Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Bakersville, North Carolina

Take a quick trip through the lost settlement of Clarketown. Very little info is available for the history of Clarketown, which makes it pretty interesting and almost mysterious. You will travel on mostly gravel and…
Learn more about Clarketown Cruise

Nestled in the heart of the Unaka mountains, the Beauty Spot trail (FS 230) offers a captivating experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its rugged terrain and awe-inspiring views of the majestic…
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The trail at the time was snow-covered (approximately 3-4 inches) but it is mostly a dirt/mud trail. I didn't encounter anything that a normal 4x4 couldn't handle. The trail from the road is mostly uphill.…
Learn more about 5583

Take a quick trip through the mountains on this scenic forest service road. There are multiple water bars (rain/erosion control mounds) that can catch you by surprise, so use caution throughout the trail. There is…
Learn more about Irishman Branch

Old NC-105 is a popular trail and is most well-known for its outstanding views of the Linville Gorge. It offers unparalleled views of the gorge and Table Rock Mountain. Numerous overlooks and campsites offer scenery…
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A nice, simple trail connecting Watauga Lake and Dennis Cove Campground through the Cherokee National Forest. There are a few decent camping spots, no cellular service, and minimal traffic. However, it is single lane in…
Learn more about Little Stoney Creek/Laurel Fork

This is a relatively tame FS road that offers some camp spots, scenic views, and a peaceful drive through the mountains. Although the trail is mostly flat, you will encounter some potholes and small rocks…
Learn more about Little Mountain

This out-and-back trail is a gravel-over-packed-dirt route beginning at Old North Carolina 105 and following a ridge with scenic views on both sides. Around 4.4 miles in, it narrows to a six-foot-wide path near a…
Learn more about Dobson Knob - FS 106

South Toe River is a basic, but scenic trail located near Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. The trail begins at the Blue Ridge Parkway on its south end and terminates at the Toe River Trail…
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No Business Knob is a tight but simple trail located in Cherokee National Forest. You will most likely get pinstripes from the branches lining the trail in an SUV or truck. The trail is just…
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Pineola Road is a forest service road that offers access to hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and several campsites. The road is relatively easy to drive, as it is maintained, but recent storms have caused a…
Learn more about Pineola Road - FS 464

Forest Service Road 210, also known as Roses Creek Road, begins at the south end of Table Rock Road. This route is popular for hiking access to three nearby trails, dispersed camping, and seasonal deer…
Learn more about Upper Roses Creek - FS 210

Alfred Woodie Lane is a short trail that begins as a forest service road and leads to a group of privately owned hunting cabins. The road is poorly maintained, featuring small rocks, ruts, and wet…
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This route will take you on a journey through the mountains to the upper parking lot area, near the refurbished fire tower. Once at the parking area, it is a 20-45 minute hike to the…
Learn more about Buffalo Mountain - Fire Tower Climb

This Forest Service road is a well-maintained gravel route over hard-packed dirt with occasional small washes, typically less than a foot deep. It features multiple switchbacks bordered by scenic gorges on both sides and may…
Learn more about FS 496

This road branches off Pineola Road - FS 464 and leads to Kawana--a small neighborhood with a few homes and large gardens--while also providing access to several hiking trails and scenic forest views. One of…
Learn more about Harper Creek Road - FS 58

This trail branches off from Rich Cove Road and provides access to the North Carolina Outward Bound School, which offers experiential learning for those interested in forestry and outdoor leadership. The school features activities such…
Learn more about North Carolina Outward Bound School Road

This Forest Service road runs through Pisgah National Forest as an extension of Roses Creek Road, providing access to Table Rock and the North Carolina Outward Bound School. The trail is primarily composed of gravel…
Learn more about Rich Cove - FS 270B

This Forest Service road through Pisgah National Forest offers access to stunning views, Table Rock, and the North Carolina Outward Bound School. The trail begins in a small town, passing through some private property before…
Learn more about Roses Creek - FS 210

Horse Cove Gap is an out-and-back trail that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail winds through lush forests, gradually leading to several overlooks that provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.…
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Located within Pisgah National Forest, Lost Cove (Forest Service Road 464A) is a gravel-over-dirt road that is generally well maintained. It is an out-and-back route about one mile long and leads to the hiking-only Lost…
Learn more about Lost Cove - FS 464A

This trail is fairly well maintained with gravel over hard-packed dirt. Some sections are narrow with pull-off areas, while others are wide enough for two vehicles to pass. A single water crossing has a warning…
Learn more about Steeles Creek - FS 228

This trail is a well maintained road that is mostly 1 car width wide and has several spots to turn into if you encounter another vehicle. The trail winds through Rich Mountain via switch backs.…
Learn more about Bumpus Cove Trail USFS190

Rich Mountain Summit is the legal continuation of Rich Mountain Trail which has seasonal closures typically from December 20 through late March and is considered an 'out and back' experience. The Rich Mountain Summit Trail…
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Roseboro Road is a Forest Service road in Pisgah National Forest, primarily composed of gravel and hard-packed surfaces. Some ruts caused by storm runoff from Hurricane Helene in 2024 can be found along the route.…
Learn more about Roseboro Road - FS 981

Roseboro Gragg is a rugged, narrow offshoot from Edgemont Road that offers a slightly more challenging drive compared to other trails in the area. The trail is generally manageable for most vehicles with moderate ground…
Learn more about Roseboro Gragg - FS 192

This short trail leads to two small campsites and a hiking trail. It offers a fun drive with a few mildly technical sections that require moderate ground clearance. The trail begins with a narrow, winding…
Learn more about Fox Camp - FS 954

This Forest Service road follows Upper Creek and Craig Creek, with sections that also touch Wilson Creek. While there are some views of the surrounding forest, the most notable scenery comes from the creeks below.…
Learn more about Mortimer Piedmont - FS 982

Raven Cliff is a scenic Forest Service road that follows Upper Creek, offering stunning views of the water along the way. The trail features sandy beaches, small rocky waterfalls, and rapids, with numerous walking paths…
Learn more about Raven Cliff - FS 197

The Watauga Turnpike is a longer forest service road connecting the towns of Gragg and Edgemont. The road is relatively easy to travel, with the most difficult sections consisting of a few ruts, bumps, and…
Learn more about Watauga Turnpike - FS 45