A Rail Trail Runs Through This South Carolina Town And It’s The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

The little town of Belton, South Carolina began in the 1850s as the site of a proposed junction of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad and spur line to Anderson planned by the Blue Ridge Railroad. It was even named in honor of Judge John Belton O'Neall, the first president of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad, which carried passengers from the Midlands area to Anderson. So it’s no surprise to find a South Carolina rail trail in Belton, known as both the Belton Rail Trail and the Bubble Gum Rail Trail!

Belton's population as of 2021 totaled 4,405 people, making it one of South Carolina's smaller towns.

It's located in the upstate area of South Carolina in beautiful Anderson County.

At one time, there were as many as 85 trains a day running through Belton!

The train depot has been renovated and repurposed as a space for the Ruth Drake Museum (local history), the SC Tennis Hall of Fame, and the North End Gallery for rotating exhibits of topical and cultural interest.

The rail trail in Belton is a 3.7-mile paved out-and-back trail suitable for walking, running, and biking.

It's an easy trail, making it a great option for the whole family. Dogs are allowed on the rail trail on-leash.

The trail got its nickname from the tradition of a certain conductor who became known for tossing bubble gum to the children who would gather nearby to watch the train pass by. It's got to be the coolest named trail in South Carolina, evoking fond childhood memories and emotions for many.

You'll surely enjoy the work of talented local artists as you pass by their colorful mural artwork along this sweet trail.

To be one of the shorter trails, it sure does offer quite a bit of history and pretty sights.

Along with the Mercantile stop mentioned in the video above, another restaurant along the trail to consider is the Standpipe Family Restaurant, named after the water tower landmark also described in the video.

If you're in town early enough, you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast here. Otherwise, lunch is also served.

You'll also want to check out the two famous restaurants in Belton, Grits & Groceries and Arnold's of Belton! There's no shortage of options for delicious food in this small town.

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy catfishing at Firelake on Cheddar Road.

Other fun outdoor recreational activities at Firelake include paintball and skateboarding.

Have you ever visited this little town and the South Carolina rail trail in Belton? Have you explored any other rail trails in the state, and if so, which is your favorite?