Bicycling near Oconee State Park, SC

One of South Carolina's best kept secrets. This ride is very challenging. If you run out of steam, all you have to do is turn around and coast back to your starting point (except for the return to the state park which is a grueling half-mile uphill climb). You start at 1800 feet above sea level and climb in less than 10 miles to 3000 feet over twisty mountain roads along the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Most views are through the trees though an open vista near the top of the ride affords an unobstructed view to the east off the escarpment. The two times we have done this ride it took 1.5 hours to climb and a half hour to return. Not bad for a couple of guys in their 40s. Granny gears, good lungs and strong calf muscles a must for this trip. Gravity is king on this ride. Traffic should be light since most traffic is below the starting point. The only exceptions are during the fall leaf color season and holiday weekends. Early morning starts (8 am) help avoid most traffic. Definitely not recommended for children. Warning!! Only recommended for married couples who have already survived marriage counseling.

A longer version of this ride.

Mileage (Elevation)	Description
Parking	Public parking at Oconee State Park. Take SC 28 north from Walhalla SC. After several miles, bear right onto SC 107 and the State Park is on your right after a few miles. Restrooms, camping, hiking and more are available at the park. A small entrance fee is charged upon entering the park.
Start (1780')	From parking area for the public beach, bear left onto park road toward exit.
0.5 (1760')	At SC 107 (park entrance), bear right.
1.1 (1880')	Begin long descent with views toward mountains. (Note: Gravel road to right leads 2 miles to top of Long Mountain with fire tower and views. Gate partway up allows only foot or bike traffic.)
1.7 (1800')	Left side pull off to view deer and other local wildlife in large pen.
3.0	Small parking area on right side for Foothills Trail. S-curve switchbacks climb Dodge Mountain.
3.9 (2,200')	Relatively level area. Winding Stairway Road (gravel) to right. Foothills trail crosses SC 107. Small parking area along side of Winding Stairway road.
6.6 (2,270')	Cherry Hill Campground on right.
8.1 (2.780')	Burrells Ford Road on left. Just beyond is a panoramic view at pullout toward the east off the escarpment.
9.5 (3,010')	End at Fish Hatchery Sign. Fish Hatchery located approximately 2 miles down hill to the left.
19.0	Return trip is almost all downhill. The biggest uphill on the return trip is right at the end of the trip just before the state park.

Your Reward - view toward the end
(note - Tamassee Knob in Middle Distance)

Map based on SC DOT 1971 Oconee County Map.
Roads conditions may differ from those shown.
Best to consult a current Oconee county road map.

Miles	19.0
Road Surface	Paved Road
More Detailed Maps	Good County Road Map: Seneca/Oconee County SC Good State Atlas: Delorme SC Atlas and Gazetteer
Rider Skill	For those who like to beat themselves up and then reap the rewards of a long downhill coast over several miles.