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Parson’s Mountain Motorcycle Trail
12.6 mile trail, follows old logging roads across hardwood bottoms and pine plantations. The trail crosses several Forest Service roads, allowing the rider to determine length and duration. Directions from Abbeville: Take SC 28 South 5 miles. Left (east) on FS 515. 0.3 miles to trailhead on right.
Contact: US Forest Service 803/637-5396
Cedar Springs Motorcycle Trail
10.9 mile trail has access points at FS 505 and Rd. #1-33 at FS 537 (Rodgers Road). This trail crosses several service roads allowing the rider options on length and duration. It is fairly close to the Parson’s Mountain Trail and both can be ridden in the same day. Directions from Abbeville: South on Rt. 33 for 7.4 miles. Left (east) at FS 537, look for trailhead. Directions from Greenwood: Take Rt. 72 West 4.3 miles, left on FS 506 (at Beulah Church). Go 1.7 miles, take right on FS 505. Go 1.9 miles to trailhead on right.
Contact: US Forest Service 803/637-5396
*Note: The above trails may be subject to seasonal closure from Dec. 1-March 15. Call the USFS for specific information.
Long Cane Horse Trail
23 mile loop offers numerous access points and a wide variety of terrain. The trail begins at Fell Hunt Camp but can be ridden in various lengths to suit the rider. It is also open to hikers and mountain bikes but biking here is not easy going unless it has been particularly dry. Of interest are state record trees, cemeteries and the original “Charleston Road”. Paved roads may be encountered. Directions from Abbeville: Take Rd. #1-33 South for 8 miles. Bear left on Rt. 47, go 1.5 miles on right. Directions from Greenwood: Take SC10 South 7.7 miles. Right on Rt. 47, 2.4 miles on left.
Contact: US Forest Service 803/637-5396
Baker Creek State Park
Primary use of this trail is mountain biking. The trail is primarily fresh singletrack hooked up to short sections of existing service roads. Baker Creek State Park has several miles of other fire roads and paved roads that offer extra miles and opportunities for all abilities. Note this trail will be closed when conditions are not appropriate for use. Directions from McCormick: Go 4 miles West on US378. BCSP is on the right. Turn onto Huguenot Parkway. Left at entrance to park and follow road all the way back and park at the Pavilion. Trailhead is at the left at top of the hill.
Contact: Baker Creek State Park 864/443-2457
Turkey Creek/Wine Creek Trails
Hiking and mountain biking trails are one linear trail. At the south end, Turkey Creek is one of the most popular MTB trails in the area. It starts at Key Bridge and is a little more than 7 miles of singletrack to a gravel cul-de-sac (FS 617A). It is relatively flat but does offer a few technical challenges. Generally it is easier than other trails in the area. Note: It is not a loop. Also starting at Key Bridge but traveling North is Wine Creek Trail, a much less traveled trail. Wine Creek is 5 miles long, all singletrack, ending at Hwy 283. Wine Creek shares the same traits as Turkey Creek: flat, fast, a few technical challenges, beautiful scenery...but several drawbacks. In the 5 miles, it has 22 bridges, some completely washed away. Best to ride in the Fall or early Spring. This trail can also be accessed from SC283 and ridden the opposite way to Key Bridge. Directions to Key Bridge from McCormick: Take SC28/US221 South to Plum Branch. Left onto SC283. Go about 3.5 miles, turn right onto Key Road (SC138). Trailhead is 4 miles on the right before bridge. Directions to Wine Creek from McCormick: Take SC28/Us221 South to Plum Branch. Left on Rt. 283. Park at trailhead on right after you cross Wine Creek.
Contact: US Forest Service: 803/637-5396
Catfish Creek/Peninsula
Approximately 5 miles of trail in this day use area which includes the main route with two spurs off of it and a circular path at the end with 4 spurs off of it. Directions from Parksville: Take SC28/Us221 North. See sign, turn left (west) onto Rd. #33-402. This paved road continues to the left past the curve. After pavement ends, travel the short distance to the gate which limits access.
Contact: Corps of Engineers 800/533-3478 Ext. 1147
Stevens Creek (Modoc) Trail
6.3 linear trail (not a loop) is more technically challenging with several creek crossings and steeper hills. It is an intermediate trail offering views of Stevens Creek from its many ridges. The first 5.6 miles are on USFS property but then crosses onto private property. This section should be avoided in hunting season. At 6.3 miles, the trail ends at the power lines. Directions from McCormick: Take SC28/Us221 South 25 miles to Modoc. Turn left (east) onto SC23. Trailhead is .7 miles on the left just before the bridge. It is also accessible from FS632 if you want to ride South to SC23.
Contact: US Forest Service: 803/637-5396
Horn Creek Trail (Lick Fork Recreation Area)
5.7 mile loop is one of the most popular trails in the area. It starts at the cul-de-sac below the campground and is great to ride in either direction. It is easier than Modoc, but offers more climbing than Turkey Creek. The trail crosses five service roads, offering a bail out, or an adventure into the maze of fire roads in the area. Most of these are dead ends or lead you out of the forest onto pavement.
Contact: US Forest Service: 803/637-5396
Other Paved Roads
For on-road cyclists, the region offers many back roads through small towns and pine forests, past historic places, beautiful lakes and creeks and farms on rolling hills.
Contact: Palmetto Cycling Coalition for information on organized rides. 864/639-3607
Other Unpaved Roads
The Sumter National Forest has over 100 miles of fire roads. Some of the trails above can be linked using fire roads and pavement to make for epic rides. Several routes exist that will allow a multi-day trip from one end of the Sumter NF to the other. Although you can expect to encounter pavement, these long rides can be tailored to be mainly off road experiences. Obtain Game Management maps from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (803/734-3888) and the USFS maps (803/637-5396). Organized rides and volunteer trail maintenance call 706/832-8496.
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