Trail is
Avg Rating:   |
34 trail reviews |
Difficulty:  - Intermediate |
|
| Length: 11 miles | Global Rank: #1273 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 45 | Wishlist: 27 |
| 3 trail check-ins |
Climb // Descend +600 // -900 feet |
| Average Speed: 6.1 mph | Average Time: 1hr 58min |
Directions
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Description
Located on Manchester State Forest in Sumter county, in an outlying area of the sandhills, this trail is characterized as rolling with a sandy bottom and many creeks. This single track ride can also be technical in some areas and offers a series of whoop-de-doos. A local bicycling club uses this loop for races in the beginning of each year. The forest has a mixture of pine and hardwoods, along with draping Spanish moss. In the spring, you will find an abundance of dogwood, Magnolia and azalea dotting the forest, as well as red fox, deer, and wild turkey. This trail is mostly flat with a few short climbs and descents. The sand, leaves, and pine straw makes these climbs fairly tough. A very fun track to ride.
Harbison State Forest (100%)
Campbells Pond (71%)
Dupont State Forest (57%)
Marrington Trail (43%)
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Description
Located on Manchester State Forest in Sumter county, in an outlying area of the sandhills, this trail is characterized as rolling with a sandy bottom and many creeks. This single track ride can also be technical in some areas and offers a series of whoop-de-doos. A local bicycling club uses this loop for races in the beginning of each year. The forest has a mixture of pine and hardwoods, along with draping Spanish moss. In the spring, you will find an abundance of dogwood, Magnolia and azalea dotting the forest, as well as red fox, deer, and wild turkey. This trail is mostly flat with a few short climbs and descents. The sand, leaves, and pine straw makes these climbs fairly tough. A very fun track to ride.
added by Guest on December 31, 2002
Trail Reviews [Add a review]
Review: Awesome trail for the area! Some nice features and slightly longer than the rest of the rides in the area. If you ride weekends make sure you get your pass online as there office is closed and no drop box at the trail head.
Review: So being new to South Carolina, I finally had the chance to get away from the rooty trails of Charleston and back to some nice singletrack. Well, maybe. First off, this trail was not as well maintained as I hoped for. Lots of branches and a few downed trees made for a few walks and scratched legs. Then there was the trail markings themselves. I thought I had gotten lost a few times but then the orange tape would show back up and I would make my way over to it and back on the trail. I know this trail gets used a lot but I honestly couldn't tell. That being said, this trail today kicked my tires! It was very challenging and the sand is something new compared to the dirt from GA! I definitely want to try this trail again when they get ready for the races!
Review: You need to get a day ($5) or a season pass in the office couple miles away from the trail. That office is closed on Sat/Sun, so I rode without paying it. A trail is well maintained and technical. It was 88 degrees outside so it wasn't an easy ride, couple good climbs at the end.
Review: Amazing Maintenance to this trail. The most interesting trail around with cheesy signs to keep you looking forward to the next junction. Embraces what makes mtb fun. several transitions from downhill, to sand, to technical, with the option of picking up a "Hardcore" portion for the thrill seekers
Similar Trail: Harbison
Similar Trail: Harbison
Review: Just rode this trail Saturday 26 May 2012. Loved this trail. Similar flow to the FATS in Augusta, GA. I also loved the indiscriminate and irrelevant signs that dotted the trail, it kept the ride interesting.
Similar Trail: FATS
Similar Trail: FATS
Review: ***Updated Review***
It's been a while since I've ridden K3 but it won't be long before I ride it again! If you like tight & twisty singletrack then K3 will surely delight! As mentioned in my previous post there are some super sweet big ring, hammer down sections to compliment the twisties & the few short climbs you'll find on the K3. I guess the best endorsement I've personally heard of the K3 was given by two MTBers from Brevard, NC who I spoke to at the TH. They were pretty stoked after just completing a loop on K3 & said they really enjoyed all the twisty & fun singletrack. That says a lot to me personally since these dudes get to ride Pisgah & Dupont whenever they'd like! What are you waiting for, go ride the K3... & don't forget to hit Campbell's Pond while you're there!
