8 Must-Visit Trails in Spartanburg, SC
In Spartanburg, SC, you can hit the ground running – or biking or walking – thanks to an ever-growing trail system that accommodates both cyclists and pedestrians. Spartanburg County Parks Department Director Jon Woodsby says that creating and connecting trails to various neighborhoods, parks and businesses throughout the area has been a priority for years.
“Trails and greenways have been by far the No. 1 recreational amenity that the public wants,” Woodsby says. “Regardless of your age or ability, you can use a trail. It opens up activities for a lot of people, whether for fitness or just as a way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. There is also the idea of connectivity, so people can get to various places without using a car. We’re working very actively to create trail segments that connect people to various points of interest.”
Here is a look at some of the must-visit trails in Spartanburg, SC, and one still to come.
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1. The Daniel Morgan Trail System
Known locally as “The Dan,” this is the most extensive urban trail network in the Spartanburg, SC, region. Under the direction of PAL (Partners for Active Living), The Dan offers 24 connected miles, with a goal of extending it to 55 miles total.
“These beautiful trails are scattered throughout the city,” says Sophi Schwartzbauer, PAL events and strategic communications manager. “They’re surrounded by trees, they run along rivers, and they connect our communities. You’re able to be in nature and escape the hustle and bustle, but you’re still in the city limits.”
2. Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail
Though it is slightly less than 2 miles, the Mary Black Rail Trail has had a big impact on Spartanburg, SC. This is essentially the trail that started The Dan, providing a paved pathway linking several neighborhoods to downtown.
“It’s a trail that leads to numerous stops if you want to make a day of it,” Schwartzbauer says. “There are multiple parks along the trail, including a dog park and a bike park with dirt trails and jumps. There are restaurants and shops. It’s centrally located and really captures the entire community.”
3. River Birch Trail
As one of the newer segments of The Dan, the River Birch Trail includes a crossing of Lawson’s Fork Creek, making it easier for neighborhood residents in the area to reach the nearby Drayton Mills entertainment district.
“The tree canopy on that trail is beautiful, and the river running along the trail creates a serene atmosphere,” Schwartzbauer says. “Whether you’re biking or walking, you’re able to get in your exercise and stop at some fun spots along the way.”
4. Cottonwood Trail
The paved River Birch trail leads into the natural surface Cottonwood Trail, creating a nice balance for people who enjoy both walking and hiking. There are more than 5 miles of trails within the 115-acre Cottonwood Trail Preserve, including a boardwalk that passes over 20 acres of wetland.
5. Croft State Park
More than 20 developed trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding can be found within this 7,000-acre wooded park, located less than 10 miles from Spartanburg, SC. The highlight is the 12.6-mile Palmetto Trail, which extends south toward Glenn Springs, running at times along Kelsey Creek and passing the remains of several old homesteads.
6. Duncan Park
Located just outside of downtown Spartanburg, Duncan Park has 6 miles of mountain biking trails that were developed by Bike Worx and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. There is also a mile-long hiking trail that leads to the 14-acre Duncan Park Lake and a newly added dock and kayak rental kiosk.
“It’s a two-in-one opportunity,” Woodsby says. “You can go for a walk, then go kayaking, then walk back to your car.”
7. Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park and Tyger River Park
Woodsby says the most used trails within the Spartanburg County Parks System are at Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park in Boiling Springs and Tyger River Park in Duncan. McMillian has a paved loop trail, though several sections connect to the woods along natural-surface trails. Tyger River Park has a paved loop trail, too, with the added feature of periodic fitness stations for those seeking a more intense workout.
8. Saluda Grade Rail Trail
On the horizon is a trail that will stretch toward the horizon. The proposed Saluda Grade Rail Trial will run for 31 miles along an old Norfolk Southern railroad corridor. It will begin approximately 12 miles north of Spartanburg in Inman and extend into North Carolina, passing the waterfalls of the Pacolet River gorge and peaceful scenery along the Green River.
“It’s going to be huge for this region,” Schwartzbauer says. “It will be another opportunity for people to travel to some of their favorite places without having to get into a car. That’s good not only for quality of life, but also for overall physical health.”
This article is sponsored by OneSpartanburg Inc.