Spartanburg to Get 20 Miles of New Trails in Next Four Years

Trail System Expansion in Spartanburg

Spartanburg city is set to undergo a significant expansion of its trail system over the next four years. This will provide residents with an additional 20 miles of paths, linking different parts of the city closer together and allowing pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy more of the area’s scenic spots.

Spearheading this project is an organization known as Spartanburg PAL (Play. Advocate. Live well.), which focuses on the development and management of the Daniel Morgan Trail System. At present, the network spans over 24 miles of trails, which are scattered across the city but not fully interconnected.

Plans for the Next Four Years

Within the next four years, Spartanburg PAL aims to develop a further 20 miles of trails. This expansion will primarily focus on The Dan, a main tract of the existing system, with plans for another 20 miles currently in developmental stages. This will result in a web-like system of trails, connecting different parts of Spartanburg to each other and to the city center. Numerically, Spartanburg PAL aspires to have over 55 miles of continuous paths in the future.

Moreover, in collaboration with other organizations, PAL is also raising funds to buy the Saluda Grade Rail Line to create a 30-mile track from Inman to Zirconia, North Carolina. Once complete, this will establish a trail network that extends from downtown Spartanburg to North Carolina.

Current Status of Spartanburg’s Trail Projects

Among several ambitious trail projects PAL has in works, the Saluda Grade Rail Trail holds immense potential. The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy is a collaborative project between PAL, Upstate Forever, and Conserving Carolina. The group recently announced its contract with Norfolk Southern to purchase the railroad line for transformation into a recreational trail.

The scope of this project is enormous and implementation will be carried out in phases. The cost of the project depends on various factors, such as the width of the trail which influences the overall budget. Currently, a funding boost of $6 million has been provided by Senator Lindsey Graham for the project’s development.

Future Prospects

Furthermore, PAL is planning an expansion of the Fairforest Creek section of the trail, linking the Mayfair Mill Lofts to the CC Woodson Community Center. This project spans approximately 8½ miles along the creek, with construction set to commence around January.

Finally, the Trolley Line Trail is another project under construction. Managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, it is primed to finish around May 2025. This 3.3-mile trail will interconnect the Mary Black Rail to Glendale Shoals.

The trail system expansion in Spartanburg is an ambitious project that will greatly enhance the city’s recreational facilities and provide the community with picturesque trails connecting different city regions. The commitment from Spartanburg PAL and supporting organizations to make this vision a reality stands as a testament to Spartanburg’s goal of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle amongst its citizens.