FATMAP by Strava

Forks Area Trail System

Flowy, purpose-built singletrack that draws riders from all over the nation.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance
58 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.1 km
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
57 m
High Point
176 m
Gradient
Forks Area Trail System Map

The Forks Area Trail System, better known by the acronym FATS, has put the town of Augusta (straddling the Georgia/South Carolina border) and Sumter National Forest on the map for mountain biking. FATS "is the crown jewel of the CSRA mountain bike scene, and the onlyIMBA Epicin South Carolina,” according to VisitAugusta.com. While this area, and especially Sumter National Forest, is home to numerous old school trails that are open to mountain bikes, the addition of the purpose-built FATS trail network made riders sit up and pay attention.

Description

FATS is home to over 37 miles of the good stuff. The machine-built trails were dug into the rolling hills of Sumter National Forest by professional trail builders, and the quality shows. Never steep and never awkward, the singletrack swoops and flows with near-perfect forethought and design.

If you want to bang out a ton of miles on singletrack really quickly, FATS is the place to go. This is XC mountain biking at its finest. Even the so-called more difficult trails are smooth and buff by southeastern standards.

"What makes this trail fun is the speed,” writes VisitAugusta.com. “It’s easy to get, and easy to keep. But you do have to be careful with all that speed: there’s a bunch whoop-de-doos that will throw you over the handlebars if you’re not careful."

The easy trail difficulty rating makes FATS a great place to introduce a new rider to singletrack mountain biking. The fun swoop and flow combined with the low consequence trail design makes for a winning and addictive combination!

Sources: https://www.visitaugusta.com/blog/post/the-5-best-mountain-bike-trails-around-augusta/

Difficulty

Easy

Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Flow