Find the top rated birding trails in Greenville, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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As others have said, it isn't much of a "trail" but rather a paved path that runs along a pretty busy two lane road. You can walk two abreast but that is about all. There are multiple subdivisions along the path which contributes to the busyness of the road especially during morning and evening rush hour times. That being said, it is a nice place to get in a few good walking/running miles with some hills along the way without having to drive a long distance out of town.
Finished 9 miles, not bad for someone who hasn’t road a bike in 25 years.
The entire 12 mile trail is now paved! The path is wide and level. The only annoyances are the road crossings but they are well marked. One exception is a crossing in Spindale that is very busy and perhaps needs a new design. Other than that, very nice! I love the shaded sections!
We wanted to try out this trail since we saw its beginnings in Spindale. Got on the trail near the 1 mile marker because we did not know how to get to the beginning...what intersection, etc. Parked near a church and rode our bikes to about MM 7 in Spindale. Wonderful experience. Love the grade, mostly level, but there are some places with very gradual uphill and down hill areas...but still easy for the two of us, both seniors and more...to handle. This goes right through the town of Spindale alongside the main street, so if you need a rest, pull over and take a break there. We didn't have time to go the entire route...next time!! Both shaded and in full sun at times...great views of the natural landscape north of Spindale. I recommend it highly.
Beautiful quiet trail especially during the week. The northern part near Gilky is more pastural than the southern half. There is no obvious trail head sign on northern trail entrance so you need to consult your GPS ahead of time to find it. There are no portapottys either on the northern part but if you go about a mile on the trail there is ‘johnny blue’ near the trail. Parking for about 20 cars are at the Gilky entrance.
It would be nice if you could just find an address for the start point so you could just put it in your gps. The trail is paved and flat. It’s also pretty narrow and usually busy. The trail is nice for walking, but it’s kind of tight for riding bikes.
Today was my first time riding the Swamp Rabbit (used the recumbent trike). I parked near the Zoo off of Lakehurst, lot had a lot of trees for use about all day shade. Used the parks paved trail and the signs to connect with the SR. Agree with other reviews that the signage in town might be a little confusing, the Trail is mixed in with the park's paths, but you'll want to see the sights here anyway - use the map or an app, and the way becomes clear. The connector to the lower part of the Trail will require some map reading or familiarity with G-ville.
Love the places where Greenville Spinners (local bike club) have marked the trail, and the markers for parking, restrooms, etc.
Trail was well kept, very wide in places and everyone using it respected lanes, passing, etc. It was well used by walkers, runners, bikers, saw roller-blades and a Razor scooter, but it never felt crowded. Good sight lines, no blind corners on the main Trail up to Travelers Rest. Grades were easy. Lots of shady trees. Anyone could ride this trail.
There are plenty of places to stop and rest, use the facilities, stock back up.
Like a lot of rail/trails you don't want to let a tire wander off the path. In the downtown park area you will be sharing the paths with everyone and anything - usual "pay attention" applies.
If you want to introduce someone to a rail/trail - this is a great one.
Drive two hours from northeast Georgia to give this trail a try this morning. Parked in the Pickens Depot parking area even though it isn’t officially open yet. A nice Pickens official happened to be there and gave me the thumbs up to park otherwise the overflow parking was just behind the depot. Throughly enjoyed the ride to Easley. There are some sustained railroad grades that will get your heart pumping so a cardio workout should be expected. I loved every minute of the ride and plan to go back with my wife over Memorial Day weekend another cities have done a wonderful job with their parks. Great job.
I rode the trail for the first time yesterday. The other reviews are very accurate
Positives
1. the trail has no big hills, so it is very nice.
2. it goes right through downtown Greenville so you get to go right next to the falls.
3. once you get a mile or two north of Greenville it is very scenic and rural, very relaxing.
4. the trail is well maintained. grass along the side is cut nicely.
5. It goes by Furman, i had never visited Furman.
Negatives
1. The signage through downtown Greenville is terrible. Some people were critical of the train through town. I think of it the other way. It is really not a trail through downtown. SOmeone figured a way to get from the the zoo south of town to the trail north of town and i give them credit. YOu can't go fast, there are some tough corners, you have to watch out for pedestrians because some is on a sidewalk. But that's great they could figure it out. But i got lost twice trying to get through. Signs are needed telling you where to go.
2. The path is bumpy. There are a lot of tree root bumps in the trail. It is not terrible yet but will be in a year or two.
3. Someone complained there are a lot of road to cross. There are but they are all ok, except one. There is a 4 lane highway to cross with a small median. No stop light. SOmeone is going to get killed or hurt bad there, the cars are going 55+ and were pretty steady when i crossed. I know it's a big expense but i hope it's on the list of 'wants'.
There were a few businesses along the way. One bar if you wanted a beer just north of Greenville. And a few things in Travelers Rest. There were some other reviews that said there were a lot of businesses on the trail, not so.
I am from Atlanta, it was nice to bring my bike up and use the trail. Thank you to the people of Greenville for having the foresight to building this nice trail.
North of French Broad River Park there is NO trail, or at least it does not connect to the park. Immediately south of the park (under the bridge) the trail is extremely washed out for some distance, then it's in great shape for considerable distance (no accurate estimate of how far). We WERE able to get in 7-8 miles round trip before we hit mud (just south of the campground). Trail may continue beyond that point, we did not try it. Watch out for deep sand periodically and ride accordingly.
Rode the Thermal Belt Trail in December 2018. This is a great trail, newly-paved for 13+ miles. We have hybrids but you could ride road bikes with no problem. We parked at Bechtler Mint Site and rode to the bridge at Hwy. 74. Perfect surface. Crossed a few roads but they are not big or busy. In that space we traveled through a number of small towns: Ruth, Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Florence. The only drawback is that I prefer countryside scenery. But the trail itself is awesome, with additional improvements to come!
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