In October 2024 I was finally ready to take my new overland focused Jeep on a longer distance trip. I settled on a new destination in Sumter National Forest, South Carolina. This was also my first out of state solo trip, I’d do it again.
With my Jeep loaded up, I set my way south and took part of the South Carolina Adventure Route toward Sumter NF. With a focus on driving and reaching camp, I didn’t take any pictures until I was near camp. This logging effort in Sumter NF provided nice views of the South Carolina landscape.
With plenty of time to spare for the day, I took a drive over to Chester State Park to visit the lake. I could have sat there all day.
With a full tank of fuel, I headed west back toward the forest with the intention of exploring some forest roads. I didn’t have to drive far to find more evidence of the impact Helene had on this area.
This was the first time I’ve had a gravel forest road pass under an interstate highway. It was cool but felt sketchy, almost claustrophobic in the tunnel.
Oddly, after passing under the interstate, the road became partially asphalt for a short stretch.
I continued for maybe 1 mile before reaching an unplanned stopping point. Helene damage totally blocking the route.
With that and the sun getting lower, it was time to make tracks toward the Woods Ferry campground.
It was a nice drive back to camp, but I was relieved to be there to get settled in for the night.
With camp established a fire was lit in short order for a good old fashioned weenie roast. As a self-proclaimed hot dog enthusiast, it’s hard to be a fire roasted frank.
After a much-needed slumber, coffee on the roast with a Carolina sunrise in the background was a welcome treat.
These sammitch toasters are intended to be used in the campfire but they work just fine on a propane stove. I use this method often to save time.
The first stop of the day was the Enoree river, just 1000 yards or so from camp.
The boat ramp and this sign still show signs of Helene’s rath.
After rompin’ around the river for a bit, I set off to explore local forest roads, or at least that was the intent. More Helene damage blocked my way. At least the Autumn foliage was a nice view.
Making tracks back the way I came in.
With the less traveled, more remote forest roads seeming to be a bust, I switched up the plans and paid a visit to the site of the Battle of Musgrove Mill. This is a historic battleground in the American Revolutionary War.
A short hike took me through the battlefield to the Enoree River to the former location of Musgrove’s Ford and Musgrove’s Mill.
These old bridge footers were a surprising find.
I completed the hike around the Musgrove site. I set my navs back toward camp but made time for a short detour on a road less traveled.
It was nice to be back at camp for some relaxation.
It was all fine and dandy until I noticed the wind picking up and ominous clouds becoming visible through the tree line. My smart watch showed no rain on the forecast, so I brushed it off for a few minutes and started splitting firewood to prepare a feed.
With no phone service at camp, I pulled the local weather report on my InReach, I quickly had the impression that my watch’s weather service was wrong again.
Oof-A-Roni
I quickly tossed my firewood, chair, and other random bits into the Jeep as the rain started and jumped in the driver’s seat to wait out the weather.
I couldn’t resist capturing a photo of my watch’s weather report with the rain-soaked windscreen in the background.
As night fell the rain subsided and I was finally able to light the fire. T-bone steak and a baked potato were on the original menu. At this hour, leftover hotdogs will have to suffice.
After a good night’s rest, more coffee while I hung my rain fly to dry.
The dry patch where my tent had been.
After hanging around camp for a few hours drying gear and packing, I set my waypoint north and headed home. This wasn’t the most remote or picturesque trip, but it was nice to get back in the woods to a new destination and in a new rig. Fortunately, Jeep never skipped a beat and performed flawlessly. A good shakedown trip indeed. I’ll keep Sumter in mind for a future trip to revisit those tree blocked roads.
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