Bike the Fant's Grove Trails in the Clemson Experimental Forest

Fant's Grove is part of Clemson University property and is housed inside of the southern end of the Clemson Experimental Forest. The property is managed by Clemson University, and the trail weaves through prescribed burned areas, loblolly pine stands, agriculture fields, wildlife openings and feeding areas, and other mixes of hardwood forests. The trail type is mostly dirt single-track, but often intersects old gravel logging roads. Due to the clay soils retaining moisture, and the trails being multi-use, many areas are rutted by horse hooves and bike tracks, many trail conditions undesirable. 

Starting at the Butch Kennedy Trailhead (there are 2 other trailhead parking areas; Big Oaks and Seed Orchard), grab yourself a brochure map, and hop on your bike. From this trailhead you will descend across two creek crossings, and then the trail forks, and you can choose your own route. For a shorter ride which gives you views of Lake Hartwell, take the righthand trail and follow the trail signs towards A15. The A loop follows multiple coves on the lake, with a good mix of sandy trails, roots, and rock gardens. For a longer ride, take the lefthand fork towards B30. This route will follow the Red, or Blue routes on the map, and will give access to rocky terrain, hardwood forests, and tough climbs. To tour the perimeter of the trail system, take the gray route, starting at B30 to the Red route starting at B 26, then Blue Route at B24 all the way until B12. From here, you will meet back up with the Red route and follow this trail until A17. There will be a connector trail to the Green route at A14, follow the A's in a descending order, until you loop back and finally reach the Butch Kennedy Trailhead again. The loop described here does not encompass the entire trail system, and different trails can be combined for endless opportunities, and up to 30 miles of trail. 

Huge tip: once on a trail, to return back to the same trailhead, make sure the trail blaze color/shape stays on the same side of your shoulder, so if you see red squares on the lefthand side of the trail; following these blazes will return you to your trailhead. Also, yellow blazes indicate connector trails.

Please remember that due to the multi-use nature of these trails, it is common to ride upon horses, and that bikers should dismount, and let horses have the right-of-way. Because clay soils hold water, try not to ride on trails after heavy rains, as trail conditions are already compromised in many areas. Be sure to read the signs to learn what kinds of forestry and wildlife management practices are used on the property, and have a great ride!