Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Marshall, North Carolina

Hurrican Gap is a well-maintained gravel road that travels from the Houston Valley area to just outside of Hot Springs, NC. While it's not particularly challenging, there are some great side trips along the way.…
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This short route is a must-see if you're in the area. If you're traveling Hurricane Gap it's well worth the detour. There area few campsites on the way up the mountain. Cell service is available,…
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Turning to gravel 5 miles in, Viking Mountain Road is a 3.5-mile out-and-back single-lane forest service road on the Tennessee side of the Cherokee National Forest, southeast of Greeneville, Tennessee, leading up to the Bald…
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This is a windy gravel mountain road. It winds along the edge of the mountain with mild elevation changes. Beautiful drive with a couple of good spots to catch a view, although there are no…
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Wolf Creek Road is a 6.1-mile gravel road kept in good shape by the Cherokee National Forest. It's mostly one lane, but there are plenty of wide spots to pass. You can access it from…
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Weaver Bend Road runs from its intersection with Brush Creek to the French Broad River. It transitions from gravel to dirt. Along the road, there are several marked campsites, including several riverside. At its namesake…
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This is a 4.2-mile out-and-back single-lane forest service road on the Tennessee side of the Cherokee National Forest, southeast of Greeneville, Tennessee, leading up to the Bald Mountains region. It is accessed from Greeneville, TN…
Learn more about Round Knob Road - FS88

This is an 8.7-mile gravel forest service road that can be entered from the south via the Fines Creek area, just east of Interstate 40 in Clyde, North Carolina. Traveling north, the road becomes gravel…
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This is a short out-and-back trail with multiple primitive campsites and fire rings. The campsite on the south end has room for multiple vehicles with rooftop tents and plenty of room for ground tents with…
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Paint Mountain is a great way to connect Hurricane Gap to the east, with some of the other roads and trails west of this area. It's 1 to 1.5 cars wide and outside of a…
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This beautiful "Creek-Side Dirt trail is a must if you like driving on forest roads and you like the view/sound of the roaring creeks. If you ever plan to go to Max Patch (360 views…
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This route will take you from the higher elevations back towards Hartford. It generally a mild road, but a few sections include ruts and mud holes that might be more challenging during rainy weather. Be…
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Brush Creek starts out as a narrow paved road, but once it meets the western end of Weaver's Bend it transitions to gravel. This is a beautiful drive and the namesake creek parallels the road…
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Jennings Creek Road travels along the border of Cherokee National Forest between the Horse Creek Recreation Area and the Old Forge NF Campground. The campground has walk-in sites with a parking lot only 10 to…
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This is a short section of roadway out of Asheville that connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road winds up the Blue Ridge Mountains through scenic back-country areas with multiple trails and recreational areas…
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This short two-mile trail is a great quick route to visit the tower. It's relatively tame outside of a few sections with larger rocks. When paired with Big Clifty, it makes for a nice 10-mile…
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Gulf Road is a great route to take to gain access to some of the tracks at higher elevations. From here you can head up to Max Patch, explore Martha Sundquist State Forest, head out…
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Big Clifty is a mild introduction to the forest roads in the area. This seven-mile track climbs to the Meadow View Lookout Tower and is easily traversed by a 2WD vehicle. Cell service is available…
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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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This is an easy road that does not require 4x4. The road is not maintained when it has snowed. You gain 945 feet of elevation, but it is very gradual. There are several places along…
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While less exciting in terrain than the closely named Old Buzzard Roost Road, this route has some fantastic views and other exciting features. The road is mostly gravel, with a few sections holding water or…
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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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This trail is a well maintained road that is mostly 1 car width wide and has several spots to turn into if you encounter another vehicle. The trail winds through Rich Mountain via switch backs.…
Learn more about Bumpus Cove Trail USFS190

Old Buzzard Roost Road is a nice adventure just a few miles from the interstate. You'll travel under the shadow of Mt. Sterling as you cross a few creeks and traverse switchbacks until you reach…
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Gravel Road through the GSMNP Cataloochee area to Big Creek. The road is suitable for most vehicles, but higher clearance is recommended due to some rocky areas. The road will close during significant weather events…
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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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South Toe River is a basic, but scenic trail located near Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. The trail begins at the Blue Ridge Parkway on its south end and terminates at the Toe River Trail…
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The Hall Top Spur allows access to the Hall Top Fire Tower, Big Fill Road, and Rocky Top Road from the eastern border of this section of Cherokee National Forest. The road climbs steeply from…
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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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Hall Top climbs 1,500 feet over the five-mile route from the rhododendron shaded valley to the rocky peak above. The majority of the route is maintained, but some of the steeper sections are rocky and…
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