Explore the best rated trails in Plum Branch, SC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Heritage Trail (SC) and Cambridge Gateway Trail . With more than 17 trails covering 95 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Thought I’d provide some clarity here, as the Firefly Trail is pretty disconnected and there are few trail amenities, but it has a lot of potential: Dudley Park near downtown serves as both the trail head of the Athens side and as the nexus for both the Firefly Rail Trail and the North Oconee River Greenway (so you can extend your ride in Athens by adding the Greenway). After parking, follow the trail along the river (or take a shortcut up through the woods) to reach the Firefly Rail Trail. You’ll see a bathroom, water fountain, and picnic pavilion for the park. Just off the trail there’s a bike repair station. Note: restrooms are locked in the evening and the water fountains are winterized in colder months. There’s no lighting on the trail. The Trail Creek aka rebuilt “Murmur” trestle and the bridge over the North Oconee are the highlights here. The Firefly trail is currently in segments spaced far from each other: Athens side - 2.9 miles Winterville - 1.5 miles Maxeys - 1.1 mile Woodville to Union Point - 6.5 miles The shady, three-mile connection between Athens and Winterville should be complete in spring of 2026, provided the final easements can be acquired. None of the other segments have reliable trail amenities and the towns are all very, very small. In Winterville, Pittard Park has bathrooms that may be open. In Woodville, about a mile past the trailhead, there’s public bathroom behind CJ’s BBQ that’s sometimes open. The longest segment of the Firefly Trail is actually from Woodville to Union Point, at just under 7 miles one-way, partially shaded. The Woodville trail head is just a parking lot right now and is easy to miss if you aren’t GPSing it. The trail head at Union Point is pretty but there’s no facilities currently. I recommend a trip into town… “The Point” is a grocery store/restaurant open 7 days a week, even on Easter. For now it’s your best bet for beverages and a snack on this segment. When complete, the Firefly Trail will be about 40 miles from Athens to Union Point. Check back to see the progress.
I rode the Palmetto Parkway bike path in North Augusta, SC for the first time this morning at 7 AM. The total ride, out and back, was 9.5 miles, according to my Ride With GPS app. The elevation change was 788 feet. The path was well maintained and I was the only cyclist on the trail. I saw no walkers. if you like hills, the trail is a good way for one to get a workout. As expected, I could hear cars on the adjacent highway, but I rarely saw one. The path is separated by a fence, berms, and plantings. I crossed three minor roads and two major roads. The major roads had pedestrian, crossing signals, making it easier to cross. The parking area at the trailhead seemed safe. I was the only one parking there.
I have ridden many rail trails across the US. One of the things that I look for are access to water, bathrooms and food. This trail has it all! Warm spring day - lots of people & dogs out enjoying the trail with happy smiles. There are areas of downed trees on either side of the trail from the Hurricane damage but it doesn’t affect the trail at all. It is paved asphalt so there are “root humps” here and there but nothing terrible. Gentle inclines and declines. I enjoyed my ride!
Could use some police presence. Hardly anyone using the trail. Perhaps due to the number of homeless. Needs advocates to support the trail, add decent connections. We rode canal path to Riverwalk. The city sidewalks between were terribly rough.
Long sustained climbs on a very unused trail. No baby strollers or dogs on this one! Solitude
Parked by McCormick country club end. Road about .4 miles on the trail, until came to very large trees down from Hurricane Helene. Possibly could have lifted bikes through but wasn’t sure how many more were down. Many had been cut so I’m sure they will eventually be cut. Turned back and drove to SC7 parking. About 3 spaces there, road about 2 miles, roots, leaves, and pine straw covered, definitely need a mountain bike, beautiful trip in the woods. There is a small detour onto moss rd for about .5 miles, which is a country road not busy. Didn’t go all the way to Willington. Very nice day!
Nice place to walk. Gross to include a medical corporation in the name though. Gives it such a negative energy.
I love this trail. It's not perfect, but I love the mix of rural, city, and the various spurs. In total, the trail may be 29 miles with the spurs, but from A to B on the main line, it's less than 16 miles from Greenville Tech to trail end in Travelers Rest. A fantastic length, just misleading to say it's more. The southern section connecting to Conestee Park is a different trail entirely (was a gravel road last I attempted it and didn't seem like a safe area), and shouldn't be included in the total. If the trails were to be connected somehow, not divided by miles of riding ON busy roads or dangerous out-of-shape sidewalks along an even busier road, perhaps then the 28-mile claim would be legitimate.
The very northern end of the trail starts just off Tate Road in Travelers Rest. You can’t park there. Park at the Ingles grocery store on Geer Road about a quarter mile away. We thoroughly enjoyed the trail. Swamp Rabbit Cafe is ten miles from the northern starting point.
I walk and bike this trail often. Scenic and some challenging hills. Caution required after heavy rain as the trail floods in some areas near the creek.
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