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Forks Area Trail System (FATS) Mountain Bike Trail
Clarks Hill, South Carolina
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
28 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 12/26/11 by bikespiders |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 25 miles | Global Rank: #16 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 122 | Wishlist: 109 |
| Avg. Speed: 8.22 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 51min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +6,330/-5,937 ft | IMBA Epic Trail |
 7 trail check-ins |
Mountain Bike Trails in the Forks Area Trail System (FATS) Trail System
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Description: This trail system is an epic addition to the Sumter National Forest area trails. Amazing singletrack with great flow, tons of jumps, and fast terrain. Minimal climbing makes this a good trail for beginners while experts can test their cornering and jumping skills. Four loops at this time range in length from 5-8 miles each. Worth the drive from just about anywhere, you'll want to ride every inch of trail before you leave! Thanks SORBA!
added on July 2, 2007 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville
Long Cane Horse Trail in Greenwood
Skinny Loop in Clarks Hill
Big Rock Loop in Clarks Hill
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by jeffrey_j on December 31, 2011
Absolutely AWESOME trail. Been here 4-5 times from FL and every trip is WELL worth the 5 hour drive (as long as you make a weekend/2 day trip out of it). Had a bad crash on Great Wall going clockwise last visit, so just make sure your first visit you don't let your speed get too out of control on some of the seemingly mellow downhill sections. Once you've ridden a trail in your chosen direction a couple of times you can FLY through here and have the most fun on a bike you've ever had. Be cautious around corners as trails are bi-directional. Have been to Tsali, Santos, Graham Swamp, JackRabbits, etc... and this trail KILLS them all IMHO.
reviewed by dcluley on November 27, 2011
As everyone says, this trail is the most fun, flowy trail I have ever ridden. Nothing too difficult or technical, but if you go too fast and ride over your head, some sections will getcha. I launched the back wheel of my hardtail off one of the doubles into the bottom of the next jump, dove the fork into an endo roll and cracked my helmet. I was too busy smiling to mind however, and finished my ride with 10 more miles of slightly more cautious, but still superfast fun riding. Have fun, and be careful with some of the jumps and riders coming the opposite direction at high speed!
Similar Trail: Chicopee Ga, Balm-boyette FL
reviewed by trekmtbrider on September 16, 2011
WOW! I had an awesome ride last weekend. Fast and flowing, once again my Hayes nine hydraulic disk brakes went out though. Time to upgrade to a new disk brake. I will be traveling back to FATS for more fun.
* Review edited 9/16/2011
Similar Trail: Pinhoti
reviewed by joetutt on September 5, 2011
Gotta give FATS 5 stars cause it so much fun! All perfectly groomed, hard pack, insanely fast, sweeping singletrack. Great use of the topography! Add some black diamond trails here and you won't find a better place to ride.
reviewed by traebird@gmail.com on June 23, 2011
These are the best trails I have ever ridden. If you want to go fast and see what 'flow' is all about then you and your bike need to get in the car right now and find this place!
reviewed by brianW on March 29, 2011
Each of the 6 loops offers its own unique flavor. Can easily go and ride one loop for a quick after-work ride and do multiloops and build your own custom epic ride. Trails are smooth, fast, dip filled singletrack. Nothing to push the technical skills, just plan FUN! At the IMBA World Summit I over heard Hans Rey say "the best flowing trail in the U.S."
reviewed by magicpantsjones on February 22, 2011
Great riding! FATS is ridiculously fun. Great climbs and descents filled with dips and whoop de doos. Clean, smooth singletrack. Well marked with signs throughout the trail system. My buddies and I spent two days riding here, and it will definitely be a destination we aim for a few times a year.
reviewed by trek7k on February 1, 2011
It's hard to add much to the description and reviews already posted but if you haven't ridden FATS yet, it's definitely worth a visit. My current favorites are the Tower and Big Rock loops - sustained climbs, wicked scenery, and fast, swoopy singletrack (which is why everyone come to FATS in the first place). Flows almost like a 28-mile long pump track.
Similar Trail: Sylaward in Alabama; many parts of Chicopee Woods in Gainesvilel, GA.
reviewed by Susanita on December 26, 2010
We heard good things about FATS before we got there and were not at all disappointed. We were pressed for time so we were only able to do Skinny and the Brown Wave. But that 10 miles was as sweet as any IMBA trail we have ever ridden. While not technically challenging, the trail offered a swoopy, roller coaster, pump track experience with minimal elevation gain. No pain, all gain! I was riding a rigid air9 and never felt the need for suspension. These IMBA designs are great. If you take it easy the trail is easy. If you pick up the speed it can get hairy! We are planning a trip back to finish the whole thing.
