Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina

Pringle Road is a forest service road that provides access to numerous trails and areas within Croatan National Forest. The road itself is well-maintained, with only a few scattered potholes and ruts. Alongside the road are several deep, optional mud pits--some of which can reach a couple of feet in...
Learn more about Pringle Road - FS 123

Bogue Road is another hard-pack road leading to more Croatan National Forest areas. Along the road is a vast hunting land area and numerous side trails. The end of the road turