What to do in Travelers Rest, SC — A Local’s Guide
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just north of Greenville, Travelers Rest, SC is a small town with a lot going on. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs straight through it, the main street is lined with locally owned restaurants and breweries, and the surrounding state parks offer hiking, kayaking, and waterfall chasing without the crowds of bigger destinations. I've been recommending TR to my travel planning clients since we moved to the Upstate in 2020 — and after five years, it still earns its spot at the top of my list. Here's everything worth knowing before you go.
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When we first moved to Greenville back in the fall of 2020, everyone kept telling us, “You have to check out Travelers Rest.” And they weren’t wrong. Just a short drive north of downtown Greenville, this small mountain town feels like the kind of place you stumble upon and never want to leave.
Travelers Rest (or “TR,” as locals call it) is where the Swamp Rabbit Trail winds past a Gilmore Girls coded main street — set against a backdrop of rolling hills that lead straight into the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the scenic drives that make up the heart of Upstate South Carolina.
What To Do in Travelers Rest, SC
Stroll Main Street
Travelers Rest’s Main Street feels a little bit like if Gilmore Girls was transported to the south, complete with its own gazebo. Visitors will enjoy locally owned restaurants, breweries and boutique shops. Some of my favorite shops to pop in include:
Wilder - As their Instagram headline says, ‘welcome to the jungle.’ This shop is filled to the brim with a wide variety of plants waiting to find their forever home.
Sunrift Outfitters - Your first stop for adventure in Travelers Rest - find everything you could need to venture outside. Outdoor gear, apparel, boats and bikes. It’s worth a stop, even if you don’t need anything because let’s face it, you can always use more outdoor gear.
AM PM Farms - AM PM Farms is a butcher and market specializing in locally sourced meats (they produce all of their own beef!) and grocery items. It’s a great spot to stock up on unique souvenirs if you’re looking for something to take home to mom - that she’ll actually use.
Travelers Rest Farmers Market
Hosted at Trailblazer Park from late April through September, the market features farmers selling local produce, meat, eggs, and local honey as well as local artists selling handmade goods. You can often find live music, food trucks and coffee as well if you need a mid-morning pick-me-up. Throughout the season they host special events including an annual Tomato Sandwich Taste Off.
For the most up to date market schedule, and seasonal events, head to their website.
Outdoor Adventures in Travelers Rest, SC
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
One of the draws to Travelers Rest is its proximity to a multitude of outdoor adventures - whether you are looking to hike, road bike, mountain bike or kayak. Here’s some of the top outdoor activities in Travelers Rest:
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail:
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile greenway connecting Travelers Rest and Greenville, SC. No bike? No problem! There are several shops that rent bikes in Travelers Rest or you can just enjoy it on foot.
Paris Mountain:
Located about 10 minutes east is Paris Mountain State Park. There are tons of hiking and mountain bike trails to explore here. My favorites for hiking are the Sulphur Springs Loop (3.8 Miles) and Lake Placid Loop (.75 mi)
Click Here for current hours and admission information.
Poinsett Bridge
This hidden gem is tucked away in the Southern Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the oldest surviving bridge in SC, completed in 1820. There is a short walking trail to view the bridge.
*As of spring 20206, the bridge and parking area are currently closed until further notice as part of a restoration effort. SCDNR is the best resource for up-to-date information on the bridge's status.
State Parks Near Travelers Rest, SC
Hiking near Travelers Rest is not hard to find. Check out these state parks all within a 1-hour drive:
Jones Gap State Park - 30 minutes, 17 miles away
Don’t sleep on this smaller state park. Jones Gap State Park is a great spot for chasing waterfalls near Travelers Rest and because it is smaller, it tends to be a great place to escape the crowds of other larger state parks.
Table Rock State Park - 30 minutes, 19 miles away
Table Rock State Park offers hiking, paddle sports and camping.
Caesars Head State Park - 35 minutes, 23 miles away
Located near the South Carolina / North Carolina border, Caesars Head State Park is perched along the top of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. A short walk serves up stunning views of the Upstate’s foothills.
Devils Fork State Park - 46 minutes, 33 miles away
This is where you’ll find the stunning clear waters of Lake Jocassee. Enjoy flat water kayaking, paddle boarding and scuba diving.
