Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Elkin, North Carolina

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Pond Lick Road

This dirt track travels just north of Gatewood Reservoir. At just under 3 miles, it's a great quick run, or you can add to a route that includes some of the other local forest roads.…
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Total Miles
2.5
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Fa

McQueen's Gap

This is the only unpaved route across South Holston Mountain. There are many off shoot trails that are open seasonally, but the main route isn't ever closed. You can access the Appalachian Trail from the…
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Total Miles
5.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Old NC 105

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 of Table Rock Mountain. There are numerous overlooks and…
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Total Miles
13.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa / Sp

Jacobs Creek

This is a combination of gravel and dirt. It starts in the Jacobs Creek area and travels through the Cherokee National Forest from TN into VA. There are a few camping locations along the way,…
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Total Miles
3.4
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Hilltop To Bramwell VIA WMG

Part of the West Virginia Outlaw System. Hatfield McCoy is a great place to ride with a lot of trail to cover and explore. Always use caution when riding, and remember to pack out what…
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Total Miles
13.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Su

Flatwoods Road to 87A

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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Total Miles
22.7
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 4

Segment four transits the "midlands" section of South Carolina, with the towns of Gaffney and Camden on each end. This section is mostly forested and contains a mixture of pavement, gravel, and clay roads. The…
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Total Miles
194.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Flatwoods Road 87D

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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Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa

South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 3

Segment three is the "upstate" section of the SCAR, and is bookended by the towns of Westminster and Gaffney. This section transits the Blue Ridge Mountains and consists of some fabulous gravel roads with a…
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Total Miles
202.4
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Clinch Mountain Fire Tower

This trail goes up and over Clinch Mountain and descends into Moccasin Valley. There are many vistas along the way, both ascending and descending the mountain. The surrounding area is full of history and places…
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Total Miles
5.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

5583

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.…
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Total Miles
0.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Wi / Fa / Su / Sp

Fenwick Mines

Near the town of New Castle, VA, are the remnants of many small mining towns. This route passes by the Fenwick Mines area, which has a small recreation day-use area and hiking trails. The route…
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Total Miles
6
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

No Business Knob

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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Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi