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A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
A group of mountain bikers gather in the FATS parking lot before setting out into the woods.
I did the wave this weekend. Not the stand-up-and-throw-your-hands-in-the-air stadium cheer. I'm talking about the much more awesome Brown Wave at FATS.
Formally known as the Forks Area Trail System, this mountain biking wonderland features a 32-mile network of "flow" trails that allow adrenaline-junkie cyclists to fly across undulating terrain like a downhill skier.
In just a few short years, FATS has become one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the Southeast. On any given weekend, you'll find the parking lot full of cyclists who have traveled from near and far for the thrill of riding these single-track trails.
FATS features an ample number of trail markers and maps along the six main routes to keep you pedaling on track.
The mountain biking sensation made the pages of The Wall Street Journal in a story showcasing the 11 best flow trails in the country. It has been highlighted in several magazines, including Bike and Bicycling, and was awarded "Epic Ride" status by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Located in the Long Cane Ranger District of Sumter National Forest near Edgefield, FATS offers six individual loop trails, each with their own distinctive character and feel. The trails' swooping turns, rolling hills and banked contours make for an action-packed ride you won't experience on your average hiking trail.
The Forks Area Trail System offers steep climbs, switchbacks and plenty of flowing high-speed sections.
That's because FATS was built specifically for mountain biking. Jumps, bumps, dips and berms were created to keep riders flowing unimpeded through the thick forest of trees almost like a pump track
And therein lies the genius of this mountain biking masterpiece. Sporting few technical features, FATS allows newbies to have lots of high-flying fun without tremendous effort. They can ride the brakes over the sections of seemingly endless mounds and dips and still experience the thrill of a rollercoaster ride.
A biker charges along one of the trails in the Forks Area Trail System.
On those same trails, hardcore riders can go flat out and spend as much time off the ground as on it. Optional lines provide more challenges for those with the mettle to brave the hazards.
As for the occasional fallen logs, most of those have been placed across the track to offer both high and low crossing options. Another great thing about these trails: there aren't a whole lot of bone-rattling roots typically found on hiking trails. They were purposefully removed to create a luge effect.
The Forks Area Trail System, otherwise known as FATS, features 37-mile of trails to challenge every level of mountain biker.
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
