The Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail is fast becoming a focal point for recreation, health, community renewal and economic development. The trail travels 13.55 miles and connects the City of Greenville to Travelers Rest. Its name came from the locals—the train that used to run ‘hopped’ over a swampy area like a rabbit would, resulting in the name the Swamp Rabbit. The train stopped running in the mid 1990’s and in April 2009 the first 5 mile section of the trail opened. In May 2010 the bridges were finished and another 4 mile section in Greenville opened.
Not only is the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail available for great recreation, it is revitalizing communities such as Travelers Rest and growing tourism to the Greenville area. Dianna Turner, City Administrator in Travelers Rest, says “we looked at this trail as one facet of our efforts to bring people back to Main Street in Travelers Rest to shop, dine, relax, or recreate.” The downtown business district has been completely renovated with more arts and crafts shops in the shopping area, offering opportunities for fun.
The GHS Swamp Rabbit trail allows for active transit to these new shops and the revitalized downtown in Travelers Rest. People have the opportunity to walk and bike along this trail to shops, cafes, restaurants, parks, etc. The trail provides a great way to stay active and healthy for fun and leisure time.
According to Ty Houck, “Travelers Rest Wal-Mart’s bike sales increased by 300%” after the trail opened. Businesses like Williams Hardware located on the trail for the sole purpose of being on the trail, and now have 7 full time employees. Ty Houck says “they are now working on a pocket garden with a sitting area” between the business and the trail. With Travelers Rest businesses capitalizing on the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail, the community benefits in so many ways.
Click here to see before and after pictures of changes in Travelers Rest (look under “downtown plan”). For more information on the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail, please visit The City of Greenville’s website as well as the website for Greenville Rec.
“It’s important to have something like the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail that not only gives us a sense of community, but also community health and well-being,” says Turner. The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail provides excellent connectivity, opportunity for recreation, and a tremendous boost to health. Way to LiveWell, Travelers Rest!
