The Hulk loop

The Hulk loop is generally considered intermediate to difficult for mountain biking, offering a range of challenges. However, it's designed to accommodate various skill levels. Shorter loops (around 1.5 to 1.75 miles) near the trailhead are gentler and suitable for beginners and families. The full 7-mile loop includes more significant features like banked curves, steep climbs, and fast descents. Importantly, all difficult features have ride-arounds, allowing you to bypass obstacles you're not comfortable with.

The trail primarily consists of singletrack, with some sections of doubletrack. You'll encounter a diverse mix of surfaces, including hard-packed sand, pine straw, roots, and occasional loose sand. The route features surprisingly hilly sections, steep drops, climbs, sharp turns, switchbacks, and man-made features like wooden bridges, small jumps, tabletops, and berms. There's also a pump track that can be ridden separately or integrated into your ride.

While the full 7-mile loop can be challenging, there are shorter, gentler loops near the trailhead, typically 1.5 to 1.75 miles long, that are perfect for beginners and families. These sections have fewer hills and are a great way to experience the park. All difficult features on the main trail also have ride-arounds, so you can choose your challenge level.

Parking is available at the Horry County Bike & Run Park in Carolina Forest. The trailhead is easily accessible from the main parking area within the park.

Based on available information, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Horry County Bike & Run Park or to ride The Hulk loop. It's always a good idea to check the official Horry County Parks and Recreation website or local signage for any updates before your visit.

The provided information does not explicitly state whether dogs are allowed on The Hulk loop or within the Horry County Bike & Run Park. It's best to check with the park's official regulations or local signage regarding pet policies, including leash rules, before bringing your dog.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but cooler months are often preferred for riding. During these times, with less foliage, views of the Intracoastal Waterway become more prominent. It's advisable to wait a day or so after heavy rain before riding, as some lower sections can experience poor drainage, despite efforts to address it with ditches and bridges.

The route offers a varied and engaging scenic experience. It winds through deep forests, open fields with tall grasses, and sandy dune areas, providing a sense of being far from the urban bustle. You can catch glimpses of the Intracoastal Waterway, especially in cooler months when foliage is less dense. The trail also passes through the Bike and Run Park Trail area, which is a highlight for mountain bikers.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of other trails within the park, including Roller Coaster, Table Tops, Qbert, Tall Pines, Furdinand, Speed Racer, Crop Circles, Bayou, Cedar Lane, Aladdin, Hulk Island, Bluffs, Flood Detour, North Field, Power Line Road, Knee Deep, Mountain Goat Pass, Tarzan, David Banner, and Great Wall of China.

The Hulk loop is a true gem and unique in the Myrtle Beach area, which isn't typically known for hilly mountain biking terrain. Its surprisingly hilly sections are largely man-made, and the trail is meticulously built and maintained by local mountain bike enthusiasts and organizations like Cape Fear SORBA. It's credited with spearheading the mountain biking movement in the region, offering a challenging and continuously improved experience with features like jumps, berms, and a pump track, all while providing ride-around options for less experienced riders.

The full 7-mile loop typically takes around 40-50 minutes to complete for an average mountain biker, depending on skill level and how often you stop to enjoy the features or scenery. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and your actual time may vary.