15 Miles by 2030: A New Chapter for the Green Crescent Trail

The Green Crescent Trail has a new goal:

15 miles of connected walking and biking routes by 2030.

Not scattered sidewalks.
Not isolated greenways.

A safe, usable network that links:

• Neighborhoods to schools
• Parks to downtowns
• Campuses to surrounding communities

The goal is simple: make it safer and easier to move around our community on foot or by bike.

Introducing the 15×30 Campaign

The Green Crescent Trail isn’t one long path built from end to end, like our neighbor the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

It’s a network.

That network includes:

• Greenways and sidepaths
• Safer street crossings
• Improved on-street connections
• Natural surface paths (in some areas)
• Clear signage and wayfinding

Some segments are already complete. Others are under construction. Some are feasible in the near term. A few will require creativity, partnership, and opportunity.

The goal is to complete and connect enough of these pieces to create a functional 15-mile network by 2030.

Where We Are Today

Fortunately, the foundation is already here.

Thanks to our city, state, and university partners, 9.8 miles of trail are already open and usable across our communities. 

Families use them. Students rely on them. Neighbors experience them every day.

But many of these miles don’t yet connect. Some segments lack clear trailheads or signage, making the system harder to navigate.

The 15×30 campaign is about finishing those connections and building the missing pieces that make the whole system work. 

Why Connection Matters

When trails connect, communities thrive.

A connected network means:

• Safer routes for kids and families
• Better access to daily physical activity
• Stronger connections between towns and campuses
• More visibility and foot traffic for local businesses
• A higher quality of life for residents and students

That’s why this campaign focuses on the overall network. It’s those connections that unlock the most benefit for the community.

What It Will Take

Reaching 15 miles by 2030 will require coordinated effort across our area. 

Cities.
Counties.
State agencies.
Schools and institutions.
Private partners.
And continued grassroots support from people like you.

Infrastructure projects take time. Funding must be secured. Plans must align. 

But the momentum is real, and the groundwork has already been laid.

We believe this goal is both ambitious and achievable.

What Comes Next

In the weeks ahead, we’ll share more about:

• How the 15×30 network will work
• The essential partnerships needed to make progress
• What local landmarks we’re trying to connect
• The standards that guide design and safety
• How you’ll begin to see visible progress

This campaign isn’t about one project. It’s about building a system that serves the greater Clemson-Central-Pendleton area for decades.

The Next 5 Years Will Shape the Next 50

The Green Crescent Trail has always been a community-driven effort.

So, to help us move the 15×30 forward, please:

• Share this article with a friend by text, email, or on social media
• Leave a comment or contact us your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions
• Consider donating your time or money to help us move this project forward

With shared commitment, we can complete a trail network that reflects our values and leaves a lasting legacy.

Let’s connect the places we love and build the future of our communities together!