The Upper Chinquapin Greenway

Purchased in 2006 with money from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the Upper Chinquapin Greenway is 107-acres located on the headwaters of the Chinquapin Creek across from the Milliken Research Center. The Chinquapin Creek is a tributary stream of the Lawson’s Fork and was the source of the city of Spartanburg’s first municipal water system in the late 1890’s.

Adjacent to the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Hospice home, the Upper Chinquapin Greenway is a complex of properties owned by SPACE, SRHS, and Milliken & Co., and includes 1.6 miles of natural surface walking trails. It is the home of a rare and federally endangered plant, the dwarf-flowered heartleaf, and boasts a diverse stand of ferns and hardwoods, including longleaf pines.

In 2023, SPACE partnered with USC Upstate to embark on a large-scale invasive species removal project on the site to improve the forest health for the benefit of local wildlife and make the trail safer and more inviting for trail users.  Over 300 USC Upstate students have donated 1200+ hours of service time to transforming this space.  Additional groups from Spartanburg Community College, Converse College, and several local businesses have also become involved donating time and equipment to help with the revitalization project.  

 

 

Preserve Rules:

  • Preserve is open from dawn to dusk Saturday and Sunday.
  • Place litter in trash cans or pack it out.
  • No motorized vehicles.
  • No hunting.
  • No camping.
  • No climbing on bridges.
  • No cutting of flowers, trees, plants.
  • No campfires.
  • No firearms.
  • No paintball.
  • Pets must remain on a leash under owner’s control.
Take a hike, Spartanburg!

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! 

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