Musterground Road

Scout Route
4.5/5 (2 reviews)

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Musterground Road is a seasonal road in the northern section of the Jocassee Gorges in Upstate South Carolina. It's open from September 15 through January 2, then again from March 20 through April, roughly following the state hunting seasons. The trail offers views of Lake Jocassee that are unique to this route, as there is no other road system to explore the area. The views are sometimes spectacular and daunting at others, spanning the gamut from wide, open vistas to closed, vertical walls.

The trail conditions vary, but it is generally well-maintained, consisting of mostly graded dirt with gravel. Many steep climbs, a signature feature of the gorges, can suffer from wash-outs. These can be rutted and littered with small boulders/large rocks that can make traction a challenge with street tires. This trail is recommended for 4WD vehicles. Wet conditions would warrant more aggressive tread. 2WD vehicles would have difficulty climbing the loose, steep sections, likely damaging the trail.

Musterground Road is the spine and main thoroughfare through the Musterground Mountain area. Still, several other trails branch off and offer access to additional views and hiking/hunting. By the map, there is a connection to Auger Hole Road in Gorges State Park in NC. However, Musterground Road ends at a locked gate.

Camping is allowed in established primitive campsites. The sites are marked by green signage to the side of the trail and offer privacy from the main trail.