Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Chuckey, Tennessee

Jennings Creek Road travels along the border of Cherokee National Forest between the Horse Creek Recreation Area and the Old Forge NF Campground. The campground has walk-in sites with a parking lot only 10 to 25 yards from most of the sites. Pit toilets are also available at the campground. The road...
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This is a 4.2-mile out-and-back single-lane forest service road on the Tennessee side of the Cherokee National Forest, southeast of Greeneville, Tennessee, leading up to the Bald Mountains region. It is accessed from Greeneville, TN via Greystone Road and eventually turns into Round Knob Road. The r...
Learn more about Round Knob Road - FS88

Clarks Creek is an easy out-and-back gravel trail that begins at the entrance to Cherokee National Forest and follows the scenic Clarks Creek through a quiet, wooded landscape. The route offers a relaxing drive with beautiful forest views and the peaceful sound of the creek accompanying much of the ...
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After turning onto Rich Mountain (190) Trail, also locally known as Bumpus Cove, will open up approximately one-quarter mile in and allow for groups to park along the edge to adjust tire pressure when entering or before leaving the trail. Bumpus Cove is a well-maintained, gravel road that is mostly ...
Learn more about Bumpus Cove Trail - FS 190

Kennedy Cabin is a moderately easy out-and-back dirt trail accessed from Firescald Trail. The route follows a single-lane corridor with few opportunities to turn around before reaching the end, making it important to be aware of trail traffic before committing. The surface is a mix of dirt and scatt...
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Camp Creek Bald is a moderately easy out-and-back dirt trail accessed from Viking Mountain Road. The route follows a generally wide single-lane corridor with enough room in most areas for vehicles to pass one another. While the trail is straightforward overall, drivers will encounter washouts and un...
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Firescald is a moderately easy out-and-back dirt trail accessed from Viking Mountain Road that offers a more rugged forest driving experience. The route remains primarily single-lane with very few pull-off areas, so drivers should be prepared to encounter limited passing opportunities. The surface c...
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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 begins by taking a 90-degree right turn and passing through a Forest Service ...
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Turning to gravel 5 miles in, Viking Mountain Road is a 3.5-mile out-and-back single-lane forest service road on the Tennessee side of the Cherokee National Forest, southeast of Greeneville, Tennessee, leading up to the Bald Mountains region. On pavement, it is accessed from Greeneville, Tennessee v...
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Big Creek is an easy out-and-back trail that offers a relaxed drive with a few features that require attention. The route begins with a shallow water crossing before continuing along a primarily gravel surface with gentle grades. Early on, drivers should observe posted signage—parking for Green Ridg...
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This is a windy gravel mountain road. It winds along the edge of the mountain with mild elevation changes. Beautiful drive with a couple of good spots to catch a view, although there are no official lookouts. The road is well-maintained and makes a great "Sunday drive". The view is very pretty in th...
Learn more about Green Mountain Road

Sugarloaf Mountain Road is an easy gravel route that provides access to Pisgah Game Land while offering a scenic drive up the mountainside. The trail begins by passing near residential homes, so drivers should maintain low speeds, stay on the designated roadway, and be respectful of the local commun...
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Pilgrim Lane is a moderately easy trail that begins as a maintained gravel road before transitioning to dirt upon entering Cherokee National Forest. From that point forward, the trail becomes more primitive, with several mud holes that collect rainwater and can become deeper or softer following 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 fire tower depending on the route you take. The fire tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Th...
Learn more about Buffalo Mountain - Fire Tower Climb

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. The scenery is truly spectacular, with the rolling hills and mo...
Learn more about Horse Cove Gap

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 under 10 miles round-trip and traverses the side of the mountain range. Expect steep drop-offs on the side of...
Learn more about No Business Knob

Hurrican Gap is a well-maintained gravel road that travels from the Houston Valley area to just outside of Hot Springs, NC. While it's not particularly challenging, there are some great side trips along the way. The Rich Mountain Lookout Tower is just a mile off of the road, and if you're looking fo...
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Upper Briar Creek (FS 4354) is a moderately easy trail that offers a mix of terrain features and gradually becomes more rugged as you progress. The route begins as a single-lane trail with scattered ruts, protruding rocks, and occasional sandy sections. Several mud holes are present throughout, whic...
Learn more about Upper Briar Creek - FS 4354

Granny Lewis is an easy out-and-back trail that follows closely along Granny Lewis Creek, offering a relaxed drive with frequent water views and a quiet forest setting. The route is primarily smooth and consistent, making it accessible for most drivers under normal conditions. The surface includes o...
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Upper Briar Creek Spur (FS 4354A) is a moderately technical trail that begins with immediate obstacles and maintains a more rugged character throughout. Early in the route, a downed tree creates a low-clearance hazard that can be especially problematic for lifted vehicles, requiring careful approach...
Learn more about Upper Briar Creek Spur - FS 4354A

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 begins by taking a 90-degree right turn and passing through a Forest Service ...
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Turning to gravel 5 miles in, Viking Mountain Road is a 3.5-mile out-and-back single-lane forest service road on the Tennessee side of the Cherokee National Forest, southeast of Greeneville, Tennessee, leading up to the Bald Mountains region. On pavement, it is accessed from Greeneville, Tennessee v...
Learn more about Viking Mountain Road

This is a windy gravel mountain road. It winds along the edge of the mountain with mild elevation changes. Beautiful drive with a couple of good spots to catch a view, although there are no official lookouts. The road is well-maintained and makes a great "Sunday drive". The view is very pretty in th...
Learn more about Green Mountain Road

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 under 10 miles round-trip and traverses the side of the mountain range. Expect steep drop-offs on the side of...
Learn more about No Business Knob

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 begins by taking a 90-degree right turn and passing through a Forest Service ...
Learn more about Rich Mountain Summit

Turning to gravel 5 miles in, Viking Mountain Road is a 3.5-mile out-and-back single-lane forest service road on the Tennessee side of the Cherokee National Forest, southeast of Greeneville, Tennessee, leading up to the Bald Mountains region. On pavement, it is accessed from Greeneville, Tennessee v...
Learn more about Viking Mountain Road

This is a windy gravel mountain road. It winds along the edge of the mountain with mild elevation changes. Beautiful drive with a couple of good spots to catch a view, although there are no official lookouts. The road is well-maintained and makes a great "Sunday drive". The view is very pretty in th...
Learn more about Green Mountain Road

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 under 10 miles round-trip and traverses the side of the mountain range. Expect steep drop-offs on the side of...
Learn more about No Business Knob