Spend a Full Day on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

Before officially hitting the trail, spend some time around Travelers Rest, or "TR," as locals call it. Fuel up with sweet or savory crêpes, waffles, or coffee at Tandem Crêperie & Coffeehouse before heading to Sunrift Adventures where you can rent a bike or browse outdoor gear for your outing on the Swamp Rabbit Trail (SRT). If you have time to linger, pop into TR Makers Co. for art classes and creative workshops.

Other Notable Stops in Travelers Rest:

• Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom: A local brewery with rotating brews like the Swamp Rabbit Trail Pale Ale (a must-try for a day on the SRT). If you're spending the day with your four-legged friend, this stop is also pet-friendly.
   
• Upcountry Provisions: A charming bakery and bistro near the Trail that serves up an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a full day ahead of you, grab a pastry or focaccia sandwich for an afternoon picnic.

For a little local history, stop by the History Museum of Travelers Rest and learn the story of how the town grew from its history of being a small resting point for travelers between the mountains and coast.

Fun fact: The building itself was originally a grocery store, and today, it features bricks from the former Travelers Rest High School from 1956.

Once you're ready to keep riding or trekking down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, continue heading south toward Furman University. The 1.5-mile lake loop on campus surrounds Swan Lake, where you'll also find views of Paris Mountain and the iconic Furman Bell Tower. There are 13 miles of trails on campus grounds to explore, including a rose garden, replica of Thoreau's cabin, and a Japanese temple.

Follow the SRT to the edge of Furman's campus and discover the Swamp Rabbit Station @ Berea, a unique pocket park halfway between Travelers Rest and Greenville. This is the perfect spot for a quick pit stop and features a water refill station, turnaround area for adaptive bikes, and a vintage railcar stationed in front of a mural showcasing Berea's history.

Stop #6: Unity Park & The Commons

Keep going toward Downtown and you'll arrive at Unity Park, a 60-acre park with playgrounds, a splash pad, and endless green space to take a break. Right next door, The Commons is a food hall that doubles as a great gathering space. Park your bike and grab a beverage from Kuka Juice or Methodical Coffee before getting back on the trail.

Following the trail, continue on to Cleveland Park where you'll find the Fernwood Nature Trail, workout stations, picnic areas, and fun gems nearby – so many gems that many consider it "Greenville's City Park." If your day on the SRT includes kids, they'll love seeing giraffes, red pandas, leopards, and more at the Greenville Zoo.

Within Cleveland Park, public art includes several memorials honoring Vietnam veterans and Major Rudolph Anderson, a notable local figure from the Cuban Missile Crisis. The nearby Rock Quarry Garden is tucked away and feels like it's straight out of a storybook with its vibrant garden beds and trickling stream.

Next, the Swamp Rabbit Trail will take you toward the Downtown Airport, where there are several more fun stops to turn any afternoon into an adventure. Families can watch planes take off and land from the aviation-themed Runway Park or Hangar 28 before playing a round of putt putt at Takeoff Mini Golf.

Over at The Junction at Downtown Airport, notable stops include White Duck Taco Shop (where the most popular taco features crispy pork belly, pickled watermelon, and green onion aioli), Cohesive Coffee, and Mak & Cheesecakes.