Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Elizabethton, Tennessee

This trail is an extension of Flatwoods Road - 87D. The trail is mostly downhill and has several mudholes that you could potentially get stuck in. Use caution on the trail, as there are mud…
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This is mainly a gravel trail with several muddy spots. The trail is mainly flat but does have rolling hills to travel through. I encountered several mud holes but none of which are of any…
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Cedar Gap Trail is an easy dirt route located within Cherokee National Forest, offering a quiet out-and-back drive through lightly maintained forest terrain. The trail is primarily a single-lane dirt path with periodic pull-offs and…
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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…
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Laurel Mountain / White Rock is a moderately easy trail that offers a mix of dirt and rock surfaces with enough variation to keep drivers engaged. The route features scattered ruts from rain, shelf road…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Laurel Fork is a scenic gravel route that offers a relaxed drive with occasional exposure and limited passing opportunities. The road is primarily one lane with tight curves, requiring drivers to remain alert for oncoming…
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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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Running Flatwoods road from Hickory Tree TN to HWY 421. This includes a section of Forest Service Road 87A when open. The main route is open year-round and is a combination of gravel and unimproved…
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Rocky Branch Road is a moderately easy trail that offers a mix of gravel terrain with light obstacles and access to several nearby hiking areas. The route is primarily one lane with occasional pull-offs for…
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Bitter End - Lacy Trap is a moderately easy out-and-back trail that offers a mix of surface variation and light obstacles throughout. The trail begins with an entrance that may appear to lead onto private…
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Little Stoney Creek Road is a scenic mountain route that winds along Little Stoney Creek just outside of Hampton, Tennessee. Nestled within the Cherokee National Forest, this trail offers a peaceful ride through dense hardwood…
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Red Fork Road is an easy, graded gravel route that provides a smooth and accessible drive with year-round usability. The road surface is well-maintained and follows gentle grades, making it suitable for a wide range…
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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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Walnut Mountain Road is an easy gravel route that winds through a mix of rural and forested terrain, including sections of the Cherokee National Forest. The road is generally wide enough for two vehicles and…
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Heaton Branch Road is an easy gravel route that offers a straightforward drive with a few features that require driver awareness. The road consists of a traditional gravel surface and includes numerous twists and turns,…
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Ephraim Road (FS 5583) is primarily an easy forest road that offers a straightforward drive with a gradual change in terrain as you progress. The route begins as a well-maintained gravel road with gentle grades…
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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

Sams Branch Road is an easy gravel route that offers a quiet drive through a rural setting with minimal technical features. The road surface is primarily gravel and generally well-maintained, making it accessible for most…
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White Oak Flats is a mostly easy gravel route with a short but more technical section at the beginning. The first approximately 0.4 miles features a narrower two-track with a rocky descent that requires more…
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Huntdale Road is an easy, graded gravel route that offers a short but scenic drive with several unique features along the way. The road is generally straightforward and accessible for most drivers under normal conditions,…
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Flat Top Road is an easy gravel route that offers a relaxed drive with gentle grades and rolling elevation changes. The road is mostly single lane but includes plenty of pull-off areas for passing, making…
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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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White Oak Flats Spur is an easy, graded gravel route that provides a smooth and predictable driving experience. The road is wide and well-maintained, allowing for comfortable travel and easy passing in most areas. The…
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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…
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