The Swamp Rabbit Trail, which runs from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest, is a stunning 22-mile trail that showcases some of the prettiest scenery upstate South Carolina has to offer. Half a million families (many with pets!) come from all over the Foothills to experience the trail’s views of the Reedy River, culinary attractions, and unique art installations.
The trail also features plenty of bathroom and drinking stations to make walkers and their pets as comfortable as "pawssible". Start your journey early if you’re hoping to see some local wildlife. There’s no telling what critters you might see scampering along the trail at daybreak!
The most popular portion of the trail runs through Falls Park and is only about 1.5 miles long. This part of the trail can get quite busy, so if you want a more secluded stroll, you might want to skip this section. If you’re planning to hop on the trail near downtown, you’ll likely have to pay to park in one of the downtown parking garages and walk to the trailhead. You'll find plenty of free parking areas at the other trail entry points, particularly on the Travelers Rest end.
When using the trail, make sure you observe the same etiquette you would at a dog park — and if your pup has poor manners, you might want to invest in a few sessions with a local trainer before hitting the trail.
The city plans to expand and revamp the current trail, so check in regularly to see all the new improvements. While you’re in town, be sure to check out nearby Paris Mountain State Park and Pelham Mill Dog Park. One thing’s for sure — a visit to Greenville’s parks and trails is sure to have your fur-babies whining to come back!
Are you unable to take your pup hiking as much as you’d like? Consider booking a local walker to ensure your dog is getting the exercise they need!
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a very safe and well-maintained trail, with no real threats from wildlife, weather, or terrain. We do recommend that you wear bug spray and ensure your dog's tick preventative is up to date. Mosquitoes are also prevalent in the warmer months, so bring along some dog-safe mosquito repellent. (Remember, DEET is toxic to dogs!)
The local parks and recreation department offers an alert system to notify visitors of closures, events, or weather conditions that might affect trail usage. To sign up for text alerts regarding the Swamp Rabbit Trail, text "swamprabbit" to 99000.