Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Elm City, North Carolina

Tootle Road can allow access about to two miles of trail and an abundance of hunting grounds. Most of Tootle Rd is a wide dirt double-track road that provides access to hunting grounds within the Croatan National Forest. The first two miles of the trail are this wide road, which can be driven quickl...
Learn more about Tootle Road

Upon arrival at Farrior Farm Road, you will be greeted by the Croatan National Forest sign with a noticeably smooth gravel terrain. Approximately 0.5 mile on the left, the Southern New Bern Depot, which is managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, will be located here. Going forward, the trai...
Learn more about Farrior Farm - FS 121A

The Chowan Swamp Gamelands are a state-administered game area in Gates County, North Carolina. The trail system is seasonal, and one can expect various areas to be open or closed depending on what hunting season it is. The area offers excellent fishing along the Chowan River, along with scenic areas...
Learn more about Chowan Swamp Gamelands

Located in the northern section of Croatan National Forest, Mill Branch (FS 170) stretches approximately 2.9 miles between County Line Road and Farrior Farm (FS 121A). Recent grading and bulldozing have significantly improved the road surface, eliminating rough patches and large rocks randomly scatt...
Learn more about Mill Branch - FS 170

Crooked Road is primarily a hard-packed double-track road that provides access to the Croatan National Forest game lands. Coming from Tootle Road and taking a left at the intersection, will lead to the highway, although there is a fence blocking the way. This is about a half-mile section and is a li...
Learn more about Crooked Road

Located in the northern section of Croatan National Forest, North Little (FS 121-1) extends 2 miles between County Line Road and Perrytown Road. This forest service road is notably wide throughout and provides ample room for two-way traffic and allows vehicles traveling in opposite directions to pas...
Learn more about North Little - FS 121-1

Beautiful single-vehicle width track through the forest. The entry/exit route to the northwest is very, very corrugated. But to the south, you'll find one of the widest and smoothest unpaved roads in the country. The trail is pretty straightforward when dry, lots of large potholes punctuate an other...
Learn more about Middle Little

Bear Spotter is a seasonal section of trails in the Chowan Swamp Game Lands. It's a scenic area of the game lands that are generally only open during deer season. The trail starts at the Gatlington Boat Ramp and proceeds down season paths that are primarily hunter access roads and are also designate...
Learn more about Chowan Game Lands - Bear Spotter

This area of the Chowan Swamp Gamelands is a seasonal trail that is open primarily during deer season. As the name suggests, one can expect to see a great many deer. Care should be taken not to strike deer with your vehicle. A wide array of other animals can be seen as well, including bears. Be mind...
Learn more about Chowan Gamelands - Deer Spotter

Started off as a nice dirt road, then slowly transitions to small mud holes on both sides of the trail. Shortly after, you will come to the end that is gated and marked with numerous private property signs. There are no signs of dispersed camping located on this trail.
Learn more about Briery Branch - FS 122

Coming up onto the trail off of Mirey Branch, you will be met with a gravel road that stretches over 3.2 miles of flat gravel terrain. The road was clear from beginning to end, with no obstructions, fallen trees, washouts, or other hazards blocking travel at any point along the route. It appeared we...
Learn more about Mattocks - FS 606

Started off as a nice dirt road, then slowly transitions to small mud holes on both sides of the trail. Shortly after, you will come to the end that is gated and marked with numerous private property signs. There are no signs of dispersed camping located on this trail.
Learn more about Briery Branch - FS 122

Started off as a nice dirt road, then slowly transitions to small mud holes on both sides of the trail. Shortly after, you will come to the end that is gated and marked with numerous private property signs. There are no signs of dispersed camping located on this trail.
Learn more about Briery Branch - FS 122

Coming up onto the trail off of Mirey Branch, you will be met with a gravel road that stretches over 3.2 miles of flat gravel terrain. The road was clear from beginning to end, with no obstructions, fallen trees, washouts, or other hazards blocking travel at any point along the route. It appeared we...
Learn more about Mattocks - FS 606