FILES

 

• The SCAR is available as a set of GPX computer files, including the main LOOP, the CONNECTOR which bisects the main loop, and various Alternate (ALT) and Spur segments. GPX files can be installed on many (but not all) GPS devices and mobile apps.
   

• Filenames for alternate segments indicate both the segment name, difficulty, and release version (i.e., "SCAR ALT(D1)-PINNACLE_v14.GPX").

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DISTANCES (as of v14)

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• Main LOOP: 1,005 miles
   

• Northwest Loop: 629 miles (543 miles on NW portion of the main LOOP + 86 miles on the CONNECTOR-LOOP)
   

• Southeast Loop: 547 miles (548 miles on SE portion of the main LOOP + 86 miles on the CONNECTOR-LOOP)

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• Edisto Beach to the TAT via the "southern" route: 534 miles (63 miles on the CONNECTOR-EDISTO + 391 miles on the LOOP + 80 miles on the CONNECTOR-TAT)

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• Edisto Beach to the TAT via the "northern" route: 757 miles (63 miles on the CONNECTOR-EDISTO + 614 miles on the LOOP + 80 miles on the CONNECTOR-TAT)

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COMPOSITION (as of v14)

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• Approximately 45% of the SCAR is off-pavement, and some of these sections contain sand and/or mud. 

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DIFFICULTY
 

• To assist in route planning, SCAR segments have been assigned difficulty levels. NOTE: ALL DIFFICULTY ASSIGNMENTS ARE ARBITRARY. THE ACTUAL DIFFICULTY OF ANY SEGMENT DEPENDS ON RIDER SKILL AND CONDITIONS. UNFORSEEN AND UNCONTROLLABLE CONDITIONS SUCH AS WEATHER, LOGGING OPERATIONS, AND OTHER FACTORS CAN DRASTICALLY IMPACT THE DIFFICULTY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF ANY PORTIONS OF THE SCAR. ULTIMATELY, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN RIDING DECISIONS, ROUTE SELECTIONS, AND SAFETY.

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DIFFICULTY LEVELS
 

• D0 (Difficulty Level 0): Paved, groomed gravel, sand, and a limited amount of mud, washes, and other road imperfections. NOTE: This level is the "easiest" on the SCAR, but it does not necessarily imply easy or trouble-free riding; rather, it is the baseline difficulty level found in the main LOOP and CONNECTOR under typical conditions.
   

• D1 (Difficulty Level 1): Some road imperfections, steep grades., and/or noteworthy mud/wet areas.
   

• D2 (Difficulty Level 2): Likely to be steep and rutted, and/or may contain moderate mud/wet spans.
   

• D3 (Difficulty Level 3): Expect unstable road surfaces, long spans of mud and/or standing water. Conditions may render segments impassable.
   

• D4 (Difficulty Level 4): Very deeply rutted and off-camber trail with erosion, mud, loose rocks, obstacles, tree encroachment, drop-offs, and short, steep grades. Must be capable of and experienced in self-recovery. 4x4s should have high clearance--a winch, aggressive tires, limited slip or locking differentials, a passenger who can function as a spotter, and a chainsaw are all highly recommended. As with all routes, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ROUTE CHOICES...TRAVEL AT YOUR OWN RISK! RESCUE ON THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE OR MAY BE EXTREMELY DELAYED. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THIS SECTION BEFORE ATTEMPTING IT.

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SEGMENTS/FILES (Clockwise on the Loop, beginning near Colleton State Park)

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• SCAR LOOP and CONNECTOR-LOOP (D0). This is the primary route, and under typical conditions, it is the easiest of the SCAR options (the path of least resistance). The LOOP is approximately 1,000 miles in length and about 40% off-pavement. In general, it is more flat and sandy in the southeast, and more hilly/mountainous in the northwest. The CONNECTOR bisects the LOOP, running near Batesburg-Leesville, next to Lake Murray, and through Newberry.
    -- Distance: 1,005 miles (LOOP)
    -- Distance: 86 miles (CONNECTOR)
   

• CONNECTOR-EDISTO (D1). This Connector between the SCAR Loop and Edisto Beach is a scenic and mostly-pavement jaunt in the coastal plain, over a causway and under tunnels of dangling spanish moss. Be sure to allow time to dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean and explore a few of the relaxed eateries.

        -- Distance: 63 miles

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• ALT PARKERS FERRY (D1). Flat lowland along the Edisto River (south/west side of the river). When dry, this segment will contain hardened ruts. When wet, it can become muddy and slick, ruts can be hidden under puddles. Logging operations and 4x4 activity can sometimes increase imperfections. *Note: There are two "Parkers Ferry" roads. One is on the north/east side of the Edisto River and is not part of the SCAR.
    -- Distance: 15 miles
   

• ALT SOUTHEAST (D1). Expanding the SCAR into the southeast portion of the state, this alternate transits the Sandhills region. Expect deep sand, especially when conditions are dry.Be sure to visit the Battle of Rivers Bridge historucal site. Approximately 80% off-pavement. 