Similar Trail: Campbell's Pond
Similar Trail: Campbell's Pond
Review: This is my home town trail system when its covered with leaves it just as fun as if the leaves were gone. Get ready for two nice climbs and some technical areas with great flow to test out your bike handling skills. As of 1-14-2012 trail crew and performing maintenance weekly to the trail so come on out and ride. * Review edited 1/14/2012
* Review edited 1/14/2012
Similar Trail: Fats brown wave
* Review edited 1/14/2012
Similar Trail: Fats brown wave
Review: Not very fast or exciting. I wasn't itching to get back on the trail after one loop. The two side loops were in miserable shape.
Review: yesterday, 27 Feb 2011, was my first time here and it was a really fun ride...really nice locals here and theyve done a great job putting this trail together...mostly fast when not twisting thru the turns and the setting is really cool...go before it gets hot and plan on about an hour and half 10.5 mile ride (unless you are really fast)...cant wait to go back!
Review: (This review written by a former K3/Manchester local)
Fun trail to ride esp. when Harbison (Columbia, SC) is underwater. Nice mix of tight, twisty singletrack & some nice ups & downs along w/ some BIG ring sections where you can simply drop the hammer! The folks who maintain K3, Campbells, et al. have down a wonderful job creating interesting lines & very entertaining & informative trail markers/signs (see photo album!). Some sections do get a bit sandy in the summer & drier months, thus I prefer to ride K3 in late fall/winter/early spring when other local trails are too wet to ride, but that is just my preference so don't let me deter you from riding this fun trail anytime you'd like! And don't get me wrong, we're not talking Sesqui S.P. type sand here! That place is a sandbox in the hotter, drier months but that's another story ;-) The trail drains water very quickly so it can be riden quite literally the very next day after a hard rain. You can combine K3/Red Loop/Campbells Pond w/ the Wateree Passage of the Palmetto Trail for a veritable "Epic" right here in the Midlands of S.C. Enjoy!
* Review edited 1/21/2011
* Review edited 1/21/2011
Review: Sand, Sand and more Sand!! The trail has become very slow and difficult due to a lot of areas with heavy sand. The trail has the potential to be very fast in its design but unfortunately is not. There are some great sections, namely the Double Helix, Watermelon Patch and Collarbone.
In addition, make sure you get a pass from the Gun/Rifle Range for $5 before you get on the trail. A State Forest Police officer attempted to give us $450 fines for riding without a permit.
Review: Rode this trail for the first time today. What a great surprise! I had no idea of the quality of this trail. I combined it with Red Loop. Should have been around 14 miles but my Blackberry gps said 12. Great variety, fast sections, pump sections, short climbs, tigth singletrack and double. Some sandy areas. Guessing that this is the place to ride after rain have trashed other trails. I'll be back fo sho. Thanks to the local riders who have made this a great trail. Here is the link to my ride.
http://www.sportypal.com/Workouts/Details/229814* Review edited 4/7/2010
* Review edited 4/7/2010
Similar Trail: Harbison
* Review edited 4/7/2010
Similar Trail: Harbison
Review: The trail is sweet! Rode it today, and enjoyed the changes, curves and terrain. Recent work was done on that trail and the red loop and its in great riding condition.
Review: This trail is a blast!!! It changes elevation all the time. It also has several off chutes and other trails there. You could ride in this park all day and not see the same tree twice.
Review: This is a fun trail. Decent climbs for the terrain with some nice single track. Can get real sandy in the turns and take your momentum away, but still a good trail overall. This is just one trail out of I think three in the park. HELMETS are required to ride this trail, guess the guys in the photo's cannot read the signs at the trail head. Please wear your helmets so we don't lose this trail.
Similar Trail: In the area Harbison State Forest, Lynches Woods in Newberry, and if in Charleston give Marrington a try.
Similar Trail: In the area Harbison State Forest, Lynches Woods in Newberry, and if in Charleston give Marrington a try.
Review: K-3 has suffered some disruption due to logging recently, but the trail is looking great thanks to the volunteers who maintain it. The information on this page is wrong, the K-3 is now about 10.5 miles.
