Topic: Camping near F.A.T.S. Anyone?

[Coach]

Looking to do a road trip to FATS (Forks Area Trail System).  Has anyone gone there and do you have any recommendations for campgrounds?  Also, any helpful hints are appreciated as I have never biked outside Florida!

[Darrinw2001]

Coach, you will love it! make sure you ride all the trails at FATS... here is a couple helpful links...


Trails around the area besides FATS - http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/metroMap.php?page=Augusta%2C+GA


Nice State Park to stay - Hickory knob State park - http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/1109.aspx


if you want to "Primitive Camp" (no showers or electric, but has a bathroom) at the FATS trail head FREE you can by calling the Ranger station
Long Cane Ranger District810 Buncombe Street
Edgefield, SC 29824
Phone: (803) 637-5396
Fax: (803) 637-5247



you can also camp at the Lick Fork rec area http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275591.pdf

[Darrinw2001]

Here is Spencer on "Brown Wave" which is like a big fast pump track

Forks Area Trail System - Brown Wave

and here he is on "Skinny" which is a trail that leads to Brown Wave..

FATSSkinny.wmv

[Darrinw2001]

Another camping option for you - http://www.us-parks.com/camping/ga/petersburg-campground.html

[AlwaysGoForward]

I sent this via the Yahoo eGroups... we are camping at the Hickory Knob State Park, SC

Jeff White and Alicia Diem would like to encourage anyone wishing to camp, to reserve camp sites around the same area. We have site#010/Main Loop.  Camp sites allow two vehicles, share... ($18/night/site).

camp reservations  &  camp map  (enter start date=May 21, four nights)
cabin=$91, lodge=$79, trailer/tent=$18  (see cancellation policy below)

WiFi is available at Hickory Knob for park guests in the lodge and lodging areas.
 
Cancellation policy:
> With 15+ days notice, there will be a $10 handling fee.
> Within 4-14 days, a one night's charge will be applied.
> Within 0-3 days, your entire deposit will not be refunded.

[Coach]

Thanks for all the info!  Next question.  If I had to pick one for my first out of state trip, do I go to FATS or Elijay???

[Darrinw2001]

Thanks for all the info!  Next question.  If I had to pick one for my first out of state trip, do I go to FATS or Elijay???

it depends.. do you like climbing? that Elijay, if not so much, Fats..

[Coach]

Thanks for all the info!  Next question.  If I had to pick one for my first out of state trip, do I go to FATS or Elijay???

it depends.. do you like climbing? that Elijay, if not so much, Fats..

Well...does anyone REALLY like climbing?  I like downhills!  However my frame of reference is 20 yrs. ago riding a Trek 930 (rigid steel w/Canti brakes) down the side of some mountain in North Georgia.  It scared the hell out of me in very unmanly ways.  We were not on MTB trails, it was just down the side of a Mt.

[mellowme17]

climbing is half the fun...... when are you looking to go?... those trails look paved!

[Orion_134]

If you are looking for a mix of everything, go to EJ and spend several days there.  There is smooth, rolling DH and there's also fun pumpy DH and there's also rocky, leafy, clay sketch DH.  There are climbs that will break you off one day and then the folks at Mulberry Gap will shuttle you to a place the next day that is mostly DH and you can recover while still riding epic trails.
I'm partial, I haven't ridden FATS.

[chainslap]

I did a trip last fall to FATS and then Dupont and Pisgah. Fats has about 40 miles of trails. Do the side with Brown Wave and Great Wall first, it's a blast and flows for ever.  You can make it to Agusta leaving after work to save a day if you need, hotels can be had for $50 or so.  From there we went to Davidson Campground between Pisgah and Dupont, you could spend weeks there.  Dupont has great variety (be sure to hit Burnt Mountain) and Pisgah is incredibly technical (Black Mountain is a must do).  Start out at "The Hub" bike shop to get maps and recomendations, they are a class act and have several micro brews on tap for post ride enjoyment.  If you can get a full day at each place, it would be worth while, if you have a couple extra, spent them at Dupont.
 

[BillT]

For a first trip out of state, I'd try to stretch it so you could go to up to the Pisgah/DuPont area.

[SWAMPTHaNG]

Coach,  What dates are U considering for your road trip to FATS? Sounds interesting....

[Coach]

God help me, it looks like Memorial Day weekend is the only way I can swing it.  Right now, it looks like Elijay is the front runner.  FATS and Elijay seem to be about 8.5 hours away.  For a 1st trip out of state, I do want some real climbs and downhills, so I am leaning towards FATS.  Pisgah and the like are farther away.

[Orion_134]

What?  For real climbs go to EJ!  I'm not diss'ing FATS, but only relaying the information along because I just went through this same research. 

[Coach]

What?  For real climbs go to EJ!  I'm not diss'ing FATS, but only relaying the information along because I just went through this same research.

Good call!  I just re-read my post and OOOPS!  I meant I am leaning towards Elijay for the real climbs and downhills.  Sorry for the confusion.

[Canonball]

I haven't been up to Ellijay, but I was fortunate last week in that work had me up in Augusta. So, I just happened to bring my bike and ride FATS. I had a blast riding out there. It was alot faster and smoother than I was expecting. Like Darrin said, there are alot of sections on those trails that are just fast pump n flow - plenty chance to get some air too! For every fast section though, there is the uphill on the backside. There aren't any major climbs though; however, if you aren't used to climbs, you're really going to feel it. I highly recommend going out there at some point. There are several rec areas and campgrounds around Lake Thurmond.

[kj]

old thread resurrection!

Heading to FATS in March, from Hickory Knob campsite how far is it to the good trails?

[RKL]

From last summer's club trip, FATS is probably 30 - 45 minutes from the state park.