One of Greenville’s most unique outdoor attractions is its 21-mile, multi-use Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System. This old railroad line is now a relatively flat and fully paved greenway space for Greenville families and individuals to walk, run, bike, and enjoy being physically active.
The trail runs directly through Downtown Greenville, and not only serves as a recreational development but as well as an alternative transportation route for non-motorized vehicles.
The trail system connects surrounding parks, neighborhoods, schools and communities within Greenville County, and has numerous restaurants and shops that are easily accessible right along the side of the trail.
It is a great way for the family to explore what all Greenville has to offer while being active and having fun along the way! ~Sarah King, guest contributor from LiveWell Greenville
This Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Itinerary is part of our summer long Park Hop series featuring itineraries and parks on the 2016 Park Hop. Park Hop is an annual event that challenges your children to visit parks over the summer while earning prizes. It’s completely free and you can visit the parks on your own schedule through the summer. Learn how to join Park Hop and find the complete list of parks in our feature article.
Taking a Day Trip Along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System
Trail Itinerary: Cleveland Park to Linky Stone Park
Looking for a day full of outdoor fun and excitement for the entire family? Take a short walk from Cleveland Park to Linky Stone Park along the trail system!
This 1.4 mile long adventure will take you through some of Downtown Greenville’s most beautiful parks and scenery, including the Liberty Bridge in Falls Park.
Cleveland Park and Greenville Zoo
Starting in the historic Cleveland Park, families can go and visit the Greenville Zoo or play on one of its many playgrounds.
The large play area right outside of the zoo is one of Greenville’s most popular children’s playgrounds, and is filled with play equipment ranging from swings and monkey bars to slides and other amazing activities that will have your child moving.
There are covered shelters with picnic tables within the park, and don’t forget to visit some of the statues along the trail including a Cold War Jet Memorial for the only fallen American killed by enemy fire in the 1962 Missile Crisis.
Falls Park
Just about half a mile down the trail from Cleveland Park, you will enter Falls Park on the Reedy River.
This park includes a lot of open green space for children to run around and explore, as well as smaller trails off of the Swamp Rabbit that give you the chance to see other parts of this recreational area.
It is in the heart of Downtown Greenville, and is a wonderful place to eat lunch or have a picnic.
Downtown Greenville
Families and individuals can easily access Main Street and visit many of the wonderful restaurants within the area, including Spill the Beans (for a sweet treat) and Papi’s Tacos.
As you continue along the trail, don’t forget to cool off at the small splash fountain across from the TD Bank amphitheater. The train-shaped fountain pays respects to the trail’s former use as a railway line, but is a fun activity for the kids to cool off from the warm summer days.
Linky Stone Park
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail continues to wind its way across River Street (caution while crossing) and on into Linky Stone Park, which offers a small play area and Children’s Garden.
Located under the colorful South Academy Street Bridge, this small park during the summer is filled with beautiful gardens, mural drawings and even a playhouse that is open to small children on selected days of the week.
Try to spot the Swamp Rabbit statue as you make your way on the trail, and be careful not to lose track of time while you are exploring all of what this park has to offer!
Trail Itinerary: Greenville to Travelers Rest
One of the most popular areas of the trail is the 6-mile stretch between Downtown Greenville and the town of Travelers Rest. This trip is not ideal for young children, but would be a great way to spend the day with older friends and family members.
There are many attractions, restaurants, and shops along the way that offer a chance for trail users to stop and take a break.
Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery
This includes the popular Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery, which you can find healthy and nutritious food items to meet your hunger needs.
Furman University
Many locals also enjoy stopping at Furman University to view the beautiful campus and take a stroll on the small walkway around the lake. Visitors enjoy looking at a full outline of Paris Mountain over the Furman Lake while listening to the Furman Belltower play some familiar tunes.
Travelers Rest
Just a few more miles down the trail is the popular Travelers Rest. As indicated in the name, this is a great place for families to rest and relax while eating lunch at one of its many delicious restaurants like Tandem, Sidewall, and Whistle Stop.
Make sure you leave enough time in your day to visit all the amazing places between Greenville and Travels Rest because I can assure that you will not be disappointed!
In Conclusion…
There is always something fun and exciting to do along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System! As the trail continues to grow and connect families to other parks, neighborhoods, schools and communities, so does the number of opportunities for you to explore what all Greenville has to offer.
Make sure to spend some of your fun-in-the-sun days this summer exploring the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail with the family!
RELATED: Park Hop 2016 | Your Children Will Beg You Not to Leave These 5 Playgrounds | 50+ Free (or Inexpensive) Things to Do this Summer
What is your family’s favorite thing to do along the Swamp Rabbit Trail?
Sarah King is a recent graduate of Furman University where she studied History and Health Sciences. Starting in the fall she will be attending the University of South Carolina to work on obtaining her Master’s Degree in Public Health. This summer she is LiveWell Greenville’s At Play Coordinator Assistant, and enjoys staying physically active whether that be hiking, running or exploring downtown Greenville with friends. 