Doodle Trail

The Doodle Trail Loop offers a delightful road cycling experience through South Carolina's foothills, winding past wooded areas, rolling farmland, and scenic pastures. You'll enjoy the smooth, paved surface as you pedal along, catching distant views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and crossing two picturesque wooden bridges. This moderate 31.3-mile (50.3 km) route, with its 1923 feet (586 metres) of elevation gain, provides a solid 2 hours and 20 minutes of riding, perfect for those seeking a scenic workout without overly steep climbs.

For planning your visit, the trail is easily accessible with well-equipped trailheads in both Easley and Pickens, offering parking, restrooms, and even bike service stations. Rotary Park, situated approximately halfway, also provides amenities. The multi-use trail is open from dawn to dusk, making it a convenient option for a family-friendly outing any time of day.

Historically known as the "Doodle Line" because freight engines couldn't turn around, this trail connects the towns of Easley and Pickens, South Carolina. It's well-marked with 0.1-mile markers along the asphalt and even connects to other local routes like the Thomas H. Wright Trail Connector, offering options for extending your ride beyond the main loop.

The Glassy Mountain loop offers a challenging road cycling experience, especially if you appreciate a tough climb rewarded with expansive views. You'll pedal through tall pines and shady hardwoods, with the scenery becoming particularly vibrant in autumn. The highlight is undoubtedly the summit of Glassy Mountain, where rock outcroppings provide panoramic vistas of the Piedmont and the Blue Ridge Escarpment, including iconic landmarks like Table Rock and Caesar Head mountains.

This moderate 15.5-mile (25.0 km) route, with 1232 feet (375 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. The climb up Glassy Mountain is demanding, featuring an average gradient of 7.7% over 3.8 miles, with sections peaking at 14.4%. This makes it best suited for experienced cyclists with a good fitness level.

Glassy Mountain is a distinctive monadnock, named for a large, bare granite face on its north side that appears 'glassy' due to trickling springs. It's recognized as one of South Carolina's top bike climbs, attracting cyclists seeking a significant challenge and unique geological features. The sustained steep gradients make it a notable route in the region.

The Doodle Trail loop offers a delightful road cycling experience, winding through South Carolina's varied landscapes. You'll pedal past serene forested sections, open farmland with grazing cows and goats, and even catch sight of old train cars along the way. The smooth, paved surface and gradual slopes make for a pleasant ride, with two picturesque wooden bridges adding to the charm of the journey.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with well-equipped trailheads at Easley's Doodle Park and Pickens' Railroad Park. Both locations provide parking, restrooms, and bike service stations, ensuring you have everything you need before you set off. The trail is open from dawn to dusk, offering flexibility for your 20.7-mile (33.4 km) adventure, which typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.

This moderate route is a historic "rails-to-trails" project, named after the "Doodle Line" railroad where trains famously ran backward, like a doodlebug. With 1157 feet (353 metres) of elevation gain, it provides a good workout without being overly strenuous, making it a popular choice for cyclists seeking a scenic and engaging ride.