Upstate Mountain SAR
A volunteer team ready to go anywhere,
do anything, for anyone.
South Carolina Mountains
Our Mission
Our primary mission is search and rescue, with a strong emphasis on preventative search and rescue in the South Carolina mountains. We pre-deploy to busy, difficult trailheads to distribute water, electrolytes, and food to hikers, and provide direct assistance to anyone who needs support on the trail — before an emergency becomes a rescue.
Team Certifications
Our team holds a range of specialized credentials across rescue disciplines.
Training & Collaboration
We are committed to continuous training and to building relationships with other SAR teams across the region. If you represent a SAR organization and are interested in joint training, exercises, or mutual aid agreements, we want to connect.
Email Us to CollaborateJoin the Team
Interested in serving? Email your resume and certifications to info@upstatemountainsar.org
Selection Process
Stage 1 is an interview. If invited, you will then be asked to complete our fitness assessment.
Fitness Test
Pack Test — 3 miles / 45 lbs / under 45 min
USFS standard pack test, followed by an additional 30 minutes going up and over a picnic table with your SAR pack (~20 lbs.) and a 45 lb. kettlebell or dumbbell.
Burpee Pack Pull-Ups — 10 min / minimum 50 reps
As many reps as possible in 10 minutes wearing your SAR pack (~20 lbs.). Minimum standard: 50 reps.
Trap Bar Deadlift — 225 lbs / 1 min / minimum 15 reps
As many reps as possible with good form in 1 minute at 225 pounds. Minimum standard: 15 reps.
Equal Opportunity
Upstate Mountain SAR does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome all qualified volunteers who share our commitment to service.