Key Takeaways
- The Fants Grove trails are part of the Clemson University Forest, a 19,200-acre forest owned by Clemson University.
- Fants Grove has roughly 27 to 30 miles of multi-use trail shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
- The main trailheads are Seed Orchard, Big Oaks, and Butch Kennedy, all off Fants Grove Road and Woodburn Road.
- Clemson RV Park at The Grove backs right up to the Fants Grove trail system.
Some of the best trails in the Upstate are hiding in plain sight between Clemson and Pendleton, on the shores of Lake Hartwell. The Fants Grove trails wind through pine and hardwood forest, along creeks, and out to the lake, and they are open to hikers, bikers, and riders alike.
They are right in our backyard, so here is what to know before you go.
What Is Fants Grove?
Fants Grove is the southern section of the Clemson University Forest, known for decades as the Clemson Experimental Forest until it was renamed in 2025. The forest covers about 19,200 acres and began in the 1930s as a New Deal project to restore worn-out farmland. It was deeded to Clemson in 1954 and today is used for research, teaching, and public recreation.
Across the whole forest there are about 87 miles of trails and 40 trailheads. Fants Grove is one of the two busiest areas, along with Lake Issaqueena on the north side.
Fants Grove Trails at a Glance
The Fants Grove area has roughly 27 to 30 miles of trail. Mountain bikers usually describe the system as a set of color-coded loops connected by shorter trails:
| Loop | Approx. length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red loop | 8.6 miles | Longest loop |
| Green loop | 6.2 miles | Mid-length loop |
| Gray loop | 6 miles | Follows the outer edge of the system |
| Blue loop | 5.8 miles | Shortest loop |
Yellow connector trails tie the loops together, and a route around the full perimeter is close to 20 miles. Most trails are marked with colored shapes, so follow the markers at each junction. Take a photo of the kiosk map before you start. Trail difficulty ranges from easy, flat stretches for beginners to rocky, rooty sections. In late fall, leaves can hide the trail, so watch for markers at each turn.
Trailheads and Parking
- Seed Orchard trailhead: a dirt lot with a kiosk off Seed Orchard Road, popular with hikers and mountain bikers.
- Big Oaks trailhead: a gravel lot with a kiosk on Fants Grove Road.
- Fants Grove Road trailhead: another parking area on the same road, handy for hikers.
- Butch Kennedy trailhead: on Woodburn Road behind the T. Ed Garrison Arena, used mostly by horseback riders.
From Highway 76, take Twin Lakes Road to Fants Grove Road. Seed Orchard Road is a left turn off Fants Grove Road.
Hiking at Fants Grove
For hikers, Fants Grove offers quiet, mostly flat terrain on dirt singletrack and old forest roads, with a few short, steep climbs. Wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray in summer. Highlights include stretches along the Lake Hartwell shoreline, creek crossings, and a stand of bamboo along the trail. The mix of forest, fields, and wetlands supports deer, wild turkeys, and birds, so bring binoculars.
Mountain Biking at Fants Grove
The trail system is a favorite for Clemson-area mountain bikers. The trails are mostly flowing singletrack with roots, small climbs, and fast descents. A few rules to know:
- Only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trails.
- Yield to equestrians. Stop, dismount if needed, and let horses pass.
- Some sections hold water. Stay off the trails after heavy rain to avoid damaging them.
Horseback Riding at Fants Grove
Many trails are open to equestrians, and the Butch Kennedy trailhead near Garrison Arena is the main staging area for riders.
Forest Rules to Know
- Stay on designated trails and roads.
- Keep dogs under control at all times.
- No camping, alcohol, or open fires in the forest.
- Organized events need a special use permit from Clemson.
There is currently no fee or pass to use the trails, though Clemson has said parking or access fees are under consideration. Check the Clemson University Forest website for the latest.
Hunting Season Safety
Most of the Clemson University Forest is open to public hunting through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and Fants Grove is a Wildlife Management Area. Trails stay open during hunting seasons, so:
- Wear blaze orange or another bright color, especially in fall and early winter.
- Know the seasons. Deer archery season typically runs from mid-October to late December, and turkey season runs in spring.
- Check SCDNR regulations for current dates before you go.
Stay Next to the Trails
Clemson RV Park at The Grove backs up to the Fants Grove trail system, so you can spend the morning on the trail and the afternoon by the pool. Our full-hookup sites are a few miles from Clemson and just down the road from Lake Hartwell RV camping and boat ramps. Looking for more outdoor days? See our guide to waterfalls near Clemson.
Fants Grove Trails FAQs
Where are the Fants Grove trails?
In the Clemson University Forest south of campus, near Pendleton and Lake Hartwell, off Fants Grove Road.
How many miles of trails are at Fants Grove?
About 27 to 30 miles of multi-use trail.
Do you need a permit for Fants Grove?
No permit is needed for individual use. Organized events need a special use permit.