Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race 2026
Event Overview
The Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race is a multi-day gravel cycling event held in and around Hellhole Swamp within the Francis Marion National Forest, near Charleston, South Carolina. Organized by Mt. Pleasant Velo Events, the event combines a Friday evening prologue with a two-day stage race and one-day gravel fondo options.
The 2026 weekend begins on Friday, October 2, with an optional six-mile, all-gravel out-and-back prologue. The time-trial-style ride starts at approximately 6:30 PM, just before sunset, and riders are required to use front and rear lights.
The main racing takes place on October 3–4. The two-day Stage Race covers approximately 75 miles per day, while the Stage Race Lite covers approximately 45 miles per day. Around 90% of the courses consist of unpaved roads and trails, including singletrack and doubletrack sections. A 45-mile one-day gravel fondo is also offered on Saturday.
The terrain is predominantly hard-packed gravel, with grassy doubletrack, rougher trail sections, potholes, and numerous open-road crossings. Riders should be prepared for a remote environment with limited course support.
For official information and registration, visit https://www.mtpleasantvelo.org/hellhole-gravel-grind-stage-race
Ride Experience
- Twilight Gravel Prologue – A six-mile all-gravel time trial on Friday evening, with riders starting at 20-second intervals.
- Two-Day Stage Racing – Approximately 75 miles per day for the full Stage Race, with the lowest cumulative time deciding the overall winner.
- Stage Race Lite – Approximately 45 miles per day for riders seeking a shorter stage-race format.
- Mixed Gravel Terrain – Mostly hard-packed gravel, plus grassy doubletrack and trail sections in the forest.
- Remote Racing – One stocked aid station is provided each day, but riders are expected to carry essential tools, parts, and nutrition.
Why It Stands Out
- A long-running U.S. gravel stage race with a distinctive three-day format including the Friday prologue.
- Forest-based gravel racing entirely in and around the Francis Marion National Forest near Charleston.
- Multiple participation options, from the full 150-mile two-day Stage Race to the 90-mile Stage Race Lite and one-day gravel distances.
- A demanding combination of distance and terrain, despite the largely flat profile, with potholes, unpaved trails, and open-road traffic.
Summary
Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race 2026 offers a distinctive forest gravel-racing experience in South Carolina, combining a twilight prologue, two days of timed gravel racing, and shorter fondo options. Its remote setting, predominantly unpaved courses, and multi-day format make it a demanding event for experienced gravel riders.
