Triple C Rail Trail | Rules & Regulations

GENERAL RULES>>

Rules & Regulations>>

The York and Cherokee County Sheriffs, as well as the City of York Police and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have jurisdiction over portions and/or the entirety of the length of the Triple C Rail Trail.

The Triple C Rail Trail is open to members of the public who follow these regulations. Any persons violating these regulations are considered be guilty of criminal trespass and subject to removal and/or arrest. Persons using the rail trail do so at their own risk, and assume all liability for injury.

Non-motorized use only. (motorized wheelchairs are allowed)
No littering
No fireworks or campfires
Alcoholic beverages, of any type, are prohibited.
No hunting or trapping.
Pets are allowed if leashed at all times.
All trail property closed from sunset to sunrise.
Camping not allowed.

All local, state, and federal laws apply on the trail. Law enforcement officers are authorized to enter, patrol, and enforce the law as allowed by applicable statues.

Trail Courtesy>>

A portion of the Triple C Rail Trail, from Kings Creek to Smyrna, is open to horseback riding as well as walking and biking. For bicyclists and pedestrians unaccustomed to interacting with horses and their riders, here are a few tips and suggestions for safe and pleasant cooperation on the trail.

Warning - Under South Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of equine activity, pursuant to Article 7, Chapter 9 of Title 47, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976.

Remember that horses are animals with minds of their own, and they may not be acclimated to bike and pedestrian traffic. Acting foolishly, and selfishly without regard for others can endanger the horse, its rider, and YOU as well.

What should you do when you encounter a horse

Stop. — If you are hiking move off or to the side of the trail. If you are biking, get off your bike. Yes, you should get off your bike. This helps the horse recognize that you are a human (versus some weird thing with wheels attached to it).

Communicate!!! — This is probably the most important thing you can do. If the horse sees you standing there and not saying anything, instinct tells it that you are a predator. Say hello to the rider and try to strike up a conversation. This will calm the horse and also does wonders for relations between all trail users. Talk about the weather or talk about the trail. After all we are all out there for the same reason, just doing it in different ways.

Ask the rider what you should do. — Sometimes the rider will ask you to continue walking or riding while they wait on the side of the trail. Sometimes they will pass through while you wait. Again, remember that horses have individual personalities and only the horse’s owner/rider knows that personality. Trust their judgment.

Take EXTRA care if approaching the horse from behind. — Horses can’t see behind themselves very well, so approaching from behind can be dangerous to both the equestrian and the hiker or biker. Again, communication is critical: gently announce, well in advance, to let them know that you are approaching from behind.

What NOT to do when you encounter a horse

Don’t stand there silently. — This makes the horse think you might be a predator and the horse might run as a result.Don’t speed past by the horse. — This is almost certain to startle the horse which puts the equestrian and YOU in danger.

Don’t do anything that might startle the horse. — This might include yelling or making your brakes squeal.

TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WISH TO BE TREATED, ON SECOND THOUGHT, TREAT THEM BETTER!

The following are general rules and regulations for use of the Triple C Rail Trail:

Trail is open to foot, bicycle, and horse traffic only.
No motorized vehicles allowed on trail.
Open sunrise to sunset.
Stay on trail; respect private property.
Keep right, pass on left, warn before passing.
Dogs must be leashed.
Dog owners must clean up after pets.
Do not alter or remove plants or wildlife.
Respect others; share the trail.
Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses. Hikers yield to horses.
Don’t ride the trail if it is wet enough to leave ruts.
Camping on the trail is not permitted.
No hunting on the trail.