It’s been 19 years since Greenvillians first came together to provide public comment on a plan to build a trail system throughout Greenville — and beyond. That input led to a 2007 Master Plan proposing a hub-and-spoke model connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and major job centers.
We dug through the plan and found the trail we know (and love) today mostly aligns with the Master Plan from nearly two decades ago.
Here’s the status of the five proposed greenways from that document:
Reedy River Greenway
Proposal: The north–south “spine” of the trail was envisioned to link Travelers Rest and Simpsonville to downtown via the CSX Trail, Reedy River Trail, and Downtown Connector.
✅ This has been largely implemented: It encompasses the northern half of the Green Line and the Blue Line. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs to Travelers Rest, with connections south toward Lake Conestee.
Brushy Creek Greenway
Proposal: A downtown-to-southwest corridor connecting Mills Mill, St. Francis Hospital, and the baseball stadium, with future links to Anderson
❌ Still unbuilt
Richland Greenway
Proposal: To connect downtown to Bob Jones University, Timmons Park, and Paris Mountain with an on-street tie-in
❌ Still unbuilt
Gateway Greenway
Proposal: An east–west route aimed at linking downtown with Roper Mountain Science Center, the Carolina First Center, and ultimately Greer and Spartanburg
❌ Still unbuilt
Greenlink Greenway
Proposal: To follow Laurel Creek and an old rail line, connecting downtown to University Center, Pleasantburg, Verdae, ICAR, and beyond to Mauldin
✅ This has been partially implemented: In 2020, the City of Greenville unveiled the Swamp Rabbit Trail Extension Master Plan + Swamp Rabbit Trail Extension Design Guidelines. This helped guide the Green Line extension. to Verdae + CU-ICAR. The southern half of the Green Line now reaches Verdae, with plans to build a new pedestrian bridge — detailed below.
What’s next?
Here’s what’s coming down the pipeline for trail expansion in the City of Greenville:
Verdae Bridge | Expected fall 2026
Construction on the long‑planned pedestrian bridge begins soon, replacing a busy street crossing, improving safety for the 1,000+ daily Green Line users, and paving the way for future expansion into Mauldin. Currently, the section of the trail continuing south to Innovation Drive and CUICAR is in the design phase.
Orange Line Extension | Property negotiations and design plans happening winter-spring 2026
Plans for the Swamp Rabbit Trail Orange Line connection through North Main have shifted after community feedback and a city study. Originally designed as a continuous neighborhood link, the project is now focusing on safer crossings at Rutherford Road and Wade Hampton Boulevard. Rather than building new trail segments through neighborhoods, the city plans to rely on existing bike lanes and sidewalks to complete connections — prioritizing safety, cost efficiency, and resident concerns. The City of Greenville picked the route after collecting feedback from 860+ community members. A final public input meeting will be held later this year before the project moves to the engineering phase.
Sans Souci Connector | Construction targeted for 2030-2031
Early concepts include up to two miles of trail, multiple pedestrian bridges, and a route connecting to Poinsett Highway while running through the former Union Bleachery redevelopment. Design and environmental work are next, with construction tentatively targeted for 2030–2031.
Neighborhood Spurs
New connectors are in the works to link Nicholtown, Gower, and Verdae directly to the Green Line Extension along Laurens Road, using safer crossings and new pathways where possible.
Cleveland Park Pedestrian Bridge | Construction began March 2026
Work to repair storm-damaged retaining walls along a Cleveland Park pathway connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail is underway. The affected route will be replaced with an improved alternate path, while through access remains open. No detours are expected, and work should wrap soon.
Golden Strip Extension | Expected spring or summer 2026
Beyond the city limits, construction is underway on a new two-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail segment connecting Fountain Inn and Simpsonville through key neighborhoods and schools. The expansion aims to boost connectivity and community access, with leaders eyeing future extensions into Mauldin.
