The best cycling routes around Judson

Overall, this route is beautiful. It is mostly on backroads so traffic isn't too bad. There is a short section on Hwy 11 where cars speed by at 55 to 65 mph, but there is a bike lane. Do this route if you are not overly anxious about cars sharing the road. Some of the roads are bumpy and one short section had no shoulder and rumble strips gouged into the white line. I will say that every driver was considerate waiting behind until safe to pass me on curves. Most gave me a wide berth when they passed which is much appreciated! You will be pedaling uphill and going fast downhill, so it is lots of fun if that is your thing. Use a bike with a wide selection of gears. You won't need wide tires but don't use your racing slicks either. Stop at Hagood Mill and don't miss the waterfall at the beginning, and the tea company at the end, of Carrick Creek Rd. The ride through the Nine Times Preserve is lovely. After the ride, I had lunch - a chicken, mushroom and cheese crepe - at The Full Plate Creperie Eatery in downtown Pickens. Delicious!

Spanning 122 acres, Cleveland Park is the larges in the city. It offers a variety of amenities, including paved and nature trails, playgrounds, workout stations, picnic shelters, and large open space areas. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through here along Reedy River, making it an ideal location to stop and take a break during a long ride.

Furman University was established in 1826, is the oldest private university in South Carolina, among the 75 oldest institutions of higher education in operation nationally today. It is named for Richard Furman, he was one of the most important Baptist clergyman during the early decades of the new nation and an influential advocate of educational institutions throughout the country.

If you're riding around Furman Lake, there's probably one thing that will catch your attention: the tall tower located on a small peninsula of the lake. It is a 1965 replica of the original bell tower of the campus, which used to sound at the start of classes. If you want to take a closer look or relax on one of the benches beneath it, you'll have to dismount from your bike.

Furman Lake, adjacent to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, is a scenic reservoir enhancing the campus landscape. Surrounded by lush greenery, the lake offers a peaceful retreat for cyclists.

Frank's Corner is where the Lakeview Link and the Swamp Rabbit Trail meet, south of Berea. Frank's Corner is marked by a bronze statue of a toddler riding a bike, representing joy of getting outside on the Swap Rabbit Trail.

Spanning 400+ acres and recognized globally as an Important Bird Area and a Wildlife Sanctuary, it boasts 11 wildlife decks, and 40 learning stations. You will have plenty of opportunities to admire this wondrous landscape during an invigorating run.

In the heart of Greenville, the Reedy River descends in a stunning waterfall. Once an industrial hub, it became “Falls Park on the Reedy” in the '60s. The elegant Liberty Bridge arches over the river, offering a breathtaking view of this natural wonder.