Favorite Bike Routes In or Near Greenville, SC

Favorite Bike Routes In or Near Greenville, SC

Here is a sampling of some of our favorite Greenville, SC Bike Routes

For a more detailed list with maps and turn by turn directions please check out Wendy’s guide book “Cycling Greenville SC” available on Amazon, in our Bike Shed and at many local Greenville bike shops and stores!

Swamp Rabbit Trail  (Interactive Map)

Mountain Bike Trail, Gateway Park, Travelers Rest

Backside of Paris Mountain

Favorite In Town Loop

Swamp Rabbit Cross Fit Lot, Over Paris Mountain, Up Main Street

Tubbs Mtn Road

Quick Latte Ride to Swamp Rabbit Cafe

Lunch Ride to Williams Hardware in TR

Picnic Ride to Furman

Saluda Bakery Ride (Innkeeper Wendy’s Favorite Ride)

Bakery Ride from Hotel Domestique Plus Saluda Grade

Ceasar’s Head Climb and Back

Dairy Ride to Happy Cow Creamery

Ride to Hotel Domestique (Hincape Resort)

Nearby Day Trips (Car then Bike)

DuPont Forest

 

 

5 Stunning Scenic Bike Rides

Check out this list of our top 5 stunning scenic bike rides from around the world as well as our favorite route suggestions in each.  In our haste to get from one place to the next, we miss out on opportunities to explore the world around us. Those fast-moving trains you jump on in Italy or the flights you board that soar above the Andes only give you a glimpse at what beautiful destinations like these have to offer. 

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them." - Ernest Hemingway

Scenic Bike Rides Around the Globe

1. Banff National Park // Canada

You want to talk about an area that has stunning scenic bike rides, Banff National Park is it. Mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes … what more could you ask for! Over 190 kilometers of biking trails offer both trail and road rides for riders of all experience levels. Biking season typically runs from May through to October. Biking options range from family-fun lakeside cruises to rugged tree climbs to fat biking in the snow.

Route Suggestion: Ice fields Parkway 

2. South Island // New Zealand

Along with being known for its passion for Rugby and home of The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes have left the rest of the world in awe. There’s no better way to explore this country’s beautiful outdoors than, DUH, by bike. For the most scenic bike rides, head to South Island. Riders of all levels can choose from peaceful country roads, coastal trails, rigorous mountain climbs and more year-round - with the exception of certain regions during the winter months. Thrill Tip: For you extreme sport connoisseurs, experience the rush of flying up then riding down the peak of a mountain range by booking a heli bike tour.

Route Suggestion: Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail

3. Costa Brava // Spain

National Geographic didn’t name it one of the top 10 travel destinations in 2012 for nothing. Spain’s Costa Brava is an idyllic biking destination. Coastal terrain along the Mediterranean as well as inland trails coursing throughout ancient city streets. Avoid tourist season in the summer months to enjoy 1. cooler weather and 2. less populated routes.

Route Suggestion: Pirinexus Route

4. Dolomite Mountains // Italy

Forget skiing in the Alps, bike them! The Dolomite Mountains - a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Italy - provide varied terrain for riders to choose from. Those looking to coast winding valley roads and enjoy stops in small hamlets should hit the road bike routes between mid-May and October. For more of a challenge, mountain or E-bike your way through breathtaking high mountain passes between June and October. If the idea of having these Dolomite roads all to yourself sounds appealing, look into coming for Sellaronda Bike Day where all traffic is barred from crossing the Dolomite passes from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Route Suggestion: The Sella Ronda

5. Monument Valley // Utah and Arizona

Transport yourself back to the world of the wild, wild west in Monument Valley. Known for its famous towering buttes and red-sand deserts, Monument Valley is a prime biking destination on the Arizona/ Utah border within the Navajo Indian Reservation. You're more than welcome to ride along the 17-mile loop on U.S. 163 which takes you past all the iconic parts of the park. However, if you wish to be off the main road and far from cars, consider signing up for a guided tour which will allow you access to backcountry trails. Safety Tip: Weather conditions such as strong winds can be quite extreme. Be sure to pack sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a bandana of some sort to cover your nose and mouth. 

