Cottonwood Trail

The Drayton Mills, Cottonwood, and River Birch Trails offer a delightful touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with urban accessibility. You'll pedal through serene wooded sections, follow the scenic Lawson's Fork Creek, and even cross a 550-foot boardwalk over a wetland in the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve, a great spot for wildlife viewing. The route is largely paved, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

This easy 10.8-mile (17.4 km) route, with a minimal 284 feet (87 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a casual spin, typically taking just over an hour to complete. You can easily access the trails and find parking near the Drayton Mills Marketplace, which is a convenient spot for refreshments before or after your ride. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a relaxed cycling adventure.

These trails are a key part of Spartanburg's growing "The Dan" network, connecting natural spaces with community hubs. The River Birch Trail, for instance, links Main Street to a local high school, highlighting its role in daily life. The Drayton Mills itself is a revitalized historic textile mill, adding a touch of local heritage to your journey.

The Cottonwood Trail – River Birch Trail loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending paved and natural surfaces through a vibrant floodplain forest. As you pedal, you'll follow Lawson's Fork Creek, passing through diverse woodlands filled with cottonwoods and river birch, and traverse a notable wetlands boardwalk that provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. This moderate 14.9-mile (24.1 km) route, with its gentle 544 feet (166 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly flat and can be comfortably completed in about 1 hour and 27 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed outing.

Located just minutes from downtown Spartanburg, the Edwin M Griffin Nature Preserve provides easy access to this scenic loop. The trails are accessible from multiple points, offering flexibility for your starting location. While no specific parking information is detailed, the preserve's proximity to the city and its popularity suggest convenient options for visitors looking to enjoy a ride.

This loop is an integral part of Spartanburg's larger Daniel Morgan Trail System, showcasing the city's commitment to green spaces. The preserve itself is an urban oasis, protecting a significant stretch of Lawson's Fork Creek and its rich ecosystem, home to over 50 tree species and various wildlife. It's a perfect spot for families and beginner cyclists to enjoy nature without venturing far from the city.