Mary Beth Galbreath

About Mary Beth: Mary Beth is the co-founder of UGATA.  She’s a Greenville native and a Furman graduate.  She’s traveled extensively, taught English in four countries, and remains convinced that the Upstate is one of the best places in the world.  She lives in Greenville but spends ample time in River Falls with her husband Nathan and their three children, Beatrice, Laura Kate, and Crockett.  She is a new and moderately competent mountain biker, sets a fast walk pace, and loves to read and talk about books.

Favorite Trail or Greenway: Because it is so close and so good for a variety of levels of riders, I love the JFA trail at Pleasant Ridge State Park.  Our whole family can go there and each be challenged on the trail, and I love how different it is depending on which direction you roll.  However, I have to say that I also walk or slow jog solo or with my girlfriends on the Swamp Rabbit Trail three to four times a week, so the SRT has to be on my list too, if only for how much I use it!  But of course, it’s beautiful and convenient and I love passing neighbors and visitors every time I’m on it!

Why I Support UGATA: When we founded UGATA, there were two compelling motivations: the multitude and varied community members who favored more trails and greenways and the overwhelming benefits that trails and greenways bring to a community.  The concept of creating an alliance to work to build that network seemed like a no brainer.  I’ve enjoyed working with Matt, Sam, and our unbelievable Board of Directors to bring this vision to fruition and I’m excited about the future for the Upstate’s trails and greenways.