Clemson Experimental Forest Legacy Road Network

The Clemson Experimental Forest spreads across 17,500 acres of Piedmont hardwoods and pine plantations where forestry students have been conducting research since 1934. Multiple gated forest roads branch off from Isaqueena Trail, leading to research plots, timber harvest areas, and old homestead sites from before the university acquired the land. The main artery runs 8 miles through mixed terrain to the Chattooga River boundary, passing the concrete foundations of Depression-era CCC camps and crossing several creek beds that can wash out during heavy rains.

This is moderate terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD for wet-weather creek crossings and steep climbs through timber cuts. Gates are locked except during research activities, so contact Clemson’s School of Agricultural, Forest and Environmental Sciences for access permits. Best visited in fall and winter when gates are more likely to be open for hunting season. No camping allowed on university property, but dispersed camping is available across the boundary in Sumter National Forest. Expect no cell service once you’re more than 3 miles in.