Is Travelers Rest Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Unlike some cities whose names leave a little to the imagination, Travelers Rest, South Carolina, got its name for being a place where travelers could rest for more than three centuries.

Whether you’re coming from or heading to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is one of the coolest spots to stop along the way.

Even Southern Living magazine ranks it as one of the best small towns in the South.

What started as footpaths turned into roads stomped by horses and carriages and finally gave way to the interstate system and then the famed Blue Ridge Parkway.

The city is locally known as TR, and it’s within three hours of Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, and Asheville.

Even the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is less than two hours from TR.

The highest point in the state is less than an hour away.

This part of South Carolina is known as Upstate, and it is legendary for its stunning scenic drives and robust waterfalls blended with incredible fall foliage and spring blooms.

One of the best parts of TR is that it’s not just a series of restaurants and gas stations on the way to somewhere “better.”

It holds its own history and charm, without big box stores or chain restaurants.

You get a truly authentic experience in an idyllic small town.

Warnings & Dangers in Travelers Rest

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Travelers Rest, with violent crime rates you can count on one hand and plenty of things to do for families, solo travelers, couples, and friend getaways.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Greenville's Greenlink bus transportation doesn't go all the way to TR. You'll need a rental vehicle to get to TR and then explore the surrounding region. Taxis and rideshares will be available, but the costs will add up quickly. The downtown area is walkable.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past decade. I'd still use caution, especially when it comes to leaving personal items inside your vehicle when parked.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Treat this as a medium risk due to severe weather that can happen any time of the year. The biggest threat would be tornadoes. Flooding is another risk, especially since the water will drain from the mountains to the foothills. Winter can bring snow and ice storms, especially as you go higher in elevation toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

No robberies have been reported since at least 2017. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk. As a small town in a rural area, you don't have to worry about terrorism, and even the risk of domestic terrorism or mass shootings would be low in a remote area such as this.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The most recent scams target the locals, with phone calls having a local area code. Scammers will pretend to be police officers and threaten arrest unless they are paid a bogus fine. The risk is low for visitors.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is also a low risk, as many businesses here cater to women, mothers, and families.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

No violations were reported in the most recent water quality report, and full compliance was achieved across the board. The risk is low. Travelers Rest is a great place to stock up on water during a road trip as well.

Safest Places to Visit in Travelers Rest

You can find all the tourism information on the city’s website, which makes it so convenient to get all the information in one place.

At the same time, the Greenville tourism website has a special section dedicated to Travelers Rest.

A great first stop is the Travelers Rest Historical Society Museum.

It is only open on weekends, but it’s worth planning your trip around if you’re a history buff.

A new museum at Spring Park Inn will be built.

It was a recent gift to the historical society.

Downtown Travelers Rest is the beating heart of this small South Carolina town.

With genuine Southern hospitality, you’ll be greeted like family.

You’ll find a variety of eateries offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.

The mix of specialty shops is one of my favorite parts of Travelers Rest.

You can get fine jewelry, woodwork, or souvenirs that are more stylish than schtick.

I also recommend checking the community event schedule before your visit, as the farmer’s markets and festivals are a great time!

Trailblazer Park is where most events happen, from summer concerts to fall harvest festivals.

Get out of the car and on a bike to explore 22 miles of the famed Swamp Rabbit Trail.

It goes between Greenville and TR, making it a great day trip for Greenville visitors, too.

Along the way, you’ll pass beaches, shops, and restaurants while enjoying long stretches of secluded woods along an old railroad line.

Find a refreshing stop at Otter Creek Waterpark, just seven miles east of TR.

The humidity and heat of the summer beg for a break at a watering hole, and this is the safest kind!

Ceasars Head State Park is just 30 minutes northwest, and it’s home to some of the best waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It sits on an escarpment, offering daring cliffs and challenging trails without the crowds you might find in other parks.

Trail lengths range from half a mile to almost six miles.

Among the wilderness areas surrounding TR, you can learn about places like Devils Kitchen or look for the Blue Ghost Firefly, the only place in the world you can find them.

There are really too many natural areas in this region to list here.

Most are state parks, but you should also look at Pisgah National Forest through the Forest Service and the Blue Ridge Parkway through the National Park Service.

Places to Avoid in Travelers Rest

You don’t have to worry about dangerous neighborhoods in Travelers Rest.

This is a safe area.

Crime rates are laughably low, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.

The bigger risks and threats come from the decisions you make outdoors.

For example, avoid trying to climb the edge of a waterfall or getting too close to the ledge of a cliff.

You’d be surprised how many people try these dangerous activities.

Also, this is black bear country.

You can carry bear spray with you in the event you run into a bear.

Bears have been seen running through TR, but once you’re in the wilderness, your chances of a bear run-in greatly increase.

Avoid going into the woods without bear-proof containers and safety education on what to do if you spot a bear.

No grizzlies are in this region, so talk to a bear in a calm voice and back away slowly to de-escalate any issues.

However, if you try to feed or pet a bear, you are risking your life.

Also, use bug spray in the woods and always check your body for ticks after a hike.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Travelers Rest

So... How Safe Is Travelers Rest Really?

Travelers Rest is a safe city, especially considering how many people drive through each year.

Violent crime rates are 96% lower than the state average.

In raw data, no more than five have happened in a year going back to 2019, and just two happened in 2022.

As a spot on a popular travel route, there are going to be drug crimes and other illegal activities happening.

In July 2023, the police department busted a drug house in TR.

The Facebook post read, “Our goal has always been to reduce criminal activity, particularly drug activity within our community.

Numerous firearms and drugs were seized as a result.”

Theft is one crime category that sticks out above the national average.

Part of that is misleading because the theft rate is figured by the number of crimes divided by the population and then factored into “per 100,000 people.”

Since the community is home to 8,000 people but tens of thousands more visit each year, the real rate is much smaller.

In addition, 54% of those thefts are related to shoplifting.

While you certainly don’t want to leave your car unlocked or your purse sitting in a cart while shopping, you can also reduce any risk using basic safety steps.

You are much more likely to find safety challenges in the wilderness, such as bringing a candy bar to snack on without a bear-proof container.

Bears smell exponentially better than humans, and even a few crumbs can bring them around.

Travelers Rest is a small town with a big personality, and I think you’ll enjoy savoring every second you can there.

How Does Travelers Rest Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International visitors will need a visa, or they can see if they qualify for a visa waiver. Either way, you need a passport that doesn't expire within six months of your trip.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar can be used here. Exchange currency in a larger city or opt to use credit cards instead of cash.

Weather

You'll get four robust seasons here, with a much more vibrant change of seasons than in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Always check the forecast before you pack because temperatures and weather conditions can change often. It's not uncommon to have unseasonably warm days followed by a cold front that dumps snow or rain. These fronts can also trigger severe weather. Bring bug spray.

Airports

Greenville Spartanburg International Airport is just 30 minutes from Travelers Rest. Asheville Regional Airport is 45 minutes away.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is the best investment for a trip that involves a lot of driving, outdoor risks, and potential weather disruptions.

Travelers Rest Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

South Carolina - Safety by City