Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Murphy, North Carolina

FS-85 Panther Top is an out-and-back, easy, and well-maintained service trail that is located within the Nantahala National Forest just minutes from Murphy, North Carolina. The area is bordered by Persimmon Lake, and the trail…
Learn more about Panther Top FS-85

FSR-307, Beech Creek Road, is a well-maintained, out-and-back trail that winds along the shores of Persimmon Lake within the Nantahala National Forest. This easy, gravel-based trail offers a peaceful ride through the forest with several…
Learn more about Beech Creek Road - FS 307

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

This scenic gravel road offers an easy drive, with a few bumpy sections, small potholes, an easy middle-rutted section, and potentially muddy areas after rain. Running along the ridge of the mountain provides occasional views…
Learn more about Gumlog Gap FS 95

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…
Learn more about Porterfield Gap Road

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

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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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…
Learn more about Fires Creek - FS 340

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…
Learn more about Little Snowbird Road

Davenport OHV is a 1-way Trail that creates a loop. It's 6.2 miles in length. The parking lot is in the middle of the OHV trail system. There is a 2-way short trail that leads…
Learn more about Davenport Mountain OHV Trails

Are you looking for some beautiful GA views, even in the summer? Ivy Log Gap, FS 100, runs along a ridge offering scenic views year-round, with incredibly stunning overlooks in the fall. This smooth gravel…
Learn more about Ivy Log Gap (FS 100)

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

The trail to Waucheesi Bald is a gravel trail. The trail has been recently re-graveled. It is a two-way road so make sure you watch for oncoming traffic. The road will take you along Bald…
Learn more about FR126 Waucheesi Bald

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…
Learn more about Wigg Meadow

This can be considered the main access route into the Beasley Knob OHV area in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It is mostly a wide gravel roadway. Some of the trails in the Beasley area are…
Learn more about Beasley Knob 93a

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

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…
Learn more about Long Branch - FS 340C

Nicholson Gap begins as the main trail out of the Satterfield Parking lot, it is a moderately steep but otherwise easy access trail to the rest of Beasley Knob OHV. The trail is mostly clay…
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Hospital Cove trail is a main access trail inside of Beasley Knob OHV area. The trail is mostly gravel with some dirt and provides a route to a pair of the more challenging trails in…
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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…
Learn more about Tatham Gap Road - FS 423

This is a very easy and recently maintained gravel road. Safe for most 4WD and high-clearance 2WD vehicles. Lots of places to camp but you are required to camp in designated areas. There is no…
Learn more about North River Shortcut - 216

This trail is an easy trail inside Beasley Knob OHV that serves as a connector between the Satterfield and Blue Rock parking area, the trail is steep with a small but not very difficult ledge.…
Learn more about Barnhart-Sutz Trail

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 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

This trail has easy access gravel road off Highway 68 in Farner. The road is 2 vehicles wide and has mostly gentle elevations. It starts out running parallel to the Hiwassee River and then a…
Learn more about Shuler Creek

This trail is to the top of Waucheesi Mountain. Truly a beautiful sight to behold. The trail stems off of Bald river road in the Tellico Mountains. The trail starts on a nice gravel path…
Learn more about Waucheesi Mountain Overlook

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 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…
Learn more about Joanna Tower Road

This trail runs from North River Rd Shortcut - 216 to the Cherohala Skyway in the Cherokee National Forest. This trail is mainly dirt with some small rocks. It winds through clearings and forest. Beware…
Learn more about Mad Dog

Fish Knob (Forest Service Road 4C) is an easy down-and-back single-lane gravel trail that is roughly three miles each way and takes about half an hour to complete. The road is well-maintained and winds through…
Learn more about Fish Knob - FS 4C