Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Athens, Alabama

Explore All Beginner Trails Near Athens, Alabama

Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C

This is a tight, short out-and-back trail that winds through large stands of pine trees and passes old logging roads, along with a gate or two that are unlocked seasonally. Be sure to bring a…
Learn more about Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C
Total Miles
1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

County Road 198 - FS272

This is a sparsely traveled trail that follows the telephone lines and weaves through private property, offering beautiful views of the local farmlands and surrounding landscape. The trail can be tricky during the muddy season,…
Learn more about County Road 198 - FS272
Total Miles
2.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su

County Road 81 - FS 268

Forest Service Road 268 is a scenic, two-way country road that provides extensive access to other areas and trails. It offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and smooth, flowing travel. However, like many rural roads,…
Learn more about County Road 81 - FS 268
Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Bankhead Roads

This trail is mostly two-lane dirt roads. Forest roads can be traveled in 2WD, but some off-shoot trails will require 4WD. Some side trails are gated. If the gates are open, they are clear to…
Learn more about Bankhead Roads
Total Miles
13.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Indian Tomb Hollow Road

Indian Tomb Hollow County Road 86 is a scenic and heavily traveled forest route, known for its picturesque creek and charming bridge. This stretch of road is especially stunning during the fall when the foliage…
Learn more about Indian Tomb Hollow Road
Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

County Road 90 - FS 259

County Road 90 begins as a paved route meandering through picturesque farmland before transitioning into the lush expanse of the Bankhead National Forest. Along the way, travelers can enjoy abundant wildlife and admire charming, historic…
Learn more about County Road 90 - FS 259
Total Miles
4.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su / Wi

Ridge Road - FS 213

FS213, also known as Ridge Road, branches off FS203 and provides a scenic and functional route through the Bankhead National Forest. This single-lane, two-track gravel road winds through areas of active forest management, with multiple…
Learn more about Ridge Road - FS 213
Total Miles
15
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Owl Creek Road - FS 262

FS 262 is a one-lane gravel road, narrower than most others in the Bankhead National Forest. It provides access to the Al Creek Recreation Area, offering several large campsites along the route. The road also…
Learn more about Owl Creek Road - FS 262
Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Brushy Creek Road - NF 254

This scenic road through the heart of the Bankhead National Forest offers not only a breathtaking drive but also access to fascinating historic sites waiting to be explored at its end. Along the way, you'll…
Learn more about Brushy Creek Road - NF 254
Total Miles
4.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Hickory Grove Road - FS 255

FS 255, Hickory Grove Road, is a beautiful, scenic route through the Bankhead National Forest, offering stunning views, especially during the fall foliage season. The track leads down to a county road with access to…
Learn more about Hickory Grove Road - FS 255
Total Miles
5.6
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa

Mountain Springs Road - FS 236

This Forest Service road within the Bankhead National Forest is a well-traveled and well-maintained route, offering stunning scenery ideal for birdwatching and leaf-peeping enthusiasts. Its natural beauty makes it a perfect escape into the heart…
Learn more about Mountain Springs Road - FS 236
Total Miles
4.8
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Mount Olive

This trail is mostly rough dirt roads barely big enough for two vehicles. There are some side trails that are gated and you will pass by some private property, so be cautious of any signage.…
Learn more about Mount Olive
Total Miles
4.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Inmanfield - FS266

This is a heavily traveled US Forest Service Road in the Bankhead National Forest of Alabama. This trail provides abundant access to wildlife and bird viewing and the surrounding forest. The road can be slick…
Learn more about Inmanfield - FS266
Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi / Su

Beechy Creek - FS 244

This well-traveled two-track road serves as a fantastic connector through the stunning landscapes of the Bankhead National Forest. Following the serene Beechy Creek, it offers a peaceful journey immersed in nature's beauty. Be mindful that…
Learn more about Beechy Creek - FS 244
Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Clifty Fork Road - FS124

Clifty Fork Road- Forest Service Road 124 is a scenic, two-way country road that provides extensive access to other areas and trails. It offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and smooth, flowing travel. However, like…
Learn more about Clifty Fork Road - FS124
Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

Mount Olive Road - FS 245

Mount Olive Road is a steep, single-track trail with numerous offshoots and access points, including a large lake. This well-known road is regularly maintained, but it features large switchbacks and steep grades that can become…
Learn more about Mount Olive Road - FS 245
Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Northwest Road - FS 208 EA

This Forest Service road within the Bankhead National Forest is a well-traveled and well-maintained route, offering stunning scenery ideal for birdwatching and leaf-peeping enthusiasts. Its natural beauty makes it a perfect escape into the heart…
Learn more about Northwest Road - FS 208 EA
Total Miles
2.9
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Braziel Creek Road - FS 223

FS223 is a gateway road leading into the wilderness areas of the Bankhead National Forest. This route culminates in a spacious parking lot, perfect for both camping and parking for those embarking on wilderness excursions.…
Learn more about Braziel Creek Road - FS 223
Total Miles
2.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Gum Pond Motorway - FS 229

FS229, also known as Gum Pond Motorway, is a single-lane, two-track road with freshly laid gravel and excellent maintenance. This scenic trail offers superb access to other parts of the Bankhead National Forest, making it…
Learn more about Gum Pond Motorway - FS 229
Total Miles
4.2
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

FS 208EA 2

National Forest Service Road 208EA is a single-lane, two-track route known for its sharp hairpin turns and banked corners, offering a challenging yet rewarding drive through the Bankhead National Forest. Travelers should be cautious of…
Learn more about FS 208EA 2
Total Miles
1.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