Route Suggestion: Navajo guide for backcountry access

Explore the world as every adventurer should, on the seat of a bike.  What are your suggestions for scenic bike rides?  We would love your suggestions for more to explore by bicycle in the comments below!  #bikeinnbikeout

Bike Rental Options While Traveling

It’s easy to feel like your day-to-day routine must go on hiatus while traveling since, sadly, your entire household can’t fit into one bag. This especially goes for avid cyclists … I mean, forget your daily bike ride, right? You have no bike to ride with! Well, we have the solution for you: a bike rental.  Not only is it expensive to fly with a bike - some airline prices are as high as $200 plus additional fees - it can be a hassle to simply keep track of while you're on the go. If you're unable to bring your bike along while traveling, opting for a bike rental is the quickest way to exploring a new place on two wheels in no time.

Not sure where to start? Here are our suggestions for renting a bike while traveling:

Bike Rental Research Prior to Departure

First and foremost, plan ahead. Research the area or surrounding areas you’ll be staying in to get an idea of the bike rental options you’ll have. Depending on the length of your stay, this will help determine the costs you’ll need to set aside for a bike rental and what equipment you’ll need to pack.    

Rent from Local Bike Shops

Bike shops are the most logical options for renting. Either search online for "local bike shops in [area name here]" or call your hotel to ask for a list of recommended shops nearby. You never know, maybe your hotel has a partnership with a local shop and can get you a sweet deal.

Bike shops have the luxury of catering to a variety of biking enthusiasts, because they offer an array of models. From mountain bikes to road bikes to e-bikes, nine times out of ten they’ll have what you’re looking for. You’ll also have reassurance from the staff that you’re rip roaring and ready to go once they’ve outfitted both you and your bike for the local terrain.

It also wouldn’t hurt to call ahead to see if you can make a reservation, so the moment you get there your own customized rental bike will be waiting for you. You can take that time to also inquire about what is included with your bike rental; helmet, map, bike lock, water bottle holder, etc.

Rent from Hotel ( if offered )

With the rise in popularity of cycling, some hotels are jumping on the trend by including bike rentals as a guest amenity. From bike-friendly B&Bs to high-end accommodations, these hotels are encouraging you to explore their areas off the beaten paths.

B&Bs like our very own Swamp Rabbit Inn in Greenville, SC offer 12 Specialized City bikes with 7 speeds and 2 Jamis 3 speed cruiser bikes, ideal for riding the Swamp Rabbit Trail or around downtown. Luxury accommodations like Le Méridien hotels have teamed up with Priority Bicycles for a global pilot program - Le Méridien Bicycle - that offers custom fleets exclusively to guests. Be sure to inquire about in-house bike rentals when booking your next hotel.

Rent from Bike-Sharing Systems

If you’ve never heard of Citi Bike or BCycle before - no judgments - we’re just going to assume you’ve been living under a rock. Bike-sharing systems have grown exponentially - nearly 900 systems worldwide - over the past few years. From Citi Bike in New York City to Vélib’ in Paris, it'd be odd to find a major city nowadays without one.

Need to get to a meeting a few blocks away, but don't have time to sit in traffic or looking to get out of the hotel room for a couple of hours? Bike-sharing allows individuals to pay-to-rent docked bicycles for a temporary period of time; either returning them to the same docking station later or another within the given area. For a list of bike-sharing systems in the area you’ll be in, either check out BikeShare.com or search online for "bike-sharing stations in [area name here]."

If you must travel with your road bike here is a great video explaining how to pack your bike for travel!

We wish you safe travels and hope you'll consider a bike rental for exploring your final destination!