Regarding frelup's review of the Hardcore trail below - the Hardcore has been re-worked and re-signed since his review and is in great shape now. It was renamed "Red Loop", I believe because the name "Hardcore" was scaring people away. :-) It's a great 5-mile trail with some fun climbs and technical sections.
Review: THIS REVIEW IS ONLY ABOUT THE HARDCORE SECTION OF KILLER III. The "Hardcore" section of this trail is terrible! It starts off alright going through some singletrack with leaves and then very slightly starts uphill with some sand. Next, the tight singletrack turns into about 6 feet wide four wheeler / dirtbike trails. VERY thick dirt that you sink down into, no trail markers, just an uncomfortable ride. If you keep riding (a very tough decision for us, whether to turn around or not) you will eventually find a trailmarker and a great little singletrack. Once you start to enjoy yourself you hop right back on the four wheeler trail. Killer III by itself is a great trail. Just stick with that and if that's not enough, ride Cambell's Pond afterwards. K3 and Cambell's Pond are great. Hardcore is terrible.
Similar Trail: NONE!
Similar Trail: NONE!
Review: I love this trail! There are plenty of great downhill sections with good (but not to difficult) climbs. "The Collarbone" and "Double Helix" are the most exciting sections, but other flat sections, like "The LZ" are fun too. The trail gets pretty narrow at times, and I have banged a few trees out there so be careful. Also watch the trail for "Cypress Knees" sticking up. You can take the 3 mile "Hardcore" extension, it sucks horribly. It's basically a soft four wheeler trail, so stick with K3. Cambell pond is a shorter version of Killer III from the same trailhead. Definitely a fun ride. RIDE THE REDHORSE!
* Review edited 3/9/2008
Similar Trail: Cambell Pond, Manchester SC.
* Review edited 3/9/2008
Similar Trail: Cambell Pond, Manchester SC.
Review: Very fun! The best trail Manchester has to offer. About 10 miles by itself, there is an optional extension called Hardcore and it is about 3 additional miles. My friends and usually just ride K3 without Hardcore (a little too much climbing). The other trail in Manchester is Cambell's Pond. Also worth checking out!
* Review edited 2/21/2008
* Review edited 2/21/2008
Review: One of my favorite trails in the midlands. Good variety of terrain. Some sand, but not too much. Who ever does the trail work here does an great job, Thanks! Area is relatively flat but has some short climbs. Trail makes good use of natural features. Lots of tight, twisting singletrack. Only down side is that the trail is only open on Sundays during deer hunting season.
Review: I took the drive out the the Killer Three again. I wanted to add the Hardcore trail to the mix. I have say it was a great ride with a lot of potential. The trial was either not rode a lot or was new and still being developed (I think it's a new loop). There were parts that were very tough to follow and I did turn around once because I thought I may be going the wrong way. Follow the old motocross trails and from time to time a marker will appear. There was a downed tree with some ramps being constructed (see photo's). I'm not sure where the trail workers were going with it next...but it looked fun and promising.
Despite the poor condition of the trail...I had a blast and once developed, the trail will prove to be a fun and challenging section to the Killer Three.
This trail should be avoided if you are a beginner, there are many techical climbs with roots, rock and trees positioned so that even the most seasoned of riders will find some sections fairly challenging.
Similar Trail: Santee, Harbison, Lynchs Woods, Marington Trail
Similar Trail: Santee, Harbison, Lynchs Woods, Marington Trail
Review: I had to drive about 75 miles to get here from Summerville (Charleston Area). I was hoping for something different than in the Low Country...Man did I get a treat! There is enough varying terrain that I'll make the trip every few weekends! I loved it.
Trail is marked pretty good with some interesting trail markers. The trail is easy to follow as it gets enough riders that it was clear.
Similar Trail: Marrington Plantation, Santee State Park
Similar Trail: Marrington Plantation, Santee State Park
Review: This baby is FAST. Great, tight, twisty singletrack in places, but for the most part take it as fast as you can. Excellent markings and very well maintained. Would recommend as a must to anyone in the Columbia area. Add the Hardcore loop option for some sweet whoop-de-doos and aerobic sand workout.
