Welcome to the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve
- home of The Cottonwood Trail!
The Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve is a 115-acre urban forest and nature trail system near downtown Spartanburg. Established in 1989 when the Griffin family donated a piece of property to SPACE to create a publicly accessible greenspace and nature trail for the residents of Spartanburg. Throughout the years, SPACE has worked to build this greenspace into the beloved community resource that it is today. This 115-acre urban forest protects 2.4 miles of riparian buffer along Lawson's Fork Creek, holds nearly 5 miles of nature trails, and provides habitat for a rich variety of local plants and wildlife.
The Edwin M. Griffin Preserve is owned and managed by SPACE for your enjoyment.
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Why conserve land?
Our natural places and working lands are part of our character as a community. Through thoughtful conservation, we can keep Spartanburg wild while continuing to grow and thrive. Learn more about how SPACE works.
Take a hike, Spartanburg!
Cottonwood Trail
The Edwin M. Griffin Preserve (home of the beloved Cottonwood Trail) covers 110-acres around a 1.5 mile stretch of Lawson’s Fork Creek and several feeder streams. The Preserve is home to over 5 miles of natural surface trails and it's newest addition, Wildflower Way, approx. 1 mile of newly-constructed ADA-accessible paved trail courtesy of our pals at PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well.
Glendale Shoals Preserve
Spend a relaxing day at the Glendale Shoals Preserve and explore approximately 1.5 miles of nature trail located at the old Glendale Mill on Lawson’s Fork Creek.
Upper Chinquapin Greenway
Located on the headwaters of the Chinquapin Creek across from the Milliken Research Center with trail access off of Graham Rd., this lush 107-acre greenway hosts a 2-mile natural surface trail as well as a variety of ferns and other plants, like the federally-endangered dwarf-flowered heart leaf!
Support A Greener
Spartanburg
Our natural places and working lands are part of our character as a community. Through thoughtful conservation, we can keep Spartanburg wild while continuing to grow and thrive.