Story by Seth Fargher. Photos by Seth Fargher and Seth Snider. Originally published January 16, 2018.
Carolina Adventure World in Winnsboro, South Carolina, gave us the right mix of fast clay trails, elevation changes and rocky challenges to shake down a 2018 Polaris GENERAL 1000 EPS Ride Command. I had once considered the GENERAL’s technology and winch optional luxuries. By the end of this ride, both had earned their place.
Exploring Carolina Adventure World in South Carolina
After moving to the East Coast, I had been slow to explore the riding close to home. The GENERAL finally gave me the excuse. Carolina Adventure World offered a sizable network of UTV and ATV trails, a dirt oval and a drag strip during our 2018 visit. I saw 66 mph on the strip before running out of room, though the real reason to come was the trail system.
The park’s hard-packed red clay had just seen rain. In two-wheel drive, the GENERAL wanted to slide around nearly every turn, so we spent most of the day in four-wheel drive. There was still enough power to steer with the throttle. The 100-horsepower engine and 62.5-inch width felt particularly well suited to these trails: quick in the open sections, yet manageable where the route narrowed.
We aimed for the perimeter route to get a long, relatively uninterrupted ride. Trail 4 led us toward Beaver Lake and offered some of the day’s most noticeable elevation change. Water-control humps looked tempting at speed, but the far side was not always visible; we bottomed the suspension a few times after getting too ambitious.
How the 2018 Polaris GENERAL handled the trails
The FOX Podium 2.0 QS3 shocks offered three settings and, on this model, 12 inches of front suspension travel and 13 inches at the rear. They took the edge off much of the choppy clay. I noticed the biggest difference between settings on harder landings and deep compressions rather than on ordinary trail chatter.
Although much of the riding was approachable, rocky patches and deeply rutted climbs provided a useful test. On a wet, steep rock section, the MAXXIS Coronado tires struggled for purchase and the machine got hung up. The factory winch let us recover without backing down the incline. On a later visit, with better traction, the GENERAL climbed that same section with little wheelspin. It also held its line while straddling a deep rut with only part of the tread in contact.
Ride Command proved useful
I did not expect the electronics to be a highlight. Yet the seven-inch Ride Command display showed many of the park’s trails and recorded where we had been. We could compare the route with our paper map and return to trails we had missed. Pairing a phone and GoPro took some trial and error, but the GPS and route tracking mattered more to me than the novelty features.
The adjustable seat accommodated my taller frame, and the cockpit felt comfortable over a full day. This edition also included an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear wired cameras, a roof, front bumper and winch. Its dump bed and hitch made it more versatile than a dedicated sport machine, without taking the fun out of this trail ride.
When new, this 2018 GENERAL EPS Ride Command edition was listed at $21,499, or $5,200 over the base GENERAL in our original report. That was a meaningful premium, but the shocks, winch, roof, tires, cameras, audio and navigation added up to a package I actually used on the trail. Those figures describe the 2018 model, not current pricing.
Planning a ride today
Carolina Adventure World was worth a full day for our shakedown and had enough variety to justify a longer stay. We did get turned around a couple of times, so keep a map handy and check signs at intersections. Wash the clay off before the drive home if you can; once dry, it is stubborn.
This account reflects our 2018 visit. For current trail status, rules, passes, camping and the latest map, check Carolina Adventure World’s official trail map before heading to Winnsboro. The park currently describes its trails and lodging on its official website.
