Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Elk Park, North Carolina

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

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

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 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

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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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

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

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

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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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

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

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

Trail 1 serves as the main 8-mile east-to-west access corridor at Doe Mountain Recreation Area, connecting the main parking area to the Morfield Branch Trailhead. Although considered easy the entire route, the eastern section starts…
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School House Ridge is a narrower, more overgrown double-track trail that winds through a secluded area of the forest. It is slightly more challenging than other nearby roads due to less frequent maintenance, its narrow…
Learn more about School House Ridge - FS 4068

Trail 24 is a short, quarter-mile connector between Trails 26 and 28. It features one steep corner that switchbacks up the hill, followed by a steep descent down to 28. The trail is mostly smooth…
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Trail 526 begins as a relatively easy route with small loose rock and occasional puddles, winding through dense rhododendron thickets that create a lush, almost jungle-like atmosphere. The trail passes a storm shelter and gradually…
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Trail 326 forms a scenic .6-mile loop branching off Trail 26, offering a mellow ride through thick rhododendron thickets and dense canopy cover that gives the route a lush, jungle-like ambiance. The trail is mostly…
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Brown Mountain Beech Road is a smaller section of a town road that goes through Pisgah National Forest and the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. The road follows Wilson Creek and offers views of the…
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Trail 23 at Doe Mountain Recreation Area offers a wide, well-maintained path ideal for SxS drivers seeking a smooth, fast east-west connector. Much like Trail 21, it features broad, gradual curves and a nearly debris-free…
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Trail 21 offers a smooth, flowing ride with sweeping turns and minimal elevation change--ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a break from rocky terrain. The trail is mostly mild, with only a few scattered…
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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

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

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

Trail 22 begins with a smooth, gradual climb from Trail 1 before rounding a blind corner into a series of descending switchbacks down the mountainside. Most turns are wide and manageable, though a few are…
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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

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

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

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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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

Trail 821 is a short, half-mile connector linking Trail 21 to Trail 23, offering a steeper climb from south to north. Though it's narrower than surrounding trails and winds through dense rhododendron, it remains mostly…
Learn more about 821