Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Athens, Alabama

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 saw, as fallen trees continue to block further access. The trail can be slick when muddy, so remember to tre...
Learn more about Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C

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 is in full color. Be mindful that the road can become slick after rain, so exercise cauti...
Learn more about Indian Tomb Hollow Road

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 generational farmhouses lining the roadside. The route also pr...
Learn more about County Road 90 - FS 259

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, so be sure to check local conditions before heading out, and remember to...
Learn more about County Road 198 - FS272

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 ride, but be sure to stay on the trail. There are potential mud holes, and some steep grates as well as some...
Learn more about Bankhead Roads

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, it can be slick after rain or during muddy conditions. Be sure to leave n...
Learn more about County Road 81 - FS 268

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 encounter numerous streams and picturesque bridges, each adding to the natural beauty of this...
Learn more about Brushy Creek Road - NF 254

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. It's an excellent starting point for adventurers seeking to explore the fores...
Learn more about Braziel Creek Road - FS 223

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 other recreational areas as well. This is a must-do trip, featuring a well-maintaine...
Learn more about Hickory Grove Road - FS 255

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 passes multiple closed roads and old roadbeds, providing ample opportunities for hiking and...
Learn more about Owl Creek Road - FS 262

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 a convenient route for further exploration. In the fall, this road is a stand...
Learn more about Gum Pond Motorway - FS 229

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. It can be done in 2WD especially in good weather, though in wet conditions it may get slick on some hills, bu...
Learn more about Mount Olive

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 after rain, so use caution. Remember to always leave no trace, pack in, pack out, and most ...
Learn more about Inmanfield - FS266

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 of nature. Always remember to tread lightly, leave no ...
Learn more about Northwest Road - FS 208 EA

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 washboarded, with ruts up to a foot deep in some areas. Exercise caution...
Learn more about Mount Olive Road - FS 245

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 of nature. Always remember to tread lightly, leave no ...
Learn more about Mountain Springs Road - FS 236

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 a prominent rock protruding from the road and prepare for varyin...
Learn more about FS 208EA 2

Counts Road is a public gravel road that winds through the farmland of southern Middle Tennessee. It connects Highway 22 to Old Highway 22, offering a fun and scenic alternative to the paved route. The road is very flat, well-maintained, and suitable for an easy countryside drive. At the intersectio...
Learn more about Counts Road

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 it can become slick and challenging during mud season, so pl...
Learn more about Beechy Creek - FS 244

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 their time, as there are few to no obstacles that can pose a threat. The well-manicured t...
Learn more about 250 Acre Trail

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 saw, as fallen trees continue to block further access. The trail can be slick when muddy, so remember to tre...
Learn more about Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C

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 is in full color. Be mindful that the road can become slick after rain, so exercise cauti...
Learn more about Indian Tomb Hollow Road

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 generational farmhouses lining the roadside. The route also pr...
Learn more about County Road 90 - FS 259

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, so be sure to check local conditions before heading out, and remember to...
Learn more about County Road 198 - FS272

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 saw, as fallen trees continue to block further access. The trail can be slick when muddy, so remember to tre...
Learn more about Flat Mountain Road - FS 270C

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 is in full color. Be mindful that the road can become slick after rain, so exercise cauti...
Learn more about Indian Tomb Hollow Road

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 generational farmhouses lining the roadside. The route also pr...
Learn more about County Road 90 - FS 259

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, so be sure to check local conditions before heading out, and remember to...
Learn more about County Road 198 - FS272