Similar Trail: Raystown in PA.
reviewed by ckdake on December 6, 2010
Awesome! It's so smooth, flowy, and fun that it almost gets boring. I took 2 casually paced days at FATS and rode ever mile of trail there and had a blast. Perfect for beginners taking their time, also perfect for pros going as fast as they can taking tight turns at speed and clearing gaps instead of rolling over them. Believe anything good that you read about this trail and definitely fit it into your riding schedule some day!
Similar Trail: Blankets Creek, Chicopee
reviewed by sun79rise on September 1, 2010
These trails were great. Everything was mapped out very well and was easy to follow. Each trail is enough for one ride. We made the mistake of finishing one trail and then starting another. Half way through it was all up hill and way longer than expected. My husband (experienced rider) ran out of a full camel back and almost got heat exhaustion, along with other riders. No fault of the course, just ride prepared and don't underestimate the length of these trails.
reviewed by darrinw2001 on August 25, 2010
Absolutely love this trails system.. Fast Fun and Flowy... Not too hard, but lots of speed and whoops to make you lose your lunch if not too careful! I 1st rode these in May for the IMBA conference, and came back with my 9 year old son this week. We both had a blast! Check out the videos when they post up..
* Review edited 8/25/2010
reviewed by sturides on June 23, 2010
I finally made my first trip to FATS this morning. WOW! I rode Skinny Loop and Great Wall both clockwise and had an absolute blast. FAST pump riding, very moderate climbs, nothing too technical but the FUN factor makes up for it. Had the trail to myself the entire time so I guess nobody could hear me laughing like a kid. 81 miles from my house in Columbia to the trailhead and it was more than worth getting up at 5:30 to beat the heat. Can't wait to visit again!
reviewed by flamingotter on June 3, 2010
This trail was brought down the mountain by Moses himself, given to him by Lord. And he said to Moses, "Give this trail unto the people". I'm at the trailhead nearly every Sunday morning and it never get boring. It's hard sometimes to remember to give love to the other trails in the area.
Similar Trail: MODOC/Steven's Creek
reviewed by dplusdude on May 22, 2010
I couldn't stop smiling as I rode this trail. Tons of fun and flow. This is the worlds biggest, best and baddest pump track. Hats off to the SORBA crew, well done.
Similar Trail: Brown County Mountain Bike Park in Nashville, IN
reviewed by jaybird57 on May 9, 2010
I rode Big Rock & Tower loops while attending the IMBA World Summit Epic Ride on 5-8-10, & I can now say I've had the privilege of riding all six loops! FATS is most definitely a destination trail system & all I can say is if you haven't been what the heck are you waiting for!!! FATS Rocks! \m/
* Review edited 2/16/2011
Similar Trail: Tsali
reviewed by GoldenGoose on May 7, 2010
Rolling pump track in the guise of singletrack for 30+ miles. Rode all 6 loops yesterday and was still eager for more. Even though there are no real climbs out here, the Big Rock and Tower loops will still give you an aerobic challenge and EVERYTHING is fun. Skinny and Brown Wave loops felt like they were completely downhill! Trails are in great shape for the IMBA summit.
reviewed by konacoiler on April 5, 2010
Rode Skinny, Brown Wave and Deep Step loops last week. Had a blast. Nice smooth trails and not too technical but the fast elevation changes and speed amp up the fun factor. The only negatives of this trail is that it is overgroomed and prone to erosion. Don't ride after rain. Because of its design it requires lots of trail maintenance so please volunteer if you can. I thought IMBA trails were supposed to be sustainable?
Similar Trail: Hydrocut, Waterloo, Ontario. Similar fun trail, handbuilt without the puddle/erosion problems.
reviewed by jaybird57 on December 1, 2009
If you like fun, flowing, pump track style riding then come ride FATS! You won't be disappointed!
reviewed by Bikerides4u on July 31, 2009
You will love this trail if you like to go fast for a long time ! and.............You will love this trail if you like to climb for a long time ! What goes up must come down ! This trail was built on the property that houses the regions Fire Tower ( Highest point in the region ) that bourders the Savannah River ( Lowest point in the region ) . If you wear a pacemaker this trail ain't for you !
* Review edited 7/31/2009
Similar Trail: Pigsh and Bear Mt
reviewed by mtbgreg1 on July 15, 2009
Came and rode this trail this past Sun afternoon, and knocked out all 4 loops in one ride. It was a sweet ride! Nothing technical at all to speak of, so that was somewhat disappointing, but was made up for by the incredible flow and swoop of the trail, and the lovely rollers all over the place!! Despite the fact that it was crazy smooth almost everywhere, it was such a pleasure to ride! The trail work itself was beautiful, and it didn't feel like you were riding in a trough like at places like Yargo, which is amazing bc of how much reputation this trail has! And, there's so much of it concentrated all in one area, making it possible to do an epic, all-day ride without riding the same trail over or driving somewhere else. Not too many places like that in the southeast.
