If you live in and around the CSRA, you'll be happy to know we live around one of the best trail systems in the southeast! FATS (Forks Area Trail System) is a trail system right across the river in Edgefield county, South Carolina. Enjoy nearly 40 miles of groomed single-track that's friendly to walkers, runners, and cyclists! FATS consists of 6 individual loops that each have their own unique characteristics. Our favorite trails here at the shop are Big Rock & Brown Wave!
Brown Wave
Distance: 5.8 miles
Brown Wave gets its name because it feels like surfing on a bike. Lots of rollers and the least climbing of any loop make it one of the most popular choices. Riders will have to ride Skinny down to the entrance of Brown Wave and climb back on the same trail you came in on when you finish. Some riders prefer to drive down the forest road right next to the south trail head parking to eventually end up where Brown Wave crosses. This way you eliminate riding Skinny and can do a few laps if you please.
Skinny
Distance: 6 miles
Skinny is the best trail for beginners. It’s easily accessible from the parking lot, and minimal climbing make it a great place to get your bearings. Brown wave connects around the halfway point and returns right around where you enter.
Great Wall
Distance: 7.5 miles
Great Wall is one of the most well-rounded trails at FATS, with a little bit of everything sprinkled in. Enjoy some fast downhill sections, techincal climbing, and plenty of rollers!
Deep Step
Distance: 5 miles
Deep Step offers more climbing than the other three southern loops, and many of the climbs are steep. It features great rollers just like the trails listed above! Enjoy lengthy (for our area) downhill sections met with leg burning climbs to greet you at the end of the descents.
Big Rock
Distance: 4 miles
Both Big Rock and Tower have a different feel than the southern loops. The terrain is steeper, the ground is rockier, and the width of the trails is a bit narrower. These trail see less use than the southern loop due to the parking lot being split from the main parking lot.
Tower
Distance: 4 miles
Named after the nearby observation tower, this loop has been described as up-hill in both directions. Steep climbs, switch backs, and plenty of flowing high speed sections are guarenteed to treat you with a good time!
See the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association's article on FATS:
http://www.sorbacsra.org/Trails/FATS.htm
Get Your Adventure On
The August area is great place to live if you desire to get into cycling. We have many other trails scattered about our town & surrounding area! If you ever have any questions about great trails to ride, feel free to give the shop a call! We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
