The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System is a mixed-use (walking/running/biking) path that stretches through Downtown Greenville up into Travelers Rest. Since opening in 2009, the popular trail has grown from 9 miles to 22, and sections are still being added all over the Upstate! As the trail grows, so does local business. Breweries, cafes, parks, and shops have all popped up along the path, providing Greenville residents with tons of fun activities!
A long-time resident of Greenville and a fan of getting outside and having fun with his family, Dan Hamilton shares some of his favorite stops along the trail system. Follow along as Dan walks us through the trail, starting in Downtown Greenville and ending in Travelers Rest.
Stops and Things to Do on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System
Reedy Rides
If you’re eager to explore the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System but don’t have a bike of your own, Reedy Rides has you covered! Reedy Rides provides bike rentals 7 days a week, made especially for exploring Downtown Greenville and hitting the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The bike rental business’ friendly staff will provide you with a detailed map of the trail, tips for navigating, and a few of their favorite stops along the way. Tourist or new to Greenville? Reedy Rides hosts guided e-bike tours of Greenville, Furman, and Travelers Rest. Check out some of the great tour options!
Reedy Rides is located on South Richardson Street in downtown Greenville, just a short walk from the Trail.
Now that you’ve figured out your bike rental situation, let’s jump into some other great stops along the trail system…
The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park
If you are starting the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System near Reedy Rides, The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park will be one of your first stops! This magical garden is tucked under the bridge at River Falls near Limoncello. Linky Stone Park is small by Greenville standards and is the perfect spot for a slow walk, an afternoon of reading, or an enchanted play area for your kids.
Parking is available across from the garden and can also be accessed from the trail system.
Hampton Station
Hampton Station is a mixed-use space sitting right on the trail system in the Water Tower District of Greenville. The space features a variety of entertainment (indoor and outdoor), restaurants, and local artists, describing themselves as “a new approach to work, play, and relaxation.” Grab a bite at White Duck Taco while your kids play cornhole on the lawn, browse local art while sipping on a coffee from Due South, or try axe-throwing with a group of friends at Craft Axe Throwing.
Hampton Station makes a great lunch stop on your way down the trail system, or you can come back to visit on a Friday night with friends and take advantage of all the amazing activities and food the space has to offer!
Hampton Station is located on Hampton Avenue and is accessible from the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail system via a short detour.
Unity Park
Unity Park is Greenville’s latest green space addition, having just completed its first phase in May 2022. The beautiful park features four unique, nature-inspired playgrounds, a huge splash pad, expansive green spaces, covered picnic tables, and three pedestrian bridges spanning the Reedy River. Like every other stop highlighted here, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System runs straight through the park and includes additional looped walking trails. Directly beside Unity Park you’ll find The Commons, a food hall featuring local restaurants Methodical Coffee, Automatic Taco, Bake Room, and more. My personal favorite is the OG Burger and fries at Gold, Brown and Delicious!
Unity Park’s history is a unique one. 100+ years in the making, the current Unity Park site was set aside back in 1907 by a nationally renowned landscape architect commissioned by the city. True to its name, Unity Park pays homage to the surrounding communities and celebrates Greenville’s growth through projects such as dedicated affordable housing around the park to help combat the growing pressure of gentrification. Learn more about Unity Park’s special history.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery
The Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery is one of the most iconic attractions in Greenville. Started in 2011 by two Greenville mothers passionate about produce and community, Swamp Rabbit Cafe transformed an abandoned building into a successful business that helps local farmers thrive. If you are new to the area, this should definitely be one of your first lunch stops.
Since 2011, Swamp Rabbit Cafe has expanded to include a grocery store, bakery, wholesale food hub, and a host of local events. If you haven’t already, make sure to try their famous stecca bread the next time you stop by!
Swamp Rabbit Cafe is located on Cedar Lane Road, just a short 10 minute walk from Hampton Station. The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System runs directly through the cafe’s parking lot, and there is plenty of space to park your bike and grab a bite!
Furman University
Just ten minutes from Downtown Greenville, Furman University is the oldest private college in South Carolina and The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System cuts directly through the heart of the University’s beautiful campus.
On your way through, be sure to explore Furman’s beautiful gardens, fountains, and architectural features.
If you’re a golf fan, be sure to schedule a tee time at the Furman Golf Club. The challenging par-72 course has been voted the #1 Public Golf Course in the Upstate by the South Carolina Golf Ratings Panel.
Shortfields Restaurant
As you leave Furman and continue North, you’ll enter the town of Travelers Rest. The foothills town is home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants including Shortfields. Shortfields began as a catering business in 2010 before expanding to its two restaurant locations in Simpsonville and Travelers Rest. Shortfields Travelers Rest sits right on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System and is the perfect dinner stop after a long day on the trail. From burgers and sandwiches to pizza, wings, and pasta, the restaurant’s extensive menu includes something for everyone.
Trailblazer Park
On the southernmost end of Travelers Rest is Trailblazer Park, an urban green space perfect for a family hangout partway through your bike down The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System. The park has plenty of space for organized sports and welcome shade in the form of a large pavilion and amphitheater. The space is home to a host of events throughout the year including farmers markets, weekly concerts, outdoor movies, and more. You can see a full lineup of 2022 events at Trailblazer Park.
Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse
Finally, near the northern end of Downtown Travelers Rest and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, you’ll find Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. Tandem has been serving delicious crepes and coffee in Travelers Rest since 2014. My personal favorite (and one of the shop’s most popular) crepes is the savory Lumberjack, but there are plenty of sweet and savory crepes to choose from depending on your tastes. If you are looking to start your day off on the right foot, Tandem is the place to go! Fuel your Swamp Rabbit walk (or maybe treat yourself to a post-walk reward) – and don’t forget to take a picture beside the shop’s iconic yellow bus!
These are just a few of my favorite stops on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, but there are many, many more to explore. So grab a bike or your running shoes and hit the trail; you never know what you and your family will discover!