National Forest Road 121

National Forest Road 121 is a long, flowy road with deep washboard sections, including a particularly brutal paved portion. The area offers ample opportunities for hunting and gathering. Due to the road's condition, be prepared…
Learn more about National Forest Road 121
Total Miles
5.1
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

Grindstone Road - FS 109

FS 109 is a burned area within the Bankhead National Forest. The open forest features big potholes but also a beautiful, flowy road. Signs of ample conservation efforts are evident in the well-maintained pine stands.…
Learn more about Grindstone Road - FS 109
Total Miles
4.6
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Bylor RD - FS 203

Starting at FS203, this scenic route transitions from pavement to gravel, leading you deep into the heart of the Bankhead National Forest. Along the way, it passes the historic Kinlock Lookout on Bylor Road, a…
Learn more about Bylor RD - FS 203
Total Miles
6.4
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Beulah Road - FS 202

FS202 begins at the junction with FS203, winding through a freshly cut wooded area before delving deeper into the Bankhead National Forest. This single-lane, two-track gravel road offers a peaceful and secluded drive, highlighted by…
Learn more about Beulah Road - FS 202
Total Miles
3.9
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

250 Acre Trail

250 Acre Trail is a cruiser's paradise. This trail contours to the mountainside with multiple trails of the same difficulty intersecting and splitting off. This is a perfect trail to let the younger riders take…
Learn more about 250 Acre Trail
Total Miles
1.1
Tech Rating
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Sink Hole Loop

Sink Hole Loop is a simple trail in that its name is a perfect description. The trail itself is a dirt trail with little to no obstacles other than mud. At the end of Sink…
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Total Miles
0.7
Tech Rating
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Main Road

The main road serves as the backbone of the trail system, with all routes connecting back to it. It is passable by stock four-wheel-drive vehicles in dry conditions and includes three creek crossings and one…
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Total Miles
4.2
Tech Rating
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Spectator Ridge

Spectator Ridge is the main ridge way that allows you to view the more extreme trails in the park. This ridge would be used on days when a bounty competition would be held. The middle…
Learn more about Spectator Ridge
Total Miles
0.3
Tech Rating
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

G Block

G Block is an easy cut-through trail for those who get tired of riding the Main Road or just want a change of scenery. G Block starts at a green shooting house on hard-packed dirt…
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Total Miles
0.1
Tech Rating
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Overlook

What great park doesn't have a stunning view and a great spot for lunch? Northwest Alabama Mountain Park has brought it with this one! Complete with a pavilion at the top with solar lights that…
Learn more about Overlook
Total Miles
0.5
Tech Rating
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

ATV Trails Near Athens, Alabama

Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C

This is a tight, short out-and-back trail that winds through large stands of pine trees and passes old logging roads, along with a gate or two that are unlocked seasonally. Be sure to bring a…
Learn more about Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C
Total Miles
1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

County Road 198 - FS272

This is a sparsely traveled trail that follows the telephone lines and weaves through private property, offering beautiful views of the local farmlands and surrounding landscape. The trail can be tricky during the muddy season,…
Learn more about County Road 198 - FS272
Total Miles
2.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su

County Road 81 - FS 268

Forest Service Road 268 is a scenic, two-way country road that provides extensive access to other areas and trails. It offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and smooth, flowing travel. However, like many rural roads,…
Learn more about County Road 81 - FS 268
Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Indian Tomb Hollow Road

Indian Tomb Hollow County Road 86 is a scenic and heavily traveled forest route, known for its picturesque creek and charming bridge. This stretch of road is especially stunning during the fall when the foliage…
Learn more about Indian Tomb Hollow Road
Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

County Road 90 - FS 259

County Road 90 begins as a paved route meandering through picturesque farmland before transitioning into the lush expanse of the Bankhead National Forest. Along the way, travelers can enjoy abundant wildlife and admire charming, historic…
Learn more about County Road 90 - FS 259
Total Miles
4.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su / Wi

Ridge Road - FS 213

FS213, also known as Ridge Road, branches off FS203 and provides a scenic and functional route through the Bankhead National Forest. This single-lane, two-track gravel road winds through areas of active forest management, with multiple…
Learn more about Ridge Road - FS 213
Total Miles
15
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

UTV/Side-by-Side Near Athens, Alabama

Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C

This is a tight, short out-and-back trail that winds through large stands of pine trees and passes old logging roads, along with a gate or two that are unlocked seasonally. Be sure to bring a…
Learn more about Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C
Total Miles
1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su

County Road 198 - FS272

This is a sparsely traveled trail that follows the telephone lines and weaves through private property, offering beautiful views of the local farmlands and surrounding landscape. The trail can be tricky during the muddy season,…
Learn more about County Road 198 - FS272
Total Miles
2.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su

County Road 81 - FS 268

Forest Service Road 268 is a scenic, two-way country road that provides extensive access to other areas and trails. It offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and smooth, flowing travel. However, like many rural roads,…
Learn more about County Road 81 - FS 268
Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Indian Tomb Hollow Road

Indian Tomb Hollow County Road 86 is a scenic and heavily traveled forest route, known for its picturesque creek and charming bridge. This stretch of road is especially stunning during the fall when the foliage…
Learn more about Indian Tomb Hollow Road
Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

County Road 90 - FS 259

County Road 90 begins as a paved route meandering through picturesque farmland before transitioning into the lush expanse of the Bankhead National Forest. Along the way, travelers can enjoy abundant wildlife and admire charming, historic…
Learn more about County Road 90 - FS 259
Total Miles
4.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su / Wi

Ridge Road - FS 213

FS213, also known as Ridge Road, branches off FS203 and provides a scenic and functional route through the Bankhead National Forest. This single-lane, two-track gravel road winds through areas of active forest management, with multiple…
Learn more about Ridge Road - FS 213
Total Miles
15
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa