The Swan Lake Trail at Furman University is a serene and picturesque walking spot that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. The 1.5-mile paved loop takes you on a journey through a variety of settings, including a charming rose garden, an Asian garden, and a tranquil koi pond, while also providing opportunities to explore the iconic Furman Bell Tower and the first Japanese temple ever brought to America.
The university's 750-acre campus features over 12 miles of trails,
including the popular Swan Lake Trail. The trails range from easy to
moderate in difficulty and offer a variety of landscapes and scenery.
Swan Lake Trail
The Swan Lake Trail at Furman University is a 1.5-mile loop that takes you around the picturesque Swan Lake, surrounded by beautiful oak and cypress trees and lined with lush vegetation, including azaleas, dogwoods, and magnolias. It's a popular spot for students and visitors alike to relax, take a leisurely stroll, or ride a bike. You can easily find a shady spot to enjoy a picnic, too, or just kick back and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
The lake is also home to some amazing creatures like snapping turtles, colorful fish, and the cutest duck families. Watch out for the fluffy ducklings paddling around in their adorable, wobbly fashion!
Rose Garden
The rose garden at Furman University is such a beautiful and peaceful place, with over 1,000 rose bushes and lots of other flowers and plants. It's a popular spot for students, faculty, and visitors to just relax, study, or take a romantic stroll. The garden looks extra amazing in the spring and summer when the roses are all in bloom, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.
Susan Shi Garden
The Susan Shi Garden at Furman University is like a peaceful oasis, designed to capture the beauty and simplicity of traditional Asian gardens. You'll find all sorts of plants, trees, and even a koi pond, creating a really calming atmosphere. The koi fish glide through the water, their shiny scales catching the sunlight and creating ripples of color on the pond's surface. The water's gentle ripples make a calming sound as the fish swim in and out of the vibrant lilies. It's just so peaceful to see everything coexisting in nature like that.
The vibrant blooms truly come alive during the summer months with its delightful combination of colors and textures that would brighten up any space. The Limelight hydrangea really stands out with its big, bold flowers, while the Susan Black Eyed flowers bring a pop of bright yellow. The purple coneflower adds a royal splash, complemented by the sunny daylilies. And finally, the lavender brings a calming, soothing scent to the mix.
Bell Tower
The Furman University Tower, also known as the Bell Tower, is an iconic landmark on the university's campus. The 135-foot-tall tower was built in 1958 and is modeled after the Campanile of St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy. The tower features a large bell that tolls each hour and offers stunning views of the surrounding campus and Greenville, SC. The tower symbolizes the university's commitment to academic excellence and is often used as a symbol of Furman University.
Its unique architecture and picturesque setting make it a popular spot for photos and a beloved landmark in the Greenville area. Many people have likely seen the bell tower before even knowing its connection to Furman University, and its meandering path is a beautiful feature that adds to its charm.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swan Lake Trail is a popular stop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multi-use trail that connects Greenville to Travelers Rest and other surrounding areas. The trail provides a convenient and picturesque stop for trail users to rest and refresh before continuing their journey.
Before you go:
- The trails at Furman are open to the public and free of charge
- When you visit, please remember to be respectful of nature, students, and your fellow visitors.
- Parking is available at the trailhead, and it is free of charge.
Where: 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613
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