Doodle Trail

You can find convenient parking at both ends of the trail. In Easley, parking is available at Doodle Park, which also offers a playground, workout equipment, picnic tables, restrooms, and water fountains. In Pickens, parking is at Railroad Park, featuring a community building, shelter, restrooms, a playground, and a bike station.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with changing leaves in autumn. Summer can be warm, so consider early morning or late afternoon jogs. Winter is also an option, as the paved surface is generally clear.

No, there are no permits required or entrance fees to use the Doodle Trail. It is free and open to the public.

The trail is entirely paved with asphalt and is 12 feet wide, offering a smooth surface. While largely flat due to its former railway bed, there are gradual inclines and gentle hills. Mileage markers are painted on the asphalt every tenth of a mile.

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for beginners. The paved, smooth surface and gradual inclines are manageable, and the total length allows for shorter or longer runs depending on your fitness level.

You can expect varied and picturesque scenery, including wooded corridors, residential areas, scenic farmlands, and lush rolling pastures. There are also two wooden bridges and views of the surrounding mountains, including the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

Yes, both trailheads in Easley (Doodle Park) and Pickens (Railroad Park) offer restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas. Additionally, Rotary Park, located at the halfway point, provides benches, picnic tables, and a bike repair station.

The Doodle Trail is a prime example of a successful "rails-to-trails" project, repurposing an abandoned railway line. Its unique name comes from the historic "Pickens Doodle" line, where the freight engine would run backward. The trail itself is a highlight: Doodle Trail.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Doodle Trail, but it also passes through sections of the Thomas H. Wright Trail Connector.

Both Easley and Pickens, the cities connected by the trail, offer various cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can find food and drinks before or after your activity.

Absolutely. The trail is multi-use and popular with families. It features two official "Kids in Parks TRACK Trails" sections designed to engage families with interactive outdoor activities.