Spartanburg has been quietly building a trail network that connects neighborhoods, parks, and the downtown area, and the results are good. The Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail runs about 4 miles through the city on a converted railroad corridor, linking downtown to suburban neighborhoods through a paved, flat, easy path.
The Cottonwood Trail connects to the rail trail system and adds additional mileage through parks and along Lawson’s Fork Creek. The creek corridor is shaded and pleasant, and the paved surface works for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, and joggers.
This is not a wilderness experience. It is an urban trail system that gets people outside, connects communities, and provides a legitimate walking and biking option for residents and visitors. On a nice Saturday morning, the trails are full of families, dog walkers, and runners.