Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Bryson City, North Carolina

This trail features elevation changes, switchbacks, some rocky terrain, a few washboard areas, and blind curves with potential oncoming vehicles. The path is one vehicle wide with places to pass. Not a high degree of…
Learn more about Cowee Bald

Shell Stand Road - FR 418 is a narrow, low-traffic forest service route rated at 3/10 difficulty, primarily due to encroaching vegetation and tight passages resulting from limited maintenance and low use. Officially open only…
Learn more about Shell Stand Road

If you want to connect the Trans America Trail with the South Carolina Adventure Route, this is your path. It's located North of Walhalla, and connects the SCAR to both the TAT and the Smokey…
Learn more about Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector

Trail 11 features a shelfy traverse up the mountainside with a mix of small rocks, embedded rock layers, sticks, small roots, and occasional moisture. Multiple flat embedded rock slabs make it more interesting without adding…
Learn more about Buck Knob Trail 11

Trail 10 is a scenic and well-maintained 0.7-mile loop indicated for one-way travel in a counterclockwise direction. It features a wide, shelfy route climbing the mountainside, with flat and ramped sections and giant embedded rock…
Learn more about Blanton Branch Trail 10

Rated as moderate by the Forest Service, Trail 7 is a wide route that begins on Wayehutta Road just south of the staging area, crossing a small bridge before climbing steadily up the mountain. Riders…
Learn more about Hemlock Ridge Trail 7

Wayehutta is a public OHV trail system in the Nantahala National Forest. Most of the trails in this system are accessible with anything from a dirt bike to a SxS. No 4x4s are allowed on…
Learn more about Trail 1 - Wayehutta Loop

Trail 7A is an easy access connector back to the main staging area from Trail 7. Starting at its intersection with Trail 7, it crosses a wide bridge over a small creek and continues along…
Learn more about Rail Line Way 7A (One-Way)

Trail 9 is a 1.3-mile, wide path that traces the side of the mountain, offering a mellow and scenic ride. Mostly descending from north to south, it's generally easygoing with leaf cover hiding loose rocks,…
Learn more about Sunset Connector Trail 9 (One-Way)

This segment of Trail 8 runs for 0.7 miles between Trail 7 and Trail 2, climbing nearly 400 feet in elevation. The route is mostly an uphill grind with several narrow shelfy traverses hugging the…
Learn more about Sawmill Bottoms Trail 8

Trail 6 is more moderate compared to the challenging 6A. It still features some steeper climbing with embedded roots and small rocks scattered along the way, and it hugs the mountainside on a shelfy path.…
Learn more about Sunset Ridge Trail 6

Trail 3 is a frequently used, rocky trail that winds through a beautifully forested section of the Nantahala. The surface includes small loose rocks and moderate curves, and the trail is noticeably worn and troughed…
Learn more about Black Mountain Trail 3

Trail 2 features a shelfy route that contours the mountainside, with mild exposure and sweeping views at higher elevations. Starting at the northern end, it descends gently for a quarter mile before climbing steeply over…
Learn more about Locust Gap Trail 2

Trail 1A is a wide OHV route ascends steadily up the mountain, climbing 300 feet over just over half a mile. The trail is fast and flowy, with gradual curves and waterbars placed throughout to…
Learn more about Upper Wayehutta Creek Trail 1A

Tuni Gap Road, also known as Forest Service Road 440, is a 6.3-mile-long two-way gravel road that connects Hayesville, North Carolina with Andrews, North Carolina. It is one of the only routes that passes completely…
Learn more about Tuni Gap Road - FS 440

Old Bald Ridge Trail is a mildly used out-and-back two-track through the Nantahala National Forest. The trail is accessed from Moses Creek Road, which is asphalt up to the entry into the National Forest, where…
Learn more about Old Bald Ridge - FS 4652

The Deep Gap Trail, also known as FR 71, takes you from US 64 up into the mountains to the Deep Gap hiking trail in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. There are several…
Learn more about Deep Gap - FR 71

This 2/10 gravel road - FS 423B climbs steadily to the Joanna Bald Lookout Tower on Teyahalee Bald and offers occasional openings with mountain views along the route. Keep a sharp eye out for the…
Learn more about Joanna Tower Road

Tatham Gap Road, also known as Forest Service Road 423, is a 7.1-mile long two-way gravel road that connects Andrews, North Carolina, with Robbinsville, North Carolina. Passing through the Nantahala National Forest, Tatham Gap Road…
Learn more about Tatham Gap Road - FS 423

Rich Mountain Road is 6.6 miles and runs through the Smoky Mountain National Park and heads North out of the park. The trail is composed of loose gravel and has several twists and turns up…
Learn more about Rich Mountain Road

Fires Creek 340 is an out-and-back trail that wanders through the Nantahala National Forest. It starts at a day-use picnic area and follows Fires Creek the entire time, with access points along the way. The…
Learn more about Fires Creek - FS 340

Long Branch - FS 340C breaks off of Fires Creek Rd in Nantahala National Forest. There is a steep climb at first, becoming more gradual. Waterfalls can be seen from the road. There is little…
Learn more about Long Branch - FS 340C

Cataloochee Creek Road is an easy gravel drive that provides access to one of the more historically rich areas in the region. The road is generally well-maintained and typically wide enough for two vehicles, making…
Learn more about Cataloochee Creek Road

Long Hungry Branch (FS 2586) is a gravel road that skirts the edge of beautiful Lake Santeetlah in Nantahala National Forest. It features several free designated campsites along the water's edge that can accommodate 1…
Learn more about Long Hungry Branch

Parson Branch is a full gravel, one-way, scenic route that leads through the Smoky Mountains. The road is maintained, however, you may find the occasional tree down after heavy storms. This is usually not a…
Learn more about Parson Branch Road

Tallulah River Trail takes you from Persimmon Road to the Deep Gap/Beech Creek Trailhead in North Carolina. That trail takes you along the Tallulah River. There are several beautiful Campgrounds next to the water. You…
Learn more about Tallulah River Trail - FR 70

Atoah Gap Road - FS 383 is a well-graded, low-difficulty forest service route rated at 1/10, making it accessible for a wide range of vehicles and camping trailers. The road follows the scenic course of…
Learn more about Atoah Gap

This is a 2/10 primarily gravel route that winds through the mountains alongside Lake Santeetlah with beautiful views peeking through the trees with a few spots granting access to the lake for fishing. It terminates…
Learn more about Farley Cove - FS 407

Gravel Road through the GSMNP Cataloochee area to Big Creek. The road is suitable for most vehicles, but higher clearance is recommended due to some rocky areas. The road will close during significant weather events…
Learn more about Cataloochee Turnpike to Big Creek