Admission for each state park varies from $6 - $8 per adult. If you’re planning to visit more than one state park during your visit, consider purchasing a SC State park passport. They are $99 and valid for unlimited admission for a full calendar year.
Saluda Confluence Recreation Area (SCRA)
This new recreation area just 10 minutes from Downtown Travelers Rest features over 20 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. If you’re a hiker that is looking for a big payoff in the from of sweeping, long range views or waterfalls, this probably isn’t your best bet - but it is a great walk in the woods.
Spend a Day in Greenville, SC
Falls Park, Greenville, SC
Greenville, SC is located just 15 minutes from Travelers Rest. This popular destination feels like you’ve just stepped into a Hallmark Movie - with its idyllic Main Street and a stunning waterfall in the heart of downtown.
Click here for a complete guide to visiting Greenville.
Where To Stay in Travelers Rest, SC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Domestique - Founded by legendary cyclist George Hincapie, Hotel Domestique is an intimate 13-room boutique hotel that offers a unique blend of upscale service with athletic adventure. Think world class dining paired with guided bike rides and hikes. We’ve dined and can confirm, it feels like you’ve transported to a Tuscan vineyard.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hampton Inn - Conveniently located in walking distance of Travelers Rest’s main street and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Where to Eat in Travelers Rest, SC
Topsoil - Helmed by Chef Adam Cooke, a 2020 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast and the SCRLA Best Restaurant Chef of 2022, Topsoil serves seasonal farm-to-table dishes. Dinner is phenomenal but don’t skip Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday. I highly recommend splitting an order of the carrot cake pancakes.
Sushi Yama - This is my go-to for sushi cravings - I just can’t get enough of the Phish Sandwich. If you have someone in your group who is less than enthusiastic about raw fish, they also serve great hibachi.
Upcountry Provisions - This local bakers offer breakfast and lunch (and early dinner!) focusing on locally sourced ingredients and fresh, baked in-house focaccia. It’s the perfect pre-hike meal. My go-to for lunch is the Upcountry Homebody or Poinsett Club.
Coastal Crust - I get it, the name is weird for a very much landlocked city, but the original Coastal Crust is located in Charleston, SC. Their TR location serves up delicious pizza - and will even deliver to their next door neighbor, Community Tap.
Chicora Alley - Located in an old firehouse, Chicora Alley offers a unique spin on classic bar food. You’ll find amazing wings alongside jerk chicken.
Bridge City Coffee - Locally roasted to perfection - this is the spot for coffee in TR.
Tandem Creperie - Place your order at their retrofitted VW Bus, then head inside this adorable cafe. I’m personally a savory crepe kind of gal and go for the Lumberjack.
About Travelers Rest, SC
How to get to Travelers Rest, SC
Travelers Rest is conveniently located off HWY 25 - easily accessed from I-26 and I-85 - making it a quick trip from other Southeast cities including:
Atlanta, GA: 2 hours, 45 minutes (154 miles)
Charlotte, NC: 2 hours (110 miles)
Asheville, NC: 1 hour (55 miles)
If you are considering flying, the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is just 25 minutes from Travelers Rest and has direct flights from nearly 30 US cities including New York, DC, Chicago, Dallas and more.
Do You Need A Rental Car in Travelers Rest, SC?
Yes, I would recommend a rental car if you are flying to Travelers Rest, SC. Points of interest can be spread out and public transportation is not a viable way to get around here.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Travelers Rest, SC?
There's really no bad time to visit Travelers Rest. Spring and fall are my personal favorites — temperatures are mild, the trails are at their best, and the Blue Ridge foothills put on a show with wildflowers in spring and color in the fall.
Summers are hot and humid, as they are anywhere in the Upstate — but that's when the nearby mountain swimming holes and lakes like Jocassee earn their reputation. If you're planning a summer visit, front-load your outdoor activities in the morning and save the afternoon for a cold drink on a shaded patio.
Winters are mild by most standards. In five years of living nearby, we've seen maybe one snowfall that lasted more than a day — but overcast skies and rain are common enough that packing a layer is always a good idea regardless of the season.
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Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
