The Marion Hike and Bike Trail runs 1.1 miles from Henry Street to Marion Road in downtown Marion, South Carolina. The trail parallels Bobby Gerald Parkway (also known as Railroad Avenue) and traces a portion of an abandoned railroad line that originally extended from Mullins in the east to Sumter in the west. The corridor, which was opened by the Wilmington & Southern Railroad in 1853, was abandoned by Seaboard System in the mid-1980s, while the first portion of the Marion Hike and Bike Trail opened in 1992. Other trails developed along this corridor include the Timmonsville Rail-Trail and the Florence Rail Trail to the east of Marion, although none of the trails are connected at this time.
Bikers and walkers of the Marion Hike and Bike Trail might want to begin their trek at the town's Historic Train Depot (now the home of the Marion Chamber of Commerce) off of Henry Street. Continuing westward, the paved trail offers a fountain just beyond the intersection with North Main Street, as well as numerous benches. At North Withlacoochee Street, the trail provides access to Marion's unpaved fitness loop. The trail then crosses a short trestle and passes verdant farmland before reaching its end at Marion Road.
From downtown Marion, head west on Bobby Gerald Parkway (Railroad Avenue). Parking is available at the Historic Train Depot at the Henry Street trailhead. Additional parking can be found past the school at the intersection of the trail with Wilcox Avenue. Alternatively, park at the fitness trail loop off of North Withlacoochee Street—the lot is next to the tennis courts.
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