Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Graniteville, South Carolina

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 with sport jumps and widespread open pastures. The route also contains soft and hardwood forests...
Learn more about Fox Pond Road

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 after a good rain shower. There are several places where you can get stunning views of a small lake, a fe...
Learn more about Mason Branch Road

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 region too, even when the weather has been relatively dry for extended periods. About the SCAR: th...
Learn more about Yarborough - SCAR Alternate

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 some mud, depending on recent weather conditions. Going right at the split will lead you to the po...
Learn more about Chota Drive (636)

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 a path leading down to Dry Creek that can be explored by more adventurous off-roaders...
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 be expected when rainfall has occurred. The water crossing is not d...
Learn more about Dry Branch (673) and Garret B (635B)

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 be able to explore all portions of this route without issue and is a prime location...
Learn more about Markert Road (662)

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 old grist mill forgotten to time as you ride on the ancient seashore of the Atlantic Ocean. On on...
Learn more about Kathwood Trail

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 uses this road. Along the way, take in the scenic views of the many horse farms and fields that line both side...
Learn more about Brairwood Road

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 large cypress trees emerging from the black water. You will encounter farmland as well as crossing over some railroad...
Learn more about Landing 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 of the trails dead ends in a wooded location. There is a less traveled trail that pushes further that ...
Learn more about Lick Fork Road

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 an idyllic slice of South Carolina, a mix of pavement and gently rolling gravel roads...
Learn more about South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 2

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 trail gives visitors a captivating glimpse deep into the Sumter Natio...
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 be well maintained and can be traveled with most vehicles during any season.
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, make sure you watch for Alligators. This is a great trail to hit if you are out for a day of exploring and want a ni...
Learn more about Fury's Ferry Boat Ramp

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 road ends in a dead end however drivers who wish can push a little further to the...
Learn more about McCain Road (658)

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 sections south of Batesburg-Leesville are sandy and can be loose when dry. North...
Learn more about SCAR Connector-Loop

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 prohibited. Expect frequent small mud holes, as the trail can become very muddy. Taking the first right fo...
Learn more about Mason Wildlife Trail South

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 terrain features you want - loose sand, some small ruts, washboards, and areas with red clay that may be sl...
Learn more about Red Shadow Road

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 deepest around eight inches, with some areas prone to sticky, deep mud—exercis...
Learn more about Mason Wildlife Trail North

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 trail gives visitors a captivating glimpse deep into the Sumter Natio...
Learn more about Woodlawn D

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, make sure you watch for Alligators. This is a great trail to hit if you are out for a day of exploring and want a ni...
Learn more about Fury's Ferry Boat Ramp

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 prohibited. Expect frequent small mud holes, as the trail can become very muddy. Taking the first right fo...
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 deepest around eight inches, with some areas prone to sticky, deep mud—exercis...
Learn more about Mason Wildlife Trail North

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, make sure you watch for Alligators. This is a great trail to hit if you are out for a day of exploring and want a ni...
Learn more about Fury's Ferry Boat Ramp

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 prohibited. Expect frequent small mud holes, as the trail can become very muddy. Taking the first right fo...
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 deepest around eight inches, with some areas prone to sticky, deep mud—exercis...
Learn more about Mason Wildlife Trail North

This route is entirely within the Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area, a 15,000-acre property bordering the Savannah River. A fishing and/or hunting license is required to legally enter the property and can be obtained via georgiawildlife.com/tuckahoe-wma. Camping is only permitted in one of the two d...
Learn more about Briarpatch Lake Access