Cottonwood Trail

The Cottonwood Trail Preserve is a 116-acre urban preserve and trail system located minutes from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina. There is also an abundance of cottonwood trees that lend their name to this trail, which provide natural shade and make it very comfortable to travel through. In Spartanburg it's the go-to destination to hike, bike, run, kayak, and canoe.

For those with a penchant for wildlife observation, Cottonwood Trail is a great destination to visit while in the Spartanburg area. It provides a glimpse into the local ecosystem, and is a great outdoor adventure for all. This is also a well-known destination for birders, as the habitat and area is great for spring and fall migrant birds. Noted species in this area include red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, hairy woodpeckers, eastern phoebes, white-breasted nuthatches and pine warblers.

Aside from birds, the trail is home to a wide variety of wildlife, as the area has many unique and outstanding features including several wetlands, open spaces, geological formations. This includes several deer, wild turkeys, foxes, beavers, raccoons, and reptiles.

This trail system is ranked as easy, and is a great choice for people of all activity and fitness levels. Pets are also permitted on the trail, but must be kept on leash at all times. The Cottonwood trail spans several areas of the Edwin M. Nature Preserve, which also features a disc golf course and a large open space with picnic tables. The trail also protects a 1.5 mile stretch of Lawson’s Fork Creek and several feeder streams. The estimated length of this trail is 3.50 miles, and can be visited from dawn until dusk.

This trail in Spartanburg is also easily accessible from the I-26. To get to the entrance of the trail, drive down I-26 for approximately 6.0 miles, then turn right on Fernwood Drive. From here, drive another 0.5 mile and turn left onto Beechwood Drive, where parking is available. Other parking areas include Syndor Drive, which is on the right.

Nearby accommodations include the College Inn Spartanburg and Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Spartanburg-North. Visitors can also plan more nature adventures after walking the Cottonwood trail by stopping at the nearby Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve – located just a short drive away. Or, they can relax and unwind with their friends, family, children, or pets at the Cleveland Park. This popular destination has the John B. Cleveland Event Center, as well as multiple picnic shelters, a large playground, pond, island gazebo, and short walking trails.

Eating and shopping after a morning hike is also possible with the trail’s proximity to Downtown Spartanburg, a vibrant area with local shops, restaurants, art galleries, and cultural attractions. Highlights in the downtown area include the Chapman Cultural Center, which hosts art exhibits, performances, and community events.