Event for 2027 not confirmed yet… Nestled on a sprawling 2000-acre hunting preserve, the Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest delivers deceptively challenging terrain across South Carolina’s Piedmont region. Part of the Southeast Gravel Series, this event has evolved from its origins as a colder-weather “Spring Classic” to a mid-June finale that takes advantage of more pleasant conditions and includes a scenic river crossing.

Don’t let the generally flat reputation of this region fool you—first-time participants consistently find the course more demanding than expected. The Long Course spans 73 miles with significant elevation gain that tests even experienced riders, while the Short Course offers 49 miles with around 2,100 feet of climbing. A 13-mile Fun Course provides an accessible option for newer gravel riders.

The route winds through diverse terrain including rolling hills, remote back-country roads, and technical climbs, all connected by some of the area’s best gravel roads with minimal traffic. The hunting preserve setting ensures a wild, uninterrupted experience through varied landscapes that keep riders engaged throughout.

The lakeside start-finish venue creates an ideal atmosphere for the post-race BBQ and beer, where the strong sense of camaraderie among participants shines. Veterans praise both the challenging course design and the quality of the post-ride festivities. One participant noted the combination of technical difficulty, traffic-free roads, and excellent food made them “mark down every Southeast Gravel event” on their calendar.

The event has recently moved to a new finish line location designed to enhance the celebration atmosphere as riders complete their efforts.