Find the top rated hiking trails in Wade Hampton, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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!
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!
While not overly difficult and relatively short, Swamp Rabbit is one of my favorites for several reasons: • Places to stop and eat in GVille and Trav Rest • Condition of trail is never an issue since main path is paved entire way • Scenery is both rural and urban, with a ride by/thru Furman University campus a nice bonus • Slope of trail provides some gains and drops in elevation - nothing brutal but I am not a fan of “flat” for long stretches • An Urban experience with plenty of places to shop and eat in downtown Greenville • ONLY DRAWBACK is 3-4 very busy crossings with heavy traffic
Honestly I only ran One half of this trail. It was mostly along the road but it wasn’t busy and I enjoyed the views. I ran into the other neighborhoods and got a good 5 miles in. The paved roads were smooth and I felt safe. Next time I will Park at Grace Church and run that side into the wooded area.
the last 4.8 miles are being prepared for paving! Active construction was seen and good progress being made. When it is complete, it will be over 12 miles of smooth, new pavement.
We rode the trail from Taft Road south to The end next to the bowling alley on Cleveland. Very nice trail. Lots of great little shops and cafes in Travelers Rest. Hard to get the wife away from the stores and shops. I would rate it five stars except for lots of "root humps" between Travelers Rest and Greenville. They would be rough for road bikes. Also, needs more signage as you come into Greenville. The trail can be confusing unless you look at Google Maps.
We just finished the trail and it was great. This is one trail you should do if you are in the area. Very well maintained. Would be a great trail for road bikes (we rode recumbent trikes). A good many road crossings, but nearly all were vacant of any vehicles. Too bad it's only 7.3 miles. We did the southern part from the park on Fleetwood Drive and added another 2 miles (there and back). The Park on Fleetwood Drive Is a great place to park.
In an attempt to depart from electronics, with much protest, I rented bikes for myself and 9 year old grandson. It was a new adventure to us both. We began our journey downtown and made it to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe to stop for a rest and enjoyed popsicles sold there. We then headed towards Traveler’s Rest. It was perfect weather that morning for a ride and I suggest doing that as opposed to an afternoon ride during summer months. The child who was “forced” to do this, ended our trip with his approval who exclaimed it was the “Best Day Ever”.
Crushed gravel surface from Forest City to Spindale to Ruth with asphalt pavers on the trail today laying down a new 12 ft wide asphalt surface! Nice snowcone stop on the trail at Serendipity Snowcones in Spindale. We parked at the library/gym.
It may only be 7 miles long, but it is mostly ups and downs most of the way. I was in 2nd gear for a couple of the hills. Wide path in good condition. New parking area and restrooms in Easley with plans for a new terminal area in Pickens. Shaded for much of the way. Worth the drive.
We did this trail by chance (bad weather in NC forced to reconsider SC). Our group was two families with teenage boys. We had a great time and travelled approx. 25 miles. We started from downtown (rental shop) and headed north and ended at the river walk area (back downtown Greenville). What a great surprise, a waterfall right in downtown. Fantastic! The course is rather urban but this has advantages. There were some food stops, ice cream stops, and even some brew pub stops. I recommend renting a bike at one of the places just north of downtown. There are a couple. The downtown shop also does Segway tours and you can find the shop closed.
I highly recommend this trail and stay for dinner in Greenville.
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