Off-Road Trails: South Carolina

Located on the southeastern Atlantic shore wall, South Carolina, has a large amount of forest acreage for OHV riding. Although privately held property riding locations outnumber the state-run OHV areas, this still means there is plenty of off-road riding in the state. Trail systems tend to be tighter and piney tree forest-lined trails make this a great place to enjoy yourself on your ATV or UTV.

Trail networks consist of natural object's like large rock formations along with mud for those who love to test out the capability of their machine. You will also find plenty of light to moderate trails that drivers of any age can navigate easily. Sandy creek crossings and varying levels of hill climbs do occupy the region with a high forest canopy shading the trails in some areas. Winter riding is best at local privately held property, as these locations are typically open year-round. One of the largest in the state is considered to be Carolina Adventure World. Side-by-side driving destinations like these are great for the entire family and a safe place to introduce new people to the off-road lifestyle.

South Carolina is a very welcoming state with RV campgrounds scattered out and stretching all the way from North Carolina in the north and Georgia in the west. Finding plenty of amenities for lodging, food and personal items is very convenient in the small towns surrounding the riding areas. Taking a family vacation for some off-road riding in South Carolina and then enjoying some beach time while there is a great way to enjoy the summer.

• Distance 100 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Winnsboro, SC

Carolina Adventure World

Considered the largest off-road destination in South Carolina, this 2600-acre facility located in Winnsboro, South Carolina has anything you might need for a fun family off-roading experience. From its selection of cabin rentals to the RV hook up sites as well as camping locations, this park is all inclusive. Add in the 100 miles of trails with terrain that is always surprising, and you have a great place to ride. There are many hills and trails have bridges to cross over the main creek in the park. Stretching the legs of a side-by-side vehicle would be easy here,

• Distance 10 Miles
• Skill Level Intermediate to Advanced
• Trailhead Waterloo, SC

Gulches Off-Road Park

The off-road pride of Waterloo, South Carolina, Gulches Off-road Park gives SxS families plenty of space to try out their machine and enough variety to keep even the little tikes wanting more. This ride park offers over 80 acres of marked trails that are rated for difficulty. According to park managers the facility consists of at least a 50/50 balance of easy to difficult trails. Gulches could be considered a ride location for those looking to get into some serious riding like rock crawling and other natural trail obstacles. Gulches off-road park also has 13 campsites with fire rings for those who feel they didn't get enough on the first day or simply want to rest before heading back homeward bound. Gulches off-road park also has 13 campsites with fire rings for those who feel they didn't get enough on the first day or simply want to rest before heading back homeward bound.

• Distance 55 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Florence, SC

River Neck Acres

Utilizing over 1174 acres, this low-lying park is well known for its mud riding opportunities. Estimated to be 30-75 feet in elevation, this park gives off-roaders a great place to test their skills in the slick stuff and hard pack trails littering the park. An estimated 55 miles of trails are available here in this Florence, South Carolina property, giving any family a chance to relax and let loose. Both furnished and unfurnished cabins are available for rent as well as RV hook-ups and primitive camping for those who love the all-natural. There is a large bathhouse which is priority at the close of day when riding in the mud. At a low cost of only $15 per day for one person and a machine and then only another $5 to fill the passenger seat, you can have a blast on the cheap.

• Distance 25 miles+
• Skill Level Intermediate
• Trailhead Jefferson, South Carolina

Broken Nut Off-Road Park

Broken Nut has 350 acres of twisting, mud-filled trails and obstacles for ATVs, UTVs and 4x4s. This is a privately owned park and it holds special events along the season, so check ahead to see if there is something coming up you don’t want to miss. The trails consist of hard pack dirt, clay, sand, mud and rocks. You’ll surely find some deep mud holes that will challenge even the most experienced mudder. During events and select weekends, the park brings in food trucks and other vendors for you to enjoy. There is a small fee for riders and passengers.

• Distance 19 miles+
• Skill Level Intermediate
• Trailhead Near Pinewood, South Carolina

Manchester State Forest

Manchester State Forest has a limited amount of ATV trails, but those trails are pretty cool. There are some steep climbs, deep woods with a mix of pine and hardwoods, and a mix of sand and dirt that form some seriously fun whoop sections. The trail section is open from dawn to dusk and a day-use permit is required. This is a fun and challenging trail that can let you get some cool woods-racing inspired riding in.