-- Distance: 123 miles

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• ALT YARBOROUGH (D2). South of Edgefield. Sand and Clay in rolling hills can become deeply rutted and muddy/slick when wet, and these conditions can linger, even when weather has been relatively dry.
    -- Distance: 5.1 miles
   

• ALT LR WHITE (D2). Southeast of McCormick. Consistently contains sections of shallow mud and standing water across the road, as well as significant encroachment of tree limbs.
    -- Distance: 9.8 miles
   

• ALT LONG CANE (D1). North of McCormick. A heavily wooded section composed of gravel over clay with a high crown on the road. This section passes two sites of historical interest: the Long Cane Massacre site and Long Cane Creek Bridge.
    -- Distance: 10.1 miles
   

• CONNECTOR-TAT/WINTER BYPASS (D0 to D1). North of Walhalla. Connects the SCAR to both the TransAmerica Trail (TAT) and the Smokey Mountain 500 (SM500). Primarily gravel and pavement. Contains some steep grades and ruts. The Winter Bypass is all pavement and exists due to an annual wintertime forest road closure (typically Jan 1st - March 14th).
    -- Distance: 79.5 miles
   

• ALT WALKING STICK (D4). Walking Stick Rd is an unmaintained, very deeply rutted and off-camber trail with erosion, mud, loose rocks, obstacles, tree encroachment, and short, steep grades. Must be capable of and experienced in self-recovery. 4x4s should have high clearance--a winch, aggressive tires, limited slip or locking differentials, a passenger who can function as a spotter, and a chainsaw are all highly recommended. As with all routes, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ROUTE CHOICES...TRAVEL AT YOUR OWN RISK! RESCUE ON THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE OR MAY BE EXTREMELY DELAYED. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THIS SECTION BEFORE ATTEMPTING IT.
    -- Distance: 6.5 miles
   

• ALT TRI STATE (D0). A scenic alternative that loops around the intersection of SC, NC, and GA.
    -- Distance: 29.8 miles
   

• ALT JUMPING OFF (D2). West of Table Rock. A scenic out-and-back diversion containing steep grades which are often rutted and loose.
    -- Distance: 14.5 miles (each way)
   

• ALT SASSAFRAS (D0). West of Table Rock. A scenic out-and-back diversion to South Carolina's highest point.
    -- Distance: 8.7 miles (each way)
   

• ALT DUPONT (D1). A scenic diversion in Dupont State Forest. Some steep rutted grades.
    -- Distance: 17.6 miles
   

• ALT PINNACLE (D1). Next to Dupont State Forest. A scenic diversion with ridgetop views. Some steep and rutted grades.
    -- Distance: 20.4 miles
   

• ALT NORTHEAST (D2). Covering the northeast portion of the state, this significant addition transits Sandhills State Forest and the Carolina National Wildlife Refuge, providing an alternate route between Great Falls and Francis Marion National Forest. Campsites marked along this route require reservations (see metedata in the individual POIs). Expect deep sand and large areas of standing water. Local conditions may often increase the difficulty of this section to D3 or higher. Please remember to tread lightly, especially in wet conditions. Approximately 60% off-pavement. 

-- Distance: 240 miles​​
 

• ALT FMNF (D1). Loops through the northeast portion of Francis Marion National Forest. Prone to flooding from surrounding rivers. Sometimes impassable.
    -- Distance: 17.6 miles

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INSTALLING GPX FILES

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• GPX files are map files that can be installed on a wide variety (but not all) GPS devices and mobile apps. Exactly how to install these files will depend on your unique device/app. Please refer to the instructions for your device or app for instructions. Additionally, a significant amount of YouTube and Internet tutorials exist on this topic. 

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RIDING WITH GPX FILES

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• TRACKS vs. ROUTES. The SCAR GPX files contain "tracks." Tracks are essentially a visual line on a map. They do not provide turn-by-turn instructions and must be followed visually on your GPS device. While some GPS devices are capable of converting "tracks" into "routes" (routes can provide turn-by-turn instructions), it is recommended that you do not do so. Many GPS devices will apply artificial intelligence to routes, and will modify the route according to the device preferences (i.e. to optimize speed, to avoid dirt roads, etc.). This can result in drastic departures from the original route. BOTTOM LINE: Use the original "track" format to navigate in order to ensure you are following the actual SCAR.
   

• DISPLAY ALL FILES. It is recommended that you install all SCAR GPX files onto your device, set them to "display on map" (as allowed by your device), and change them to unique colors. For example, set the SCAR LOOP to green, the SCAR CONNECTOR to yellow, and all the Alternates to red. Then, when encountering the intersections of the tracks while riding, you will be aware of your options​.

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