Doodle Trail

doodle_logo The Doodle Trail represents the opportunity to carry on the memory of this historic railroad and preserve the vital connection that was forged between Easley and Pickens over 120 years ago. The multi-use trail is open from dawn to dusk for biking, walking, running and rollerblading. Come check out the trail and visit local businesses around town!

The Doodle line carries a rich history of industry and economy important to both the City of Pickens and the City of Easley. In 1890, the State of South Carolina issued a charter for the construction of a railroad between Easley and Oolenoy Gap, by way of Pickens. After eight years of construction, the 8.5-mile portion of the railway between Easley and Pickens became operational in 1898. Until 2013, the Doodle line hauled a variety of commodities to and from Pickens and Easley, including food products, textiles, and automobile parts. Local residents nicknamed the railroad the "Pickens Doodle" line, because the freight engine could not be turned around and had to run backwards from Easley to Pickens, looking like a doodlebug.

City of Pickens

pick_state The Doodle Trail is 7.5 mile rails-to-trails path between the city of Easley and the city of Pickens in upstate South Carolina. Opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2015, the multi-use trail is used for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading. The trail follows the right-of-way of the original Pickens Railroad shortline, which after various owners over the decades finally abandoned the route in 2013 due to lack of business. Rails were removed and a paved trail was constructed along the route. Pickens Railroad Baldwin switcher #2 and a steel boxcar are on display at the western trailhead in Pickens.

See also our complete Pickens Railway scrapbook in Shortlines

Fact Sheet / web

Jun 2019 / RWH

Jun 2019 / RWH

Doodle trail map / web

Locations

Pickens

Pickens Doodle Park opened in June 2019 at the trailhead of the Doodle Trail in downtown Pickens. The park includes restroom facilities, a railroad depot museum, the AnMed Health Cannon Marketplace Pavilion, benches, bike racks and a train-themed playground! The Doodle Park sits on the former headquarters property of the Pickens Railroad Company and was purchased by the City of Pickens in conjunction with the old rail line. Come check out this amazing transformation!

City of Pickens