In 2006, the Palmetto Conservation Foundation completed a 1.9 mile rail-to-trail conversion from a former Norfolk Southern railroad corridor. This paved urban trail came to be known as the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail, or simply “The Rail Trail” to many local residents. The MBF Rail Trail parallels two major roads and connects many neighborhoods to downtown Spartanburg.
The Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail is located adjacent to many restaurants, retail businesses and recreational facilities like the Pine Street YMCA and the Hot Spot Skate Park. Partners for Active Living is proud to support efforts to increase the use of the trail for physical activity and transportation, including the "Friends of the MBF Rail Trail" initiative.
Conveniently located between South Pine Street and Union Street, the trail has access points at east Henry Street and at Country Club Road. Additional parking is available at many trail-friendly businesses in the area.
Rail Trail Cleanup Day on February 16th. If you love gardening or just love the MBF Rail Trail, please join us at the Rail Tail Dog Park across from Duncan Park on Union at 10am. Lunch will be provided afterward.
Thanks to a community group of volunteers, the MBF Rail Trail is now home to the Rail Tail Dog Park. The park is located on the Union Street side of the trail across from Duncan Park. But there are plans to install a human and dog water fountain, build a shade structure, and extend the stone walkway. But your donations are needed to accomplish this. If you are interested in donating to the Rail Tail Dog Park please contact mwilliams@active-living.org or make a check to the Spartanburg County Foundation (Act. 902 Partners for Active Living-Dog Park) and mail it to 424 Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
Be sure to check out Trains on the Trail, a children's scavenger hunt made possible by Women Giving for Spartanburg. Start the hunt for five beautiful bronze statues created by artist, Richard Conn, at the Henry Street Trailhead. Pick up a brochure containing the scavenger hunt clues and historical information. Click here if you would like to download the audio for the children's story, scavenger hunt clues, and historical information.
Do you want to see more improvements to the Rail Trail? Then please click here to learn more about "The Friends of the Rail Trail" membership or click here to learn about joining "The Friends of the Rail Trail" Advisor Committee.
Click here for a printer friendly map of the MBF Rail Trail
Trail Safety and Etiquette
Keep to the right side of the trail, except when passing
Always pass on the left. When approaching to pass, warn the individual with a bell or by calling out, "passing on your left."
Always look both ways before crossing streets that intersect the trail. Pedestrians have the right-of-way but should alway exercise caution when crossing streets
Avoid congregating on the trail. This blocks the trail and may cause collisions
Pet owners are required to keep pets on leashes at all times. Please removed and properly dispose of pet waste
Parents with small children should prevent their children from running into the path of trail traffic
For your safety, helmets and other protective equipment are recommended for cyclists, rollerblading and skateboards
No unauthorized motor vehicles allowed on the trail
Please share the trail with other users by walking no more than 2 abreast. When approaching other trail users, maneuver into a single file line to allow other users to pass with ease
