temperatures help make many outdoor activities that much more enjoyable. But even if the weather isn’t perfect, individuals can make the best of the situation and still get out of the house. As the seasons of warm weather return, those itching to get outside can explore these entertaining outdoor activities. HIKING Thousands of miles of hiking trails crisscross North America. These trails include rough and rugged paths blazed across natural areas and long-distance trails that stretch over portions of the country. From the Appalachian Trail in the East to the Bigfoot Trail in the west, hikers and nature enthusiasts have plenty of trails to tread. Hiking is a great outdoor activity in part because it can be enjoyed by people of any age and just about any fitness level. Hikers can work up from relatively short and flat trails to more intense vertical and varied hikes. Local parks, government preserves and rural areas offer plenty of places to walk and hike. When hiking, it’s best to go in pairs. In the event anything occurs, such as an injury, the other hiker will be able to go for help. Hikers also should alert people at home as to their itineraries. Leave a map and plot out where you will be, especially if hikes take you off the beaten path. Remember to pack a portable snack and plenty of water. And when out in the sun, apply sunscreen and reapply as needed. BIKING Biking is another outdoor activity ideal for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Once you’ve learned to ride a bicycle, that ability stays with you, whether you ride a bike each day or haven’t taken one for a spin in years. Many towns and cities across the country have become much more bike-friendly in recent years, clearing space for biking paths and lanes even in the busiest metropolitan areas. And mountain bikers still have plenty of trails to traverse as well. | 10 | APRIL 25, 2017 SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL GUIDE
Check that your bike is in good working order and that the chain is freshly oiled. Take your bike to a local cycling shop for a tuneup if necessary. Verify the fit of helmets, especially on children who may have grown since the most recent cycling season. These are just a few of the many outdoor activities people can enjoy when the weather warms up. Try taking exercise routines outdoors, such as running on a path instead of the treadmill. Swimming, walking, gardening, and sports activities are other fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors. - METRO CREATIVE
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Travelers Rest Farmers Market FRESH. LOCAL. FRIENDLY. The Travelers Rest Farmers Market is all of these things and more. Located on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and host to over 90 local producers and artists, there’s really something for everyone at TRFM. Pick up all your plants, flowers, seed and soil from your local farm. Treat yourself to some delicious creamy goat cheese. Fill your basket with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Find a new pair of earrings or simply sit back and listen to a variety of talented local musicians ranging from the blues to bluegrass! The market also hosts Market Talks each Saturday of each month with a range of speakers and topics. This season’s first Market Talks event will take place on opening day, May 6th. Don’t forget about the weekly Market Kids programs with activities like painting, pottery, yoga, and hula hooping to keep the young ones entertained!
The Travelers Rest Farmers Market is located at Trailblazer Park: 225 Wilhelm Winter Street Travelers Rest, SC 29690 travelersrestfarmersmarket.com Every Saturday, May 6- September 30 8:30am -12pm
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Swamp Rabbit Trail F.A.Qs
Q: I want to visit the trail. Where can I park? A: Iff you cannot reach the trail by bike, we have several parking areas along the
Swamp Rabbit Trail: Northern Trailhead at Grandview Cemetery, Gateway Park in Travelers Rest, Travelers Rest City Parking Lot, Across from the BP Gas Station on 276, Furman University, Duncan Chapel Rd Trailhead, Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery, Mayberry Park, Cleveland Park, West End Market – Behind, Henderson Rd Trailhead at Lake Conestee Nature Park, Conestee Park (Coming soon, current nature trails connection), & Spanco Dr Trailhead at Lake Conestee Nature Park. For these addresses and more, go to greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit/.
Q: Do you have a map of the trail with marked mileage? A: Our Swamp Rabbit Trail sponsorship handout maps have red arrows marking each
mile along the Swamp Rabbit. These maps are distributed at the City of Greenville City all on S. Main St. and the City of Travelers Rest City Hall on State Park Road.
Q: Are motorized wheelchairs & electric bikes allowed on the trail? A: Motorized wheelchairs are permitted. Anyone operating a motorized wheelchair
must have on them their state disability registration certificate while operating a motorized wheelchair on the trail. Electric (or “Pedal-assist”) bicycles are legal on the trail if the Electric Bike meets the provisions of Federal Electric Bike Law HR 727.
To see more F.A.Qs & services go to greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit/.
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