The best cycling routes around Berea

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail, once a railroad, now a beloved biking route, winds through Upstate South Carolina. Rich in history, this converted rail corridor offers cyclists a scenic journey past woodlands, parks, and the Reedy River. Its transformation into a trail has revitalized communities, fostering recreation and cultural connections.