Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Fairfield, Oklahoma

The road unfolds as loose gravel, usually in decent shape but peppered with washboard ripples and the odd pothole that urges a slower pace. It threads through rolling farmland where pastures stretch to the fence lines, then splashes over a shallow creek that freshens the air. We met a spread of curi...
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The track rolls out as loose gravel that is generally well cared for, though scattered potholes and stretches of washboard keep the ride lively. Because farmhouses line much of the route, pickups and delivery vans appear without warning, and a lone basketball hoop at one junction hints that local ki...
Learn more about D0854

The road drops off the hillside in a lazy set of bends, its gravel surface mostly tidy but interrupted by the odd pothole and strip of washboard that rattles the dash before smoothing out farther down. A hand-painted sign reminds drivers to ease off the gas because kids play nearby, and it is good a...
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A beautiful and leisurely drive through a small section of the eastern side of the Cherokee Nation. This route is approximately 58 miles long and can be completed in 2-5 hours, depending on the speed of travel and any stops along the way. The route is all county roads and can be completed by any 4x4...
Learn more about Tsalagi Trail East

The drive begins innocently enough on firm gravel, but the road soon tightens into a twisting corridor that grows muddy, rocky, and pocked with corrugations and potholes. Water pools in low spots, and the grade steepens as the lane climbs toward the Wildlife Management Area parking lot--a spot that ...
Learn more about S4780 Road

Cove Creek Road is an easy scenic forest road that follows Cove Creek through a narrow mountain valley beneath a dense tree canopy. The route is primarily gravel and generally well maintained, making it suitable for most highway-registered vehicles in normal conditions. The road winds through a mix ...
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Cove Creek Crossing is a scenic forest route that follows the creek through a narrow mountain valley surrounded by towering hardwoods, rock bluffs, and rolling ridgelines. The road is primarily gravel and generally easy to navigate, though scattered embedded rock and occasional rough patches keep it...
Learn more about Cove Creek Crossing

The drive begins on smooth, well-graded gravel that carries you to a broad submerged bridge, but the moment you cross the river, the trail's tone changes. It narrows, brush leans in, and the surface breaks into muddy ruts, loose rocks, and steep pitches that force a slow crawl toward the 1,700-foot ...
Learn more about D4747

The road unfolds as loose gravel, generally well graded but dotted with washboard stretches that jostle the suspension. Because farmers rely on it daily, expect the occasional pickup or tractor, and keep your speed in check. A handful of homesteads slide by before the track winds into mixed woodland...
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This trail provides access to the lower portion of Lee Creek for swimming and fishing. The trail goes all the way to the water; however, there is no parking at the water allowed. Rangers patrol this area since it is a common swimming hole, so park at the designated parking area if you plan to stay. ...
Learn more about Lower Lee Creek Trail

Lower Lee Creek Trail is a short access road leading to one of the area’s most popular swimming and fishing destinations along Lee Creek. The site features a large gravel bar and beach area for lounging, along with clear water, rock bluffs commonly used for jumping, and rope swings that make it espe...
Learn more about Upper Lee Creek Trail

Old Cove City Road is an easy scenic gravel road that winds through dense hardwood forest and rolling mountain terrain within the National Forest. The route is generally wide and well-maintained, making it suitable for most highway-registered vehicles in dry conditions. Long stretches of tree canopy...
Learn more about Old Cove City Road

The route starts as a tidy ribbon of gravel that climbs and dips through thick timber, and it is common to spot deer slipping across the track. There is a large, well-fenced ranch called Lee Creek Ranch, which is for sale for just over 8 million dollars if you have a few spare coins. The property be...
Learn more about N4770

This trail begins as a road near private property but traverses through a wooded area of the Ozark National Forest. The south end may seem like it passes through someone's property, but it is a public road into the National Forest. The trail contains a few shallow mud holes and small rocks, but is o...
Learn more about Birchfield

In the hills west of Lake Tenkiller, the route rattles across loose gravel that turns briefly washboard before smoothing as it slips past hayfields and the pickups of local farmers. Groves of post oak, blackjack oak, and mockernut hickory press close to the hood, their canopy broken here and there b...
Learn more about Scratchout Road

This trail is just for access to the camping areas. This campground has spots for tents, boondocking, electric sites, and self-sufficient sites. Right next to the campground, you will find very nice showers and bathrooms as well as a laundry room. Multiple trails can be accessed from the campground....
Learn more about Campground Loop

This trail will branch off of Brandon's trail (coming from the campground) and will take you to the Parking Line Road, which has access to all the day-use trails. You will also pass multiple hard-rated trails along the way, and you will see a beautiful River view after coming down the hill.
Learn more about Mimi's Trail

This trail can be started from the campground side of the park. Brandon's trail will lead to four other trails in the park. One of them is a more challenging trail if you continue straight ahead at the end of this trail. Brandon's trail is a fun little trail that consists of loose rock, a short rutt...
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Whitley's Trail is a connecting trail off of Brandon's Trail. This will bring you back from the South Side of the park to the Main Access Road. Whitley's Trail has some washed-out sections that can get worse over time, and towards the very end of the trail, there are some large loose rocks going dow...
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This trail is for Float Parking Access. This is still something new to the park and is currently being worked on. This trail, like most others, has loose rock and some muddy areas. You will pass some other trails along the way this and some cool sights to see.
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A beautiful and leisurely drive through a small section of the eastern side of the Cherokee Nation. This route is approximately 58 miles long and can be completed in 2-5 hours, depending on the speed of travel and any stops along the way. The route is all county roads and can be completed by any 4x4...
Learn more about Tsalagi Trail East

Cove Creek Crossing is a scenic forest route that follows the creek through a narrow mountain valley surrounded by towering hardwoods, rock bluffs, and rolling ridgelines. The road is primarily gravel and generally easy to navigate, though scattered embedded rock and occasional rough patches keep it...
Learn more about Cove Creek Crossing

Old Cove City Road is an easy scenic gravel road that winds through dense hardwood forest and rolling mountain terrain within the National Forest. The route is generally wide and well-maintained, making it suitable for most highway-registered vehicles in dry conditions. Long stretches of tree canopy...
Learn more about Old Cove City Road

This trail is just for access to the camping areas. This campground has spots for tents, boondocking, electric sites, and self-sufficient sites. Right next to the campground, you will find very nice showers and bathrooms as well as a laundry room. Multiple trails can be accessed from the campground....
Learn more about Campground Loop

A beautiful and leisurely drive through a small section of the eastern side of the Cherokee Nation. This route is approximately 58 miles long and can be completed in 2-5 hours, depending on the speed of travel and any stops along the way. The route is all county roads and can be completed by any 4x4...
Learn more about Tsalagi Trail East

Cove Creek Crossing is a scenic forest route that follows the creek through a narrow mountain valley surrounded by towering hardwoods, rock bluffs, and rolling ridgelines. The road is primarily gravel and generally easy to navigate, though scattered embedded rock and occasional rough patches keep it...
Learn more about Cove Creek Crossing

Old Cove City Road is an easy scenic gravel road that winds through dense hardwood forest and rolling mountain terrain within the National Forest. The route is generally wide and well-maintained, making it suitable for most highway-registered vehicles in dry conditions. Long stretches of tree canopy...
Learn more about Old Cove City Road

This trail is just for access to the camping areas. This campground has spots for tents, boondocking, electric sites, and self-sufficient sites. Right next to the campground, you will find very nice showers and bathrooms as well as a laundry room. Multiple trails can be accessed from the campground....
Learn more about Campground Loop