Triple C Rail Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago (Triple C) Rail Trail |
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Triple C Rail Trail passing under SC Hwy 97 in Smyrna, SC
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| Triple C Rail Trail | |
| Length | 23-mile (37 km) |
| Location | York, and Cherokee counties South Carolina, United States |
| Established | Late 1995 |
| Trailheads | Plains LPG Svc LP Tirzah 34°59′56″N 81°10′34″W / 34.998882°N 81.176147°W Hollifield Dr @ Manning Rd Kings Creek 35°04′26″N 81°26′14″W / 35.073771°N 81.437139°W |
| Use | Hiking, running, walking, rollerblading, skateboarding, dog walking, horseback riding, mountain biking and cycling |
| Grade | Gentle (former railroad) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | Year round |
| Sights | James Ross Wildlife Reservation, hawks, Canada geese, possum, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and occasionally wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer |
| Hazards | Severe weather, poison ivy, occasionally snakes |
| Surface | crushed limestone, Asphalt |
| Right of way | Norfolk Southern most recent operator |
| Website | http://www.triplecrailtrail.com |
The Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Rail Trail, often called the Triple C Rail Trail, is a fun path in north-central South Carolina. It's a special kind of trail built on an old railroad line.
This trail starts near Tirzah and goes west through several towns. You can explore York, the James Ross Wildlife Reservation, Sharon, Hickory Grove, and Smyrna. The trail ends close to Kings Creek.
It's good to know that some parts of the trail might be overgrown. This means they can be hard to pass through. Also, there aren't many signs for the trail. So, always be careful and check maps before you go!
Contents
Exploring the Triple C Rail Trail Route
The Triple C Rail Trail is about 23 miles (37 km) long. It mostly runs from east to west. You'll find this trail entirely within York and Cherokee counties.
The trail begins near Tirzah, about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of York. It then follows South Carolina Highway 161 west towards the city of York. As it leaves York, the trail goes under the Kings Mountain Railroad Trail and US Route 321.
Journey Through Woodlands and Towns
After York, the trail heads through pretty woodlands towards Sharon. You'll pass through the James Ross Wildlife Reservation on this part of the journey. About 6 miles (9.7 km) west of York, the trail reaches the town of Sharon. This section between York and Sharon is quite remote, meaning it's not easy to reach by car.
Just outside Sharon, the trail runs next to SC Hwy 211 for about 4 miles (6.4 km). Before reaching Hickory Grove, the trail moves to the east side of town. North of Hickory Grove, it runs next to South Carolina Highway 97 for about 3 miles (4.8 km). This leads you to the town of Smyrna.
Beyond Smyrna, the trail enters Cherokee County. It continues to follow SC Hwy 97 until it ends near Kings Creek.
Towns and Attractions Along the Trail
Here are some places you can find along or near the Triple C Rail Trail, from east to west:
- Tirzah
- York
- Kings Mtn Railroad Trail in York
- James Ross Wildlife Reservation
- Sharon
- Hill's Mercantile
- Hickory Grove
- Smyrna - This is the smallest town in South Carolina!
- Kings Creek
History of the Triple C Rail Trail
This trail follows the path of an old railroad. It was once called the Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Railroad, or Triple C. The railroad tracks between Tirzah and Smyrna were built a long time ago, between 1886 and 1889.
Over the years, the railroad changed owners. It became part of the Southern Railway and then Norfolk Southern. Trains carried both goods and people for many years.
From Railroad to Rail Trail
In the mid-1980s, Norfolk Southern stopped using the rail line between York and Smyrna. Later, in the late 1980s, they stopped service between York and Tirzah. The tracks were then removed.
The first part of the Triple C Rail Trail opened in the late 1990s. It became part of the York Bicycle Trail. Around the same time, another section opened across the James Ross Wildlife Reservation. The trail continued to open in different stages. The newest part, near Kings Creek, South Carolina, was finished in 2007.
Today, the trail is managed by the City of York, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the SCDOT.
Activities on the Triple C Rail Trail
The Triple C Rail Trail is mostly flat, which makes it easy to use. Most of the trail has a crushed limestone surface. However, the part within the city of York is paved with Asphalt.
Popular Ways to Enjoy the Trail
Bicycling and hiking are very popular activities, especially in spring, summer, and fall. If you like horseback riding, you can do that on the western end of the trail. This section is between Kings Creek and Smyrna. The Triple C Rail Trail also connects with other paths, like the Kings Mtn Railroad Trail.
Wildlife You Might See
Watching for wildlife is another popular activity. You might spot hawks and other large birds flying overhead. Canada geese and ducks are also common. If you're lucky, you could see wild turkeys and white-tailed deer in the wooded areas along the trail.
Important Rules for Trail Users
It's very important to know that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. This means no motorcycles, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles.
Currently, you cannot go Camping along the trail. However, there are places to stay in York. If you are interested in Hunting for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, or other small animals, you can do so in the James Ross Wildlife Reservation. You will need special permission from the SCDNR first.
Tips for Your Visit
You can find parking areas at different spots along the trail. Remember to bring enough water for your trip, as drinking water isn't always available. The city of York has many services and supplies if you need them. You can find restaurants in York and Sharon. Gasoline and other things you might need are available at general stores in York, Sharon, and Hickory Grove.
Future Plans for the Trail
The last part of the trail opened in 2007. Right now, there are no immediate plans to make the trail longer. However, there are ideas for the future! One plan is to connect parts of the Triple C Rail Trail to the Carolina Thread Trail. This would also include extending the trail to Rock Hill.
