Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Johnson City, Tennessee

Horse Cove Gap is an out-and-back trail that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail winds through lush forests, gradually leading to several overlooks that provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.…
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Upper Briar Creek (FS 4354) is a moderately easy trail that offers a mix of terrain features and gradually becomes more rugged as you progress. The route begins as a single-lane trail with scattered ruts,…
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Upper Briar Creek Spur (FS 4354A) is a moderately technical trail that begins with immediate obstacles and maintains a more rugged character throughout. Early in the route, a downed tree creates a low-clearance hazard that…
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This route will take you on a journey through the mountains to the upper parking lot area, near the refurbished fire tower. Once at the parking area, it is a 20-45 minute hike to the…
Learn more about Buffalo Mountain - Fire Tower Climb

This is a relatively tame FS road that offers some camp spots, scenic views, and a peaceful drive through the mountains. Although the trail is mostly flat, you will encounter some potholes and small rocks…
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Take a quick trip through the mountains on this scenic forest service road. There are multiple water bars (rain/erosion control mounds) that can catch you by surprise, so use caution throughout the trail. There is…
Learn more about Irishman Branch

Big Creek South is a moderately easy gravel route that offers a straightforward drive with a few areas requiring attention. The surface is primarily gravel with scattered mud holes and ruts, including some deeper sections…
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Rocky Branch Road is a moderately easy trail that offers a mix of gravel terrain with light obstacles and access to several nearby hiking areas. The route is primarily one lane with occasional pull-offs for…
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After turning onto Rich Mountain (190) Trail, also locally known as Bumpus Cove, will open up approximately one-quarter mile in and allow for groups to park along the edge to adjust tire pressure when entering…
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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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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…
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Red Fork Road is an easy, graded gravel route that provides a smooth and accessible drive with year-round usability. The road surface is well-maintained and follows gentle grades, making it suitable for a wide range…
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Ephraim Road (FS 5583) is primarily an easy forest road that offers a straightforward drive with a gradual change in terrain as you progress. The route begins as a well-maintained gravel road with gentle grades…
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Big Creek Road is a moderately easy gravel route within Cherokee National Forest that serves as a connector to Flatwoods and Old Flatwoods. The surface is primarily gravel with a mix of potholes and occasional…
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Rich Mountain Summit is the legal continuation of Rich Mountain Trail which has seasonal closures typically from December 20 through late March and is considered an 'out and back' experience. The Rich Mountain Summit Trail…
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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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Cedar Gap Trail is an easy dirt route located within Cherokee National Forest, offering a quiet out-and-back drive through lightly maintained forest terrain. The trail is primarily a single-lane dirt path with periodic pull-offs and…
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Laurel Mountain / White Rock is a moderately easy trail that offers a mix of dirt and rock surfaces with enough variation to keep drivers engaged. The route features scattered ruts from rain, shelf road…
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Granny Lewis is an easy out-and-back trail that follows closely along Granny Lewis Creek, offering a relaxed drive with frequent water views and a quiet forest setting. The route is primarily smooth and consistent, making…
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White Oak Flats is a mostly easy gravel route with a short but more technical section at the beginning. The first approximately 0.4 miles features a narrower two-track with a rocky descent that requires more…
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Flat Top Road is an easy gravel route that offers a relaxed drive with gentle grades and rolling elevation changes. The road is mostly single lane but includes plenty of pull-off areas for passing, making…
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Flatwoods Road is an easy forest road with a gravel surface that offers a relaxed and accessible drive through a natural setting. The trail is generally about one and a half lanes wide, providing enough…
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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

Sams Branch Road is an easy gravel route that offers a quiet drive through a rural setting with minimal technical features. The road surface is primarily gravel and generally well-maintained, making it accessible for most…
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White Oak Flats Spur is an easy, graded gravel route that provides a smooth and predictable driving experience. The road is wide and well-maintained, allowing for comfortable travel and easy passing in most areas. The…
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Laurel Fork is a scenic gravel route that offers a relaxed drive with occasional exposure and limited passing opportunities. The road is primarily one lane with tight curves, requiring drivers to remain alert for oncoming…
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Huntdale Road is an easy, graded gravel route that offers a short but scenic drive with several unique features along the way. The road is generally straightforward and accessible for most drivers under normal conditions,…
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Old Flatwoods is an easy gravel route located within the Cherokee National Forest, offering a relaxed drive with access to a variety of nearby recreational opportunities. The trail surface is generally maintained with gentle grades,…
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Bitter End - Lacy Trap is a moderately easy out-and-back trail that offers a mix of surface variation and light obstacles throughout. The trail begins with an entrance that may appear to lead onto private…
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Panhandle Road is an easy gravel forest road that serves as a primary access route to several notable destinations in the area, including Holston Mountain, the Holston Mountain Tower, and the RF-4C Phantom Jet Crash…
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