Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Aiken, South Carolina

This is a fairly easy road that has some local wildlife scenery to see. The road has areas of some sandy soft spots, teeth-shaking washboards, and some areas that can hold water for several days…
Learn more about Mason Branch Road

Fox Pond Road is right outside the local town's busy life. A loamy mixture of compacted sand and red clay, this is a straightforward meandering route. On the road, several large horse farms are decorated…
Learn more about Fox Pond Road

Segment 1 of the South Carolina Adventure Route (SCAR) stretches from I-95 near Colleton State Park to the historic town of Edgefield South Carolina. It passes through what is known as the "sandhills" region of…
Learn more about South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 1

This is an easy route for anyone who wants some freedom from the traffic. The route is entirely mild to moderate loose sand with washboards and a few ruts from the heavy farm equipment that…
Learn more about Brairwood Road

Ride out and enjoy the thick hardwood forest and abandoned farmhouses and barns of the past. This route is mostly loamy sand and a red clay mix. It has some graded hills and sharp curves…
Learn more about Moore Road

This short trail within the Savannah River Water District offers several opportunities to explore the old river basin. While out on the trail, you will pass the Audubon Sanctuary and see the ruins of an…
Learn more about Kathwood Trail

Landing Road takes you back through the flood basin of the Savannah River. This sandy road is a down and back that is well maintained and two lanes wide. You will see the swamps with…
Learn more about Landing Road

This route traverses the heart of the Sandhills region (which spans the state betwen Columbia and I-95), and it definitely delivers sand. It is approximately 80% off-pavement, and some of the sandy sections can be…
Learn more about SCAR Southeast Alternate

This short segment of the SCAR drops south of Edgefield. Its sand and clay roads over rolling hills are scenic but can become deeply rutted and muddy/slick when wet. These conditions can linger in this…
Learn more about Yarborough - SCAR Alternate

This is an easy road to tackle for the beginner who wants to explore the countryside. Check out all that it offers including pine forests, large fields, and equestrian farms. It has all of the…
Learn more about Red Shadow Road

This Connector Loop bisects the primary SCAR Loop, passing near the twin towns of Batesburg-Leesville, over the narrow end of Lake Murray, and through Newberry. It contains a mix of paved and unpaved roads. Off-pavement…
Learn more about SCAR Connector-Loop

Segment 2 of the South Carolina Adventure Route wanders between the towns of Edgefield and Westminster, traversing one of the three sections of Sumter National Forest along the way. The trail through this region is…
Learn more about South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 2

This is a mostly sand-covered road used for farming and local residencies. The surface includes some soft spots that are mild to deep, and red clay portions that are quite a joy to ride after…
Learn more about Gunter Pond Road

This route follows Prescott Road, taking a left onto Horn Creek Road (638). Throughout this road, travelers will encounter well-maintained roads with minimal to no obstacles. At the end of Horn Creek Road, there is…
Learn more about Horn Creek (638) via Prescott Road

Dry Branch (673) and Garret B (635B) are well-maintained service roads within the Sumter National Forest. Both roads offer a scenic driving experience for any vehicle under most conditions. Throughout the route, muddy conditions can…
Learn more about Dry Branch (673) and Garret B (635B)

North Fork Road is a light to moderate challenging road that explores the countryside and large hardwood forest of the midlands. The road surface is mostly loose sand and a mixture of red clay. It…
Learn more about North Fork Road

This route is a dirt road with a split, both leading to the Savannah River and are frequented by fishing enthusiasts. A high-clearance vehicle is required on this drive due to some washed-out areas and…
Learn more about Chota Drive (636)

Enjoy this easy route as you sit back and ride through large farmlands and admire the old forgotten houses and barns. This is an easy road that is maintained and has a mix of sand…
Learn more about Richland Creek Road

Go back in history as you ride this partial gravel and sandy road. It is well maintained and has some areas that flood during excessive amounts of rain. Along this road, you'll pass a family…
Learn more about Old Charleston Road

Lick Ford Road is a maintained road that leads to Forestry Road 681A. This road is well maintained with minimal obstacles. Some rutty portions do exist, with some holes that can create mud. The end…
Learn more about Lick Fork Road

This short route is a well-maintained service road that follows a large-scale mountain bike trail system. The offshoot towards the end (662D) leads to a popular fishing spot on the Savannah River. Any vehicle should…
Learn more about Markert Road (662)

The name should not cause you any worry about this road. Although mild with its sandy and gravel coating, it does contain a few rough potholes and some washboards that will motivate your suspension. You…
Learn more about Rugged Hill Drive

This short dirt road within the Sumter National Forest provides several opportunities to explore routes less traveled. Throughout the road, you will encounter little to no obstacles along the main route. The end of the…
Learn more about McCain Road (658)

As you enter the road, you will see remains of an old railroad bed that used to be the backbone of a freight train that ran nationwide. The road consists of different terrain features that…
Learn more about Log Creek Road

This beautiful, short trail offers scenic views along its path. It follows a well-maintained forest road, wide enough to allow two full-sized 4x4 vehicles to pass comfortably. Although it doesn't provide an off-road challenge, the…
Learn more about Woodlawn D

This trail consists of two well-maintained dirt roads that cross the southern portion of the Sumter National Forest. Muddy conditions can be expected during the rainy season with possible down trees. The roads seem to…
Learn more about Hopewell Church - Lost wilderness traverse (661/669B)

This short trail takes you down to the South Carolina Side of the Savannah River. You will pass some very swampy areas on both sides of the road. If you stop looking at the wildlife,…
Learn more about Fury's Ferry Boat Ramp

A scenic road winding through the countryside close to the small towns that surround it. This road offers beautiful views of the forest while providing some fun driving experience on the washouts, small rock crops,…
Learn more about Round Up Road

The trail begins as gravel but quickly transitions to a dirt path with grass in the center. Located in a Wildlife Management Area used for hunting, it's best to visit on Sundays when hunting is…
Learn more about Mason Wildlife Trail South

Most of this trail is a single lane with several muddy patches and occasional ruts that require careful navigation. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential unless it hasn't rained for weeks. Expect multiple mud holes, the…
Learn more about Mason Wildlife Trail North