reviewed by guest on February 20, 2009
Have not rode hear since late spring 2008, but FATS is an awesome place to ride. Very flowy trail with some technical terrain and some sweet DH for its area. FATS & Paris Mountain are the bomb for lots of fun and some DH. Plan on making another trip up there this late spring as well.
reviewed by besco on August 11, 2008
FATS is the best trail system that I have ridden. There are enough trail options to keep you coming back again and again, I have met people who travel form columbia SC, and Atlanta GA, just to ride here. Fast down hills (especially Deep step and Great wall), some double jump areas and challenging uphills.
reviewed by seenvic on June 13, 2008
2 new loops at FATS are now ready to be ridden. The Big Rock and Tower Loops are each about 4 miles long, with Big Rock being just slightly longer than Tower. They each climb about 350 feet. Along with these loops there is a new 1 mile long connector trail coming off the Deep Step Loop near the only bridge on Deep Step. This connector takes you to a paved rd. Turn left on the paved road and ride for 1/2 mile crossing a swamp/bog in the process. Turn right on FS Rd 661 (Philpot Rd) and go up it 8/10 of a mile. Big Rock Loop crosses the gravel road at this point. I'd turn left onto the Big Rock Loop and ride it for about 2 miles and you get to a trail intersection. Turn left, cross the gas line just barely and then swing back to the gas line. Tower Loop starts on this gas line. Go either direction, but I'll say CW because the connector flows into Tower CW with a straight line and CCW with a HUGE right turn. Ride this loop, just be sure to get back to Big Rock Loop when you get back to the Connector Trail or you will just continue to ride loops on Tower and never get off it. When you get back to Big Rock, you will roll straight and be back on the loop going CW. When you get to FS 661 again, cross it the first time and turn left onto it the second time. This is where you entered the Big Rock Loop. These trails have a narrower corridor than the 4 older FATS loops. This is because a smaller machine was used to build the trails. There are some cool rocks to ride on and nearby. There are three bridges on Big Rock, with 2 being just normal and the 3rd being about 24" wide and made out of a split cedar log. There is more climbing on these loops than any of the 4 older FATS loops. There will be a second trailhead near these loops, but the USFS has not yet decided upon it's location. Overall a good place to ride a bike. We laid out 6 loops in 2003 that made up about 35 miles of trail. And now it is 2008 and we have built them all. Go ride them.
Similar Trail: In the area, Modoc, Turkey Creek, Wine Creek, Horn Creek, HKSP, Baker Creek State Park and one hour away the Long Cane Horse Trail.
reviewed by weswhittle on December 28, 2007
A series of loops through a thickly forested area provide a great hiking or mountain bike experience for all levels of hikers and riders. You can get a feel of the mountains where some of the higher elevations provide panoramic views and the thick vegetation provides a home for many birds and animals. Although it is hilly, you aren’t going to find many climbs that require a lot of effort or dismounts. For experienced riders, there are many sections where you have a choice of just rolling through, or going to one side to jump, and sections of ripples where you can also roll through or get air between them. The Great Wall offers a more of a challenge for experienced riders and may be difficult for beginners in places. Do NOT ride or walk around areas where the trail bed has been stabilized by rock. After heavy rain sections may be closed. To check on other closings: http://www.sorbacsra.org/ Length: Great Wall 7.7 miles, Skinny Loop 6.0 miles, Brown Wave 5.8 miles, and Deep Step 5.0 miles The four loops all seem to flow magically downhill with very few climbs. Not as fun as Tsali but similar. More trails are in planning.
reviewed by seenvic on July 11, 2007
Just fun. That's all. Not the biggest, fastest or best anything. But alot of fun. These trails offer rolling downhills with hits to jump or roll over depeding on what flavor you like. The climbs go back up but at a grade that isn't killer steep. Sustainable and fun. Not much more or less to be found here.
Similar Trail: Locally - modoc, turkey creek, wine creek, bartram.
reviewed by mudhunny on July 10, 2007
Move over Tsali, make room for FATS! On par with many well-known mountain biking meccas, the Forks Area Trail system has something for everyone. First off, this much singletrack is hard to come by and not only is there a lot of it, but it's all good, every inch! The trails are not technical at all, so newbs can venture as far as they want. There is very little climbing and the trails are generally rolling making for a fun ride in either direction. The whoop-de-doos were my favorite part (tons of them on Brown Wave trail) and you can't help but ride these trails fast because they are so smooth. At one point I imagined I was in an endurance race, pedaling my brains out and trees whizzing by on seemingly endless trail. I could pedal out there all day. Anyhoo, I'll be back for sure to see what else CSRA SORBA has up their sleeves (supposedly another 12 mile addition?). These folks did an awesome job on the trails and a special thanks to the fella bellas that offered us chilled towels to cool off after our hot humid ride.
Similar Trail: Tsali
