Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Fontana Dam, North Carolina

Slickrock Road is a gravel route that winds through the Nantahala National Forest. It is primarily one vehicle wide, though there are plenty of areas with room to pass. The road begins at Tapoco Road…
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This is a 2/10 primarily gravel route that winds through the mountains alongside Lake Santeetlah with beautiful views peeking through the trees with a few spots granting access to the lake for fishing. It terminates…
Learn more about Farley Cove - FS 407

Long Hungry Branch (FS 2586) is a gravel road that skirts the edge of beautiful Lake Santeetlah in Nantahala National Forest. It features several free designated campsites along the water's edge that can accommodate 1…
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Blue Boar Road (FS 2369) features beautiful views of Lake Santeetlah as it winds around its southern perimeter. At the western end, you'll find the Blue Boar Inn with cozy room and board if you…
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This is a very easy and maintained gravel road. Safe for most 4WD and high-clearance 2WD vehicles. There are lots of places to camp but you are required to camp in designated areas...we saw some…
Learn more about Upper Santeetlah - 81

Parson Branch is a full gravel, one-way, scenic route that leads through the Smoky Mountains. The road is maintained, however, you may find the occasional tree down after heavy storms. This is usually not a…
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Tatham Gap Road, also known as Forest Service Road 423, is a 7.1-mile long two-way gravel road that connects Andrews, North Carolina, with Robbinsville, North Carolina. Passing through the Nantahala National Forest, Tatham Gap Road…
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Snowbird Road (FS 75) runs alongside the stunning Snowbird Creek and features beautiful views of the stream and plentiful camping options complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and direct access to the water. Bring your…
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This trail is not too bad but can be rutted in places and loose gravel on steep grades. The views from this trail are great, especially in the winter when the leaves are off the…
Learn more about Wolf Laurel - 81F

This 1/10 groomed gravel road runs alongside Little Snowbird Creek and leads to an access road for Nantahala National Forest, making it a great segment for avoiding pavement while getting a taste of Appalachia. While…
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This 2/10 gravel road - FS 423B climbs steadily to the Joanna Bald Lookout Tower on Teyahalee Bald and offers occasional openings with mountain views along the route. Keep a sharp eye out for the…
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Rich Mountain Road is 6.6 miles and runs through the Smoky Mountain National Park and heads North out of the park. The trail is composed of loose gravel and has several twists and turns up…
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This trek starts at North River which is a well-maintained gravel road and then transitions to the Upper Santeetlah(81) trail which is less maintained. The Upper Santeetlah is not too bad and can be navigated…
Learn more about North River Rd to Upper Santeetlah - 81

This is a short spur to the Swan historical cabin which you can reserve for camping through the USFS. Trail is rated a 2/10 only for deep dips built for water control but is otherwise…
Learn more about Swan Cabin - FS 807

This 2/10 gravel trail, FS 304, has occasional small rocks/dirt sections and traverses the southern side of the Snowbird Mountains. It features views of the valley below peeking through the trees as you meander through…
Learn more about Webb Mill Road

Double Camp Road (FSR 2659) is a rocky trail that winds up the mountain to the Farr Gap trailhead. Along the trail, you will find yourself traveling along the scenic Double CampCreekk. It's a great…
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This 2/10 gravel road has been recently restored, granting easy access to the Nantahala National Forest. Its narrow and winding length climbs the mountains quickly, so Four Wheel Drive is encouraged to help maintain the…
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Forest Service Road that starts along Tellico's North River. This is a beautiful small river home to some of the best fly fishing around. This road will take you up to a truly breathtaking view…
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Citico CRreekNorth (FSR 35-1) is a well-traveled gravel/ rocky road. This trail will take you down to the beautiful Citico Creek. Citico Creek is well known for its fishing, However, if you want a scenic…
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If you want to connect the Trans America Trail with the South Carolina Adventure Route, this is your path. It's located North of Walhalla, and connects the SCAR to both the TAT and the Smokey…
Learn more about Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector

This is a super easy two-track seasonal trail. This trail is only open from 10-1 to 12-18. Double-check the rules for this trail with Tellico Ranger District. It was open today with some off-shoots open…
Learn more about Bark Camp- Lost Cove- Miller's Ridge

This route is located in the Cherokee National Forest, following the banks of Citico Creek. The road is primarily a two-lane gravel path that occasionally narrows to one lane. It is an easy drive, suitable…
Learn more about Citico Creek North

Tuni Gap Road, also known as Forest Service Road 440, is a 6.3-mile-long two-way gravel road that connects Hayesville, North Carolina with Andrews, North Carolina. It is one of the only routes that passes completely…
Learn more about Tuni Gap Road - FS 440

Long Branch - FS 340C breaks off of Fires Creek Rd in Nantahala National Forest. There is a steep climb at first, becoming more gradual. Waterfalls can be seen from the road. There is little…
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Citico Creek South (35) is a maintained gravel road that intersects with Indian Boundary Road from the east, Rafter Road in the middle, and turns into Turkey Creek Road from the west. There may be…
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Big Stamp branches off of Long Branch 340C and climbs up to 4300' into the Nantahala National Forest. The first few switchbacks are pretty steep with heavy washboarding and loose gravel, causing an uneven surface.…
Learn more about Big Stamp - FS 427

Fires Creek 340 is an out-and-back trail that wanders through the Nantahala National Forest. It starts at a day-use picnic area and follows Fires Creek the entire time, with access points along the way. The…
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This road starts at the end of River Road in Tellico at State Line Campground. The first mile of the road is single-track asphalt. When it changes over to gravel, you will have some areas…
Learn more about Trail 1 FR 420-1

Rafter Road is a well-maintained 2-vehicle-wide gravel road with several residences throughout. There are some beautiful views of the mountains on the west end, and a nice creek crossing about halfway on this section. You…
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Beaverdam Bald is in the Cherokee National Forest. Its road ID number is 24. This road rides along a mountain crest with views of the surrounding mountains on both sides. There are overlooks along the…
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