The best MTB trails around Judson

Conestee Nature Preserve, located just five miles south of Greenville, South Carolina, spans over 400 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and meadows, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The preserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting over 220 bird species, and has been designated an Important Bird Area of Global Significance by the National Audubon Society . Visitors can explore 13 miles of trails and boardwalks, offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and observing various wildlife such as beavers, river otters, and deer .

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.

Nicholtown Pocket Park is a charming small greenspace located along the Rabbit Swamp Trail, nestled between the beautiful Reedy River and Sliding Rock Creek. The park features a sports field and plenty of areas to spread out and enjoy a lovely picnic in this gorgeous natural setting.

It's a lovely trail but at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning it starts getting crowded and by 11:00 there were lots of people. The most annoying part is the speed bicycle riders. They fly down the trail through crowds of pedestrians. I saw several near crashes. I would recommend this trail but only on weekday mornings when there's not as much humanity about.

A fascinating pedestrian bridge for connecting with nature in the public gardens on both sides of the Reedy River. There are plenty of quiet places to relax in the park. Here you can enjoy the river's currents and surrounding beauty.

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.

Opened in May 2022, Greenville's Unity Park, located along the Rabbit Swamp Trail, features cutting-edge playgrounds, a 4,100-square-foot splash pad, green spaces, covered picnic tables, and a 10,000-square-foot welcome center. The 60-acre park includes basketball courts, a historic baseball field from 1925, and three bridges spanning the Reedy River. Visit unityparkgreenville.com/1843/Unity-Park.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail, weaving alongside Furman Lake near Furman University, captivates cyclists with its scenic route. Lush surroundings, glimpses of the lake, and a well-maintained trail make it an enticing destination for cyclists seeking both a visually pleasing and physically engaging ride.