Fant's Grove Clemson Experimental Forest

Overview

This trail is part of the Fant's Grove property which is part of the Clemson Experimental Forest (CEF) land and managed by Clemson University. This trail system is the lesser-known, neglected sibling of the CEF Issaqueena Trail system. Poorly designed trails, poor drainage, and little to no trail maintenance for years have resulted in very poor conditions in some areas. However, most of the trails are rideable. This is a multi-use trail system and caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. When approaching equestrians, CEF land managers request you dismount your bicycle and walk past the horses exchanging upbeat dialog with the riders.

The trail system is a mix of old logging roads and singletrack trails. The percentage of each differs with each trail. It is a good trail system for beginners. All trails are marked with a color and shape which gives the trails their name. The markers are nailed to trees about horse rider height and are relatively easy to spot on most sections of the trails. All intersections are marked with brown Carsonite trail markers and are clearly visible. Trails often cross paved roads, so watch for traffic at all crossings. Some small connector trails between the larger colored marked trails exist; these are marked with yellow markings.

Fant's Grove has three parking areas from which to access the trails: Big Oaks trailhead, Fant's Grove Road trailhead, and Butch Kennedy trail-head. The first two parking areas are along Fant's Grove Road which is accessible from SC-187 about 2 miles north of I-85. The third parking area is found near the Garrison Arena on Woodburn Road. This parking area is used heavily by equestrians and not as popular for bikers or hikers. It may be accessed from US-76/HWY 123 by turning left onto Woodburn Road.