Biking South Carolina's Killer Three
Mountain Bike Trail
in Manchester State Forest
Manchester State Forest is located in mid-state South Carolina near Sumter. The Killer Three Bike Trail is 10.2 miles in length and traverses varied terrain, with many turns and a number of elevation changes. The forest is gradually being cut of its Slash Pine and the native Long Leaf Pine (as seen above to left of trail) is being planted in its place. A daily trail permit cost $5 in 2003, with annual passes also available. Trail maps are available at the trailheads.
A number of sandy areas exist on the trail, so care must be taken on curves and downgrades. Only hikers and bikers are allowed on the K3 trail, which is fortunate because a section of the Palmetto Trail also travels through this forest, but it is used by horse traffic and is so torn up that I found it unsuitable for bikes.
The trail is very scenic singletrack, and the local club that maintains it has installed mile markers and its members show their personalities with a variety of clever names (like "chainbreak hill" and "boneyard") and plastic creatures placed at turns and climbs and obstacles. Signs mark several alternate sections which are more challenging. The trail is well marked with directional signs and maps are available at the trailhead.