The best road cycling routes around Clifton
5.0
(2)
30
riders
8
rides
Road cycling around Clifton offers a diverse landscape for cyclists, featuring a mix of reservoir areas, rolling hills, and established rail trails. The region provides varied terrain suitable for different skill levels, from moderate paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains. Cyclists can expect a blend of natural scenery and developed pathways, making it a versatile destination for road biking.
Best road cycling routes around Clifton
- The most popular road cycling route is Pacolet Reservoir – Hayes Hill…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
9
riders
103km
04:28
880m
880m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
57.8km
02:30
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(2)
5
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
28.7km
01:15
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
111km
04:58
990m
990m
Embark on a substantial road cycling journey with the Mary Black Rail Trail – Duncan Park Lake loop, a route that transitions from urban pathways to natural parkland. You'll begin…
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Popular around Clifton
Tips from the Community
Drayton Mills, originally built in 1902, underwent a significant transformation over a century later. Once a bustling textile mill, it has been converted into a striking apartment complex in the Romanesque Revival style. This well-preserved piece of history is now a beautiful and intriguing site along the Drayton Mills Trail, making it well worth a visit during your hike.
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The River Birch Trail is a picturesque path that runs alongside Lawsons Fork Creek, offering charming views of the surrounding nature. This trail connects with the Edwin M. Griffin Park trails, providing a peaceful and easy hike. The route features a variety of terrains, including packed dirt, wooden boardwalks, and paved sections.
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The Rail Yard is a small community park located along the Mary Black Rail Trail. The park features various recreational areas, including an amphitheater, a playground, picnic tables, and a bike park.
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The Mary Black Rail Trail is a multi-use paved path that winds through wooded areas, crosses creeks, and traverses grassy fields that are ideal for picnicking. Named in honor of Mary Black, a local philanthropist, this trail is part of a larger network of trails in southern Spartanburg.
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The Rail Yard is a great community park along the MBF Rail Trail. The park has an amphitheater, picnic areas and a bike park.
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Mary Black Rail Trail was a very successful rail-to-rail project and one of the most popular places to hike and bike in Spartanburg. This 2-mile-long paved path also has bikes that visitors can rent from the B-Cycle station at the trailhead at Henry and Union streets.
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Drayton Mills were originally constructed in 1902; at the turn of the century, over 100 years later, they went through a massive transformation. Once a textile mill, it is now an apartment complex in the Romanesque Revival style. It is a nice piece of history and a beautiful complex now, so worth checking out on the ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Clifton?
Road cycling routes around Clifton feature a diverse landscape, including reservoir areas, rolling hills, and established rail trails. You'll find varied terrain suitable for different skill levels, from moderate paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains.
Are there routes suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge?
Yes, Clifton offers routes with substantial elevation gain for experienced cyclists. For example, the River Birch Trail – Mary Black Rail Trail loop from Spartanburg is classified as difficult and covers over 108 km with significant climbing.
What are some moderate road cycling options in Clifton?
Several moderate routes are available. The The Rail Yard – The Rail Yard loop from Spartanburg is a popular choice, offering a balanced ride with moderate elevation changes over 57.9 km. Another good option is the The Rail Yard – Mary Black Rail Trail loop from Ben Avon, which is 50.5 km long and leads through a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Clifton?
The road cycling routes in Clifton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain and the blend of natural scenery and developed pathways.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic views, particularly around reservoir areas and rolling hills. While specific viewpoints vary by route, you can expect picturesque natural scenery. Some routes pass by natural features like Duncan Park Lake and the River Birch Trail.
Can I find routes that incorporate rail trails in Clifton?
Yes, Clifton's road cycling network includes established rail trails. Routes like the The Rail Yard – Mary Black Rail Trail loop from Ben Avon utilize these pathways, offering a smoother ride through varied landscapes.
Are there any attractions or points of interest near the cycling routes?
Yes, you can explore several attractions near the cycling routes. Notable points of interest include Duncan Park Lake, the River Birch Trail, and the The Rail Yard. These offer opportunities to extend your trip beyond just cycling.
What is the longest road cycling route available in Clifton?
The longest route listed is the River Birch Trail – Mary Black Rail Trail loop from Spartanburg, which spans over 108 km and features significant elevation gain, making it a challenging and extensive ride.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Clifton?
Many of the road cycling routes in Clifton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Pacolet Reservoir – Hayes Hill loop from Spartanburg and the Pacolet Reservoir – Victor Hill Hotel ruins loop from Arkwright.
How many road cycling routes are featured in Clifton?
There are 5 road cycling routes detailed for the Clifton area, ranging from moderate to difficult in terms of challenge.
What is a good route for a longer, moderate ride?
For a longer, moderate ride, consider the Pacolet Reservoir – Hayes Hill loop from Spartanburg. This route is 98.7 km long and features substantial elevation gain through varied terrain, typically taking around 4 hours and 17 minutes to complete.
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