Trail Overview

West of Table Rock you will find this scenic out-and-back diversion. It's a nice addition to add some more challenging riding or driving to the main South Carolina Adventure Route loop. Along its path, you will encounter steep grades which are often rutted and loose. About the SCAR: The South Carolina Adventure Route loops through approximately 1,000 miles of rural South Carolina. Along this route, you'll enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, diverse forests, cotton fields, state parks, historical sites, and quaint towns. The SCAR also connects to the Smokey Mountains 500, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans-America Trail (TAT), providing riders on those trails with a scenic route to the Atlantic coast at Edisto Beach. The roads along the SCAR are a mix of pavement and dirt, 60% and 40% respectively, with the surface alternating between gravel, dirt, clay, and sand. The route is not exceptionally technical, but dry conditions can leave the sandy roads loose, while wet conditions can leave the mud and clay roads slick and rutted. Travelers should expect to encounter deep sand and sizable mud holes in the worst conditions.

Photos of Jumping Off - SCAR Alternate

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Difficulty

Steep grades with loose surfaces and ruts

Technical Rating

Xan Bogert

Dec 19, 2025

Open

I was on the way to a cabin with my friends, I saw a trail that seems like a short detour but ended up being another 2 hours 😂 Was one of the best times I’ve had though the trail was clear but it was 10pm so pitch black out. I’m sure during the daytime the views are amazing I could see a little in the distance but not much. Super fun would definitely check it out again!

Zachary Whitaker

Oct 25, 2025

Open

Awesome trail to a look out to an amazing view!! Pretty maintained trails. A lot of scenery.

Rob Lilley

Sep 24, 2025

Open

will Blackwell

Jun 29, 2025

Open

Took Cane Creek up Shooting tree ridge. None of it was closed. Parts were very hilly and gravel and stayed in 4H. Saw 5 other trucks. Shooting tree is closed where it joins horse pasture rd, meaning somewhere lower down should likely have been closed? Saw minivans driving by the other side of the closed fence going to jumping off rock overlook.

Bill Lancaster

Jun 09, 2025

Open

I drove the length of the Horse Pasture Road from Hwy 178 to Jumping Off Rock. I used the 4H four times going in the 9.3 miles, and just kept it on most of the way out. Roads are mostly clear of downed trees, with a couple of exceptions. Road is gravel, very hilly and humpy. Beautiful vistas along the way. No river along the road.

Jason Gillespie

Jun 06, 2025

Open

Nicholas Roland

Mar 26, 2025

Open

Josh Boggs

Mar 02, 2025

Open

Good road. Closed gate at Jumping Off Rock lookout until March 20th. Can only get to that point going east to west from Hwy 178. As in previous trail reports, watch out for dumb kids in blind turns, but otherwise very nice.

Mallory W

Feb 08, 2025

Open

This was a wonderful trail! Made it in a stock Sahara, only had to use 4WD maybe twice. Some of the inclines were decently steep & muddy, could get tricky without 4WD after rain. I agree with other reports that really the only obstacles were the kids treating the trail like a formula 1 race. Some of the corners are only 1 car wide and there are zero guard rails, so of course take it easy around them. Otherwise a great trail. Even though it was overcast & foggy, the view was still gorgeous. Most of the campsites were also open. Note: the end of the trail where it splits off near the main viewing point is still closed, you will have to turn around.

Some Guitar Guy

Feb 06, 2025

Open

First ride. Rougher and steeper than I expected with tons of blind corners. Surface was otherwise decent. View from the top definitely worth the trip. Definitely one of the best, if not THE best, I've seen.

Jason w

Jan 10, 2025

Open

Fun day in the snow. was 2-3 inches by the time we left.

Jason w

Dec 29, 2024

Open

Rob Lilley

Nov 10, 2024

Open

The road has recently been graded so it's super smooth but there are some moderately steep inclines/declines. The main hazards are the kids blasting around corners at break neck speeds. Watch out. The road down to the lake is open all the way. The road dead ends at the lake and is posted no camping, doesn't seem to stop anyone but be aware you're essentially camping in a parking lot if you choose to do so.

Rhys Wiggs

Nov 09, 2024

Open

Track was open and clear, very busy with multiple Jeep groups and what appeared to be a BMW car club. The track had no obstacles across road, but was pretty narrow in spots due to the downed trees on both sides. Take care in corners for oncoming traffic.

David Anderson

Nov 01, 2024

Open

Per SC DNR: The SC Department of Natural Resources has reopened a section of the Horse Pasture road The SC Department of Natural Resources has reopened a section of the Horse Pasture road in the Jim Timmerman Natural Resource Area at Jocassee Gorges in northern Pickens County. The opened section runs from the Laurel Valley entrance on Highway 178 to Jumping Off Rock. The area was closed to allow for the removal of storm damaged trees from the main road. This road is in addition to the Shooting Tree/Cane Creek road and Camp Adger road which were opened late last week. We anticipate opening additional roads in the coming days. The public should be aware that trees are still falling and that they could become cut off from the main highway . A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Please come prepared knowing that cell phone service can be spotty. The other roads in the Jocassee Gorges remain closed for now, until trees are removed and road stability is assessed.