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3 surprising facts about the Reedy River

Learn about our community’s natural centerpiece, plus ways to help improve it.

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Falls Park waterfalls in downtown Greenville in the fall.

The Reedy River flows for approximately 65 miles, through downtown Greenville and beyond.

Photo by Reedy River Water Quality Group

How well do you know your neighbor? The Reedy River starts just north of Travelers Rest High School and runs all the way to Lake Greenwood — so it’s literally in many of our backyards. Let’s get to know Greenville’s natural centerpiece:

1. It’s named after local flora.

The Reedy gets its name from the reeds growing along its banks, which are a native species of bamboo.

2. It was once known as the “Rainbow Reedy.”

It sounds like a fun nickname, but it’s really not. The river was called the “Rainbow Reedy” because its waters flowed with a plethora of colors for many years. Why? The shoreline housed many fabric and textile mills that dumped colored dyes into the river.

3. It’s not safe for swimming or fishing.

The Reedy is not safe for these uses due to its high concentration of bacteria. However, the Reedy River Water Quality Group is addressing the causes — and we can help too.

What else are you wondering about the Reedy? Share your questions for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

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