Cottonwood Trail

Come and enjoy the Cottonwood Trail, Spartanburg's most prized outdoor recreation spot, and only a five-minute drive from downtown. The Cottonwood Trail is set within the 115-acre Edwin Griffin Nature Preserve, an urban greenspace located outside of Spartanburg's historic city center. It's the pawfect location to take Fido when you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to find rejuvenation in the quiet peacefulness among the trees and songbirds. At the heart of this wooftastic nature preserve is the prized Cottonwood Trail, which is known for its scenic pathway through a serene floodplain forest. 

To access the parking lot and trailhead, turn right on Fernwood Drive and then left on Beechwood Drive. From here, the trailhead is easily accessible and visible. 

The trail terrain is shared between a natural forest dirt path and a constructed boardwalk which allows you to observe the flora and fauna and cross over streams. The trail will wind through the forest along the babbling Lawson's Fork Creek and the while the forest provides plenty of shade even on a hot summer's day, please bring ample drinking water. Trail signs are located with details of some of the diverse plant and wildlife. The preserve features animals such as wild turkey, fox, racoons, deer, and plenty of avian species such as red-shouldered hawks, pine warblers, and more! Some of the best spots to partake in birdwatching is along the 550-foot boardwalk. There is also an observation deck overlooking wetlands.

The Cottonwood Trail is by far the most pawpular, however, if your sense of adventure is tingling, take advantage of the network of short trails which connect to the Cottonwood Trail, such as the Beaverdam, Pinecone, Highlands, and Turkey Cut Trail. You and your furry friend will have a barktastic time hiking the scenic and refreshing Cottonwood Trail in Spartanburg! Remember to pack out what you pack in, and leave nothing but pawprints!