Why Travelers Rest is the Perfect Basecamp for Exploring the Upstate
🚴♂️ Ride. Refuel. Rest.
The TRail Begins with TR.
If you’re planning a visit to the Upstate of South Carolina, there’s no better place to call home base than Travelers Rest. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just minutes from downtown Greenville, Travelers Rest is the ideal hub for exploring the region’s outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and small-town charm. Whether you’re here to hike, ride, sip, or simply slow down, this welcoming town lives up to its name—a true place to rest between your travels.
1. Central to Everything, Yet Peacefully Removed
Located less than 10 miles north of Greenville and just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Travelers Rest offers easy access to the area’s most popular attractions without the crowds or congestion of the city. In one direction, you can be in Downtown Greenville in under 20 minutes for dinner and a show; in the other, you’ll reach Table Rock State Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway in less than an hour.
Travelers Rest sits at the crossroads of Highways 25 and 276—two of the most scenic routes in the Carolinas—making it a perfect basecamp for mountain towns, waterfalls, and vineyards across the Upstate and Western North Carolina. It’s also just a short drive to DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, both renowned for world-class mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor adventure.
Hiking and Biking at Paris Mountain State Park
2. Endless Outdoor Adventures at Your Doorstep
From sunrise hikes to waterfall picnics, Travelers Rest puts you closer to nature. The Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile paved greenway, runs straight through town, connecting cyclists and walkers to Greenville and beyond. Head north and you’ll find Paris Mountain State Park, Caesars Head State Park, and Jones Gap, all within a short drive.
Prefer something slower-paced? Spend an afternoon kayaking Lake Keowee, touring the area’s scenic wine country, or exploring the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (SC-11)—a must-see route that winds through the heart of the Upstate.
3. Local Flavor You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Back in town, Travelers Rest’s walkable Main Street offers a lineup of locally owned restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops that have earned regional acclaim. Dine farm-to-table at Topsoil Restaurant, enjoy craft beer at The Community Tap TR, or start your morning with homemade pastries at Upcountry Provisions.
Don’t miss the Saturday Farmers Market, live music at local venues, and seasonal events like the Hincapie Gran Fondo or Art on the Trail—each one a reason to linger another day.
Refuel right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail at Tandem for crepes and coffee.
4. Stay a Little Longer
What makes Travelers Rest the perfect basecamp isn’t just what’s nearby—it’s the feeling you get when you stay. Visitors often plan one night and end up staying three. With charming inns, boutique hotels, and cozy short-term rentals, it’s easy to make yourself at home. Wake up to mountain views, spend your days exploring waterfalls and farms, and your evenings dining under string lights with the locals.
Extend your stay, and you’ll discover more of what makes the Upstate special—each day a new trail, a new town, or a new taste of South Carolina.
Click here for our list of recommended lodging in Travelers Rest, SC.
Plan Your Stay in Travelers Rest:
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Upcoming Events
Whether you’re exploring for a weekend or a week, Travelers Rest is your perfect Upstate basecamp—where nature meets Main Street.
TR - Where the Trail Begins
Uniquely positioned in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is the perfect basecamp for your cycling getaway!
🚵 Ride Options for Every Type of Cyclist
1. Swamp Rabbit Trail (22 miles round-trip)
A flat, scenic, paved trail perfect for casual riders, families, and beginners. Ride from TR to downtown Greenville with fun stops along the way like Furman University, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery, The Commons Food Hall in Unity Park and Falls Park.
2. Road Cycling Loops (35–80+ miles)
Explore quiet country roads and rolling climbs through the foothills and Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway. Great for Gran Fondo training or scenic exploration. Expect 1500 - 3500 ft elevation gain on 20-30 mile rides. Here are some routes from Free Hub Bicycles and Komoot app.
3. Mountain Biking: Gateway Park, Paris Mountain, & Pleasant Ridge
Gateway Park: Pump tracks and flow trails in downtown TR
Paris Mountain: Rugged singletrack and technical climbs—just minutes away
Pleasant Ridge: Home of the JFA Trail, an advanced 6-mile loop with rock gardens and creek crossings
4. Fall Leaf Rides
Ride scenic 35–50 mile loops through colorful hardwood forests with cue sheets provided by the Greenville Spinners’ Virtual Leaf Tour.
In Town Skills Park
Warm up, sharpen your skills, take a couple loops around at Gateway Park in the heart of downtown Travelers Rest.
🗓 Yes, You Can Ride Year-Round in TR
Thanks to a mild climate and well-maintained roads and trails, Travelers Rest is a four-season destination for cyclists. Spring and fall bring cooler temps and beautiful views, while winter offers rideable days without snow. Rain or shine, you can ride here 12 months a year.
🛌 Bike-Friendly Places to Stay in Travelers Rest
The Station by Compo Hotels Boutique Cabins Modern, stylish cabins right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail Hampton Inn Travelers Rest Hotel Free breakfast, bike storage, easy trail access Field Trip Glamping Geodomes, A-frames, sauna, and mountain views Haus Holiday Vacation Rental Great for small groups with full kitchen Hotel Domestique Boutique Hotel Owned by George Hincapie; includes guided rides & fine dining and luxe rooms.
Pre Ride Coffee
Bridge City Coffee – local cafe in the heart of TR
Leopard Forest Coffee – Local roasted beans and chill patio vibes
TReehouse Cafe – Local hangout with good eats and rotating brews
Tandem Creperie – Sweet and savory crepes, great coffee drinks
Refuel and Relax
With so many food and drink options right out your front door. The whole town is the trail head!
🍺 Best Post-Ride Beer Spots
Swamp Rabbit Brewery – Craft beer brewed in the heart of TR
The Community Tap TR – Local beer, wine, and chill patio vibes
Chicora Alley – Local hangout with good eats and rotating taps
TR Tasting Room - Craft beer and fantastic wine selections
🚴♀️ Bike Rentals, Repairs & Group Rides
Freehub Bicycles
Your one-stop shop for:
Bike rentals
Bike repairs and gear
Weekly group rides
Local route advice and GPX files
Sunrift Adventures
Bike rentals
Bike repairs and gear
📍 Both bike shops are located right in downtown Travelers Rest near the Swamp Rabbit Trail
📚 Ride Smart: Cycling Greenville by Wendy Lynam
For a curated list of road, gravel, and trail routes—including elevation profiles and insider tips—grab a copy of Cycling Greenville by Wendy Lynam on Amazon. A must-have for serious riders visiting the area.
Cycling Greenville Guidebook
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I ride in Travelers Rest year-round?
Yes! With a mild Upstate climate, TR is rideable all 12 months of the year—especially beautiful in spring and fall.
Where can I rent a bike in Travelers Rest?
Freehub Bicycles and Sunrift Adventures both offer high-quality rentals and gear.
Is the Swamp Rabbit Trail suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. It's flat, paved, and full of fun stops for food, coffee, and photos.
Are there guided rides?
Yes. Hotel Domestique offers guided road rides. Freehub Bicycles also hosts weekly group rides.
When is peak fall foliage in TR?
Usually late October through early November. Plan your leaf ride using the Greenville Spinners cue sheets.
Ready to Ride?
From casual trail cruising to expert climbs, technical descents, and vibrant local flavor, Travelers Rest is your all-season cycling destination. Whether you’re coming for the Gran Fondo Hincapie, a fall leaf ride, or a weekend escape, TR welcomes you with open roads, flowing trails, and unbeatable hospitality.
👉 Plan your ride + stay now with our Cycling TR Trip Planner
Because the TRail begins with TR.
