Fants Grove/Clemson Experimental Forest

9.5 miles, moderate but take into consideration distance
Highlights: Views of Lake Hartwell

The Clemson Experimental Forest contains a systems of trails more popularly known as Fants Grove, although it is broken down into three separate areas: Isaqueena, Fants Grove, and Todds Creek. Its primary purposes are to promote research and education at Clemson, and community outreach. Originally funded via the New Deal and WPA during the Roosevelt administration, the land was eventually deeded to Clemson University in 1954.

These are mixed use trails used by both hikers and horses in some cases. My experience with a few of the trails are that they are easy to moderate. Elevation gain is minimal. We will be hiking approximately 9.5 miles, some of it along the edges of Lake Hartwell. As a side trip by car, I'd like to visit the General Andrew Pickens Home Site which is just up the road a mile or so. General Andrew Pickens was known for his contributions as a Revolutionary War General, and negotiator with the Native Americans.

http://en.wikipedia.o...

For those people coming from Clemson or to the west, please post where you are coming from so we can think about a carpool from Bill's end.

http://sctrails.net/T...

A special thanks to Marianna for going out of her way to get us the map.

Hike expectations: All my hikes are exploratory. I try to pick trails I've never done before so we can have some variety and see new places together. There are thousands of trails in our corner of NC, SC, and GA so we have plenty to choose from! I expect the difficulty of this hike to be moderate although you need to take into consideration the distance. This hike will take approximately 6 hours including rest stops and lunch. It will be an all day event. Driving time approximately 45 minutes one way.

HIKING SAFETY TIPS FOR MY HIKES:

1. ALWAYS HIKE BEHIND THE HIKE LEADER. THEY NEED TO MAKE SURE WE MAKE THE TURNS PROPERLY AND THAT EVERYONE IS TOGETHER.

2. WE SHOULD ALWAYS STOP AT INTERSECTIONS AND WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO CATCH UP SO WE DON'T LOSE ANYONE.

3. PLEASE TELL YOUR HIKE LEADER IF YOU START TO FEEL SICK OR NEED TO TAKE A REST. THIS IS NOT ONLY FOR YOUR SAFETY BUT IS ALSO FOR THE GOOD OF THE GROUP.

Suggested Gratuity: $5.00 per person for vehicle gas

Fee: None

ALWAYS BRING WATER AND SOMETHING TO EAT.

Everyone meet in the back parking area of Ryan's Family Steak House 6124 White Horse Rd. at 8:45 am to arrange vehicles. We'll leave at 9:00 am.