Published: August 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Stephanie Trotter
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Close your eyes and you can faintly hear the old Swamp Rabbit chugging along its rail lines hugging the Reedy River, steel rubbing steel, as a shrill whistle pierces the air, echoing off the banks. One hundred years ago, Greenvillians would jump on the black and gray freight train and head to the northern part of the county for picnics. Today, thousands bike, hike and run the exact route on the new Swamp Rabbit Trail.

“I was expecting those numbers,” admits Ty Houck, director of greenways, natural and historic resources for Greenville County Recreation District. In short, he's the overseer and promoter of the 13.5-mile trail that's been opening in sections for the past 18 months.

“I know that sounds cocky, but I was basing that on numbers from systems in other parts of the country. The thing I'm told by a lot of professionals is that we have a gem, the fact that it goes through two downtowns and two universities.”

Running from Greenville to Travelers Rest, through Greenville Tech and Furman University, the Swamp Rabbit has dozens of entrances and exits alongside playgrounds, restaurants and restrooms. Sisters Nancy and Joyce McCarrell personally greet folks coming off the trail at their restaurant, The Café @ Williams Hardware, in downtown TR. “I sort of envisioned 20- and 30-year-olds who are into bikes riding up from Greenville when we opened,” explains Nancy. “But we're talking about retired couples getting on at the Peace Center and coming up here to have lunch and shop. It's a boom for this little town. It's turned into a little destination. Joyce and I say, ‘Who knew!’”

The younger set is just as engaged. Riverside Middle School student Chandler Satterfield comes all the way over from the Eastside to ride the trail with friends. “I love to ride in the wide-open with the wind in my face,” he shares. “I feel safe. It's really nice. When they were building it, they didn't take down any trees and it has a lot of greenery. It's flat, so anyone can do it, from training wheels to seniors.”

Converting rails to trails may be en vogue around the country, but using the catchphrase and really building a useful path takes vision, planning and money. All three came together over the decades after the Greenville and Northern stopped running and abandoned the track. The Swamp Rabbit is already longer than anything Charlotte has or plans to have during the next 10 years. “It serves as the flagship of what we want to try and create throughout Greenville County with a greenways plan,” says Houck. The idea is to have similar trails up and down the Reedy, Enoree and Saluda rivers.

“I would love to have something like that closer to home,” says Satterfield, who currently rides part of a paved path along the Enoree River inside the Pelham Falls subdivision where he lives. “But it's shorter and not as wide. I want to go further. That would be so cool.” And while the Swamp Rabbit provides plenty of recreation, another purpose is function. “Studies show 66 percent of your daily trips are within a five-mile radius of your home,” explains Houck. “If we can provide pedestrian elements, that takes a big load off our traffic system. It's an element of a multimodal network where you can get around Greenville without being dependent on a personal vehicle.”

For the McCarrell sisters, it's just fascinating to see their hometown bloom on a much broader scale, as tourists come in with bikes, tents and campers. “I grew up here. We've had family here since 1760,” reflects Nancy. “We're in the process of changing our image from a sleepy farm and mill town to a vacation destination. People want to come here and see it. It's surprising.” And what a sight to behold.

For more on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and a map, go to GreenvilleRec.com.