Reputation: Regional SC event.
[01]
Course Overview
South Carolina coastal forest gravel in Francis Marion NF.
65 mi
Distance
1,500 ft
Elevation
Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina
Location
March 21, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$60-100
Entry Cost
MORE IN SOUTH CAROLINA: Race to Valhalla · Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest · Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Nankman Cycling Adventures
Photo: YouTube / Nankman Cycling AdventuresFlat coastal forest gravel with minimal elevation.
Signature challenge: Coastal forest endurance with heat and humidity.
20
MILE
Early Forest
First forest sections.
35
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
55
MILE
Final Forest
Final forest sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Steed Creek Road
First of many road crossings with traffic noise during morning rush hour periods.
Pavement sections
Three sections of pavement on the route, each about half a mile long.
Potholes on recently graded roads
Lots of potholes present despite recent road grading work by forestry service.
Very very flat terrain throughout most of the trail with no ups and downs, allowing for high mileage days.
Muddy conditions expected all winter long, with roads showing evidence of recent maintenance work.
Straight forestry roads with beautiful native pine forests and native grasses, featuring sudden changes between tall pine trees and marshy swampy bays.
[04]
From the Field
It was absolutely pouring for the start of the 100 miles thankfully it did let up for the start of the 53 Miler and you can see throughout the rest of the day. Mine start right now, I really don't want to burn all my matches here but a little power necessary needs a fair amount of power to stay upright in these wet kind of sandy kind of dirty conditions.
Getting Your Mind In Gear · 469 views
It's on flat roads through the Francis Marion National Forest, definitely no climbing I think 197 feet of total elevation gain over 53 miles vast majority of the ride is on dirt roads throughout again just the Francis Marion National Forest.
Getting Your Mind In Gear · 469 views
You can't call us. We're gonna be sleeping in those cars right there so if you have a life threatening emergency just call 9-1-1 obviously.
Nankman Cycling Adventures · 579 views
Come out and take a hike if you're into this kind of thing. Nothing so peaceful back here.
Charleston Bikepacker · 861 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
March 21, 2026 SWAMP FOX GRAVEL FONDO
[08]
Train for Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
2
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
4
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Charleston (CHS) 45 minutes
Lodging
Charleston area has good lodging options.
Food
Charleston has full dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Water east of Halfway Creek Road is not suitable for drinking or filtering due to brackish salt inundation according to forest rangers.
For overnight events, calculate snacks based on expected hours out there and pack extra clothing even if temperature ranges don't vary wildly.
Install brand new batteries in GPS trackers before events for cheap insurance rather than worrying about battery life during the race.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmMUDDY
1
Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite
strong mud clearance
2
Tufo Gravel Swampero
strong mud clearance
3
Vittoria Terreno Wet
strong mud clearance
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo?
March 2025 conditions were ideal with "absolutely perfect temperature - a balmy 60 degrees with light wind and a bit of fog/mist in the air." However, past years brought "cold temperatures and demoralizing rain" creating course mud pits. The remote forest location means limited cell reception during weather emergencies. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[3]
How are the logistics for Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo?
Registration caps at 300 riders across all distances, but organizers warn "We no longer mark our courses. Riders should download the course GPX file to their navigation device." The Francis Marion forest location offers minimal cell reception and no sag support - "There is no SAG wagon to pick you up. If you leave the course, we may not be able to find you."[1]
How adventurous is Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo?
The 177.6-mile overnight Moultrie Militia option starts at 11 PM, creating nocturnal forest experiences with active Barred Owls and remote roads where "we are on one of the most remote roads out there." New War history connects riders to Francis Marion's guerrilla warfare tactics, but minimal support infrastructure limits backcountry immersion.[3]
How prestigious is Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo?
Multi-day festival format includes Friday brewery packet pickup at Commonhouse Aleworks and Sunday "Dirt Church" recovery rides sponsored by Trek Bicycle Store. The 177.6-mile overnight raid attracts only 16 starters from nearly 450 weekend registrants, suggesting niche regional appeal rather than national drawing power.[1]
Should I race Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo?
If you're in South Carolina and want a flat forest event—yes, it's solid. If you're from out of state or want climbing—look elsewhere.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo 2024 50 Mile Routeridewithgps.com/routes/47892812
- Other Sources Mtpleasantvelowww.mtpleasantvelo.org/swampfoxgravelfondo
- Community relentlessforwardcommotion.com: 2025 Moultrie Militia Gravel Raid Race Reportrelentlessforwardcommotion.com/2025-moultrie-militia-grav...
- Community webscorer.com: Resultswww.webscorer.com/results?raceid=345736&did=441093&gender=m