You don't need mountains to go mountain biking (Mountain Biking in Charleston, SC area)

In the past several years we have been spending Christmas with our family in Summerville, South Carolina. This year we were planning on staying through the New Year. Since the temperatures are usually higher there than in Chicago this time of year, we decided to take advantage of that and brought our mountain bikes with us. The goal was to check out the local trails.

We were not disappointed.

From the trail around the neighborhood pond 

A quick google search showed 2 local trails not far from where we were staying that looked promising. By promising I mean true mountain bike trails that were built specifically for this purpose.

In our first few days there, due to family commitments we did not have time to drive to the trail, but since it was really nice out (in the 70s) I couldn't resist and decided to check out the trails around the neighborhood. Those trails were mostly designed for walking and a lot of the residents use them to drive their golf carts (I have not seen actual golf courses in the area so I am guessing those were bought got this use).

What a surprise. A very scenic and fast ride.


The scenery is definitely different than what I am used to. Giant oak trees covered with Spanish moss. Swamp water and ferns.



 The terrain is flat and fast, just perfect for a high intensity ride. Burn all those extra holidays calories consumed.

The best is the accessibility, just get on your bike and in less than half a mile hit the trails for a great 1-1.5 hour workout.

This route quickly became my daily workout while in SC alternating between trail running and mountain biking.

The trails are also pet friendly and we were able to ride and run with our dog. She LOVED it.

Wannamaker North MTB Trail

Where should we start 
(Direction of riding changes by the day of the week, brilliant)

Wannamaker Trail Head

The fist attempt of riding the local MTB trail, Wannamaker North Trail, was a failure. Once we arrived to the trail head we were welcomed by a big sign "Trail is Closed". It did not occur to us to check the trails status beforehand. Dahh. It was raining here quit a lot the days before. The following day, we were more lucky and on to take II, the trail was open. 

Trail Curves between the trees

We followed the signs to the red loop, which is the longest loop (about 8 miles). The trails are one way and the direction of riding is determined based on which day of the week it is. This is brilliant, as it basically doubles the mileage of the trails. 

Once started we discovered a fun, well built trail. Despite the fact that the area is flat, living in Chicago in the past 4 years I have learned that you don't really need mountains (or hills) to have a fun MTB ride.

Roots, leaves and some mud

  

The trail curved among oak and beech trees (some turns are tighter than others). The ground changed from sandy to slightly muddy. It is not too challenging to an experienced mountain biker, I admit, but the multiple roots (espcially when they are wet) and tight curves added some fun factor. Going faster would certainly bring up the challenge factor. This is a perfect trail for beginners.

Although I did not get to ride it, I did read that there is a trail (marked as the orange trail) that is more technical. Can't wait to check it out on my next ride.

The Bridge Section

The big surprise waited for me at the end of the loop, the last few miles consisted of a roller coaster like trail that goes up and down with steep short hills between the trees and under and over a wooden bridge. Sorry that my pictures do not do justice to this sections but all I can say is that I wished this section will not end.


I will definitely be going back there on my next family visit.   

That was a fun ride and fun week of enjoying local SC rides and trail runs in the mid/upper 70s. 

You know that I had a fun ride if it ends with me muddy and need to wash my bike

Thanks for reading!