Similar Trail: Horn Creek, Harbison
Similar Trail: Horn Creek, Harbison
Review: I rode the K-3 loop and Campbells Pond this past weekend. This place is GREAT! The K-3 is so diversified, you wonder if you're on the same trail from section to section. The only downside is the big sand pits (inevitable in SC) and the roots (inevitable almost ANYWHERE on the east coast). You really have to watch for the sand as it will pitch you if you rush in. Even with 30 lbs of air in the tires, I got squirrelly more than once. The roots are wicked here, esp. that one before the bridge which has washed away to create a two foot drop. The rest of the trail is awesome...I don't remember which section led into what (delirious from the 95 degree heat I guess) but it was well marked with neat signs and designations.
Similar Trail: Cheraw State Park (not as technical), Westwood Park in NC
Similar Trail: Cheraw State Park (not as technical), Westwood Park in NC
Review: The trail system at Manchester consists of about 26 miles of singletrack. Killer III, Hardcore and Cambells Pond. One section of the Palmetto Trail which is in this location runs from Wateree River to Pointsette State Park is additional 16 miles single track to the river and back hiking & mt.biking only. Trails are fast and a good aerobic work out.
Review: KILLER TRAIL THE BEST IN THE AREA
Review: THIS TRAIL HAS BEEN IN MOUNTAIN BIKE MAG. WINTER 2004 EDITION AS ONE OF THE BEST TRAILS IN AMERICA. REASON THE TRAIL IS MAINTAINED BUY A LARGE GROUP OF CONCERNED BIKERS. YES THERE IS SAND BUT THE TRAIL IS CLEAN AND FAST.
Similar Trail: WINE CREEK
Similar Trail: WINE CREEK
Review: For the Sumter area, this trail is about it. It should not be looked at as bad, though. The Killer Three name is kind of a joke though. This trail can get very sandy at times, and a little overgrown, but the volunteers with Buddy's Bike Shop in Sumter do a pretty good job of maintaining it.
Review: Hilly for the area. . . nothing long and hard, couple short and hard hills. Challenging for a novice. Some tight singletrack. Lots of whoop-dee-do's from motorcyclists of the past. Very fun ride overall.
Similar Trail: Sand Hills is tight, sandy singletrack. Winds through the woods. Also a fun ride.
Similar Trail: Sand Hills is tight, sandy singletrack. Winds through the woods. Also a fun ride.
Review: This is a cool trail. Nothing to advanced, but fun nonetheless. The only bummer about the trail is all the sand that has collected.
Similar Trail: Lynches Woods in Newberry. By far the best trail I've ridden.
Similar Trail: Lynches Woods in Newberry. By far the best trail I've ridden.
Review: One of the better trails I've ridden in SC. They have extended loop to 9 miles. Technical & quick and narrow throughout the ride. I took a few spills due to the sandy turns and countless number of leaves on the trail. High PSI in the tires is a must. RIDE YOUR BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Trail: HARBISON TRAIL
Similar Trail: HARBISON TRAIL
Review: One of the reasons you may have been washing out in the sandy areas was because of the high PSI in your tires, as you're advocating. Typically, a lower PSI will offer more surface contact area with your tire, and thus more traction and control. You also might want to experiement with different tread patterns. Additionally, you may want to adjust your fork, especially if you are riding on an air set-up. The same things apply when riding in snow, except you want to run your tires right around 20-25 (max) psi. I'd only recommend higher PSI's (45-70 psi) on hardpack w/ well banked turns, and with the more semi-slick type tires. This being said, I hope your next ride is more wipe-out free. Keep the rubber side down.....
Review: The k-3 trail the last two years has had alot of work done to it. Three miles have been added to it. in the next few weeks we find out if iur new trail proposal has been accepted for 16 miles of new trail. Take a right turn after the boneyard sign and ride the new hardcore trail.
Similar Trail: newberry / Lynches woods
Similar Trail: newberry / Lynches woods
Recommendations
Forks Area Trail System (FATS) (100%)Harbison State Forest (100%)
Campbells Pond (71%)
Dupont State Forest (57%)
Marrington Trail (43%)
Tags
climbs fast fast, fun singletrack technicalSouth Carolina Outdoor Lists
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Hardcore, Campbell's Pond and The Knot are all open."