The best cycling routes in Spartanburg County

The Drayton Mills, Cottonwood, and River Birch Trails offer a delightful touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with urban accessibility. You'll pedal through serene wooded sections, follow the scenic Lawson's Fork Creek, and even cross a 550-foot boardwalk over a wetland in the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve, a great spot for wildlife viewing. The route is largely paved, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

This easy 10.8-mile (17.4 km) route, with a minimal 284 feet (87 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a casual spin, typically taking just over an hour to complete. You can easily access the trails and find parking near the Drayton Mills Marketplace, which is a convenient spot for refreshments before or after your ride. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a relaxed cycling adventure.

These trails are a key part of Spartanburg's growing "The Dan" network, connecting natural spaces with community hubs. The River Birch Trail, for instance, links Main Street to a local high school, highlighting its role in daily life. The Drayton Mills itself is a revitalized historic textile mill, adding a touch of local heritage to your journey.

The Battleground Loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, winding through the historic Cowpens National Battlefield. You'll pedal past significant landmarks like the Robert Scrugg House and the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center, immersing yourself in American Revolutionary War history. The route features mostly paved or hard-packed gravel surfaces, making it an easy and enjoyable ride for cyclists of all levels.

This 4.4-mile (7.1 km) loop has a minimal 85 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 24 minutes, perfect for a quick outing. There's no entrance fee to the battlefield, and you'll find convenient restrooms and picnic areas. Spring and fall are particularly lovely for this ride, offering comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.

What truly sets this route apart is its historical context, allowing you to connect with the past while enjoying a scenic ride. It's an excellent option for those seeking a family-friendly cycling adventure or a gentle introduction to touring cycling, combining natural beauty with a rich historical narrative.

The Mary Black Rail Trail and Duncan Park Path offers a unique blend of urban and natural cycling experiences in Spartanburg. You'll start on the smooth, paved Mary Black Rail Trail, enjoying a mix of city views and green spaces, passing by highlights like the Rail Yard Community Park. The route then transitions to the more rugged, natural surface of the Duncan Park Path, winding through wooded areas alongside Duncan Park Lake, providing a distinct change of scenery and terrain.

This easy touring cycling route covers 6.1 miles (9.7 km) with a minimal 146 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 34-minute ride perfect for a casual spin. Parking is readily available near the Mary Black Rail Trail access points, and the route is generally accessible year-round. Consider starting in the morning or late afternoon for the most comfortable ride, especially during warmer seasons.

The Mary Black Rail Trail is a prime example of a successful rail-to-trail conversion, connecting downtown Spartanburg with various neighborhoods and amenities. It's part of the larger Daniel Morgan Trail System and even links to the Palmetto Trail, highlighting its importance in the local cycling network. Duncan Park, on the other hand, is a large community park offering diverse recreational activities, including well-regarded mountain bike trails, though the specific path on this route is less suited for traditional touring bikes.

The Palmetto Trail: Croft Passage Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling experience through the diverse landscapes of Croft State Park. You'll wind through dense mixed forests of oak, pine, and hickory, with scenic views along Kelsey Creek and glimpses of Lake Johnson. The route's "roller coaster" profile means you'll encounter plenty of rolling hills and ridges, making for an engaging ride.

This difficult 34.0-mile (54.8 km) cycling route, with 1931 feet (588 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 40 minutes, requires good fitness. Be aware that parts of the Palmetto Trail Croft Passage Loop cycling routes are multi-use, and touring cyclists will need to use alternative paved or dirt roads where singletrack is reserved for hikers. An admission fee is required to enter Croft State Park, where parking is available.

Beyond the natural beauty, the trail is steeped in history, passing through what was once Camp Croft, a significant World War II training center. You can also explore a spur trail to Whitestone Springs, the site of a historic resort, and cross the impressive "Advance America" Bridge. This blend of natural features and historical landmarks makes the Croft Passage Loop a unique ride in the region.

The Cottonwood Trail – River Birch Trail loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending paved and natural surfaces through a vibrant floodplain forest. As you pedal, you'll follow Lawson's Fork Creek, passing through diverse woodlands filled with cottonwoods and river birch, and traverse a notable wetlands boardwalk that provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. This moderate 14.9-mile (24.1 km) route, with its gentle 544 feet (166 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly flat and can be comfortably completed in about 1 hour and 27 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed outing.

Located just minutes from downtown Spartanburg, the Edwin M Griffin Nature Preserve provides easy access to this scenic loop. The trails are accessible from multiple points, offering flexibility for your starting location. While no specific parking information is detailed, the preserve's proximity to the city and its popularity suggest convenient options for visitors looking to enjoy a ride.

This loop is an integral part of Spartanburg's larger Daniel Morgan Trail System, showcasing the city's commitment to green spaces. The preserve itself is an urban oasis, protecting a significant stretch of Lawson's Fork Creek and its rich ecosystem, home to over 50 tree species and various wildlife. It's a perfect spot for families and beginner cyclists to enjoy nature without venturing far from the city.

The Downtown Tryon – Old Bridge loop from Blue Wall Preserve is a challenging touring cycling route that winds through the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll pedal past quiet country roads, vineyards, farmland, and fine horse farms, enjoying diverse scenery with views of mountains and clear ponds. Be ready for significant elevation changes and rolling hills, as this route is designed for cyclists with very good fitness.

Planning your ride requires careful attention to the rules: cycling is strictly prohibited within the Nature Conservancy's Blue Wall Preserve itself, especially on specific Palmetto Trail sections. Make sure your route avoids these restricted areas to prevent issues. The loop likely utilizes permissible sections of the Palmetto Trail and public roads, offering a demanding 60.5-mile (97.4 km) journey with 5922 feet (1805 metres) of climbing, taking about 7 hours and 42 minutes.

This difficult route is notable for its blend of scenic beauty and physical demand, making it a standout option for advanced cycling trails near Tryon. While the name suggests proximity to the Blue Wall Preserve, it emphasizes the need to respect conservation rules. The area's agricultural character and mountain views provide a rewarding backdrop for a long day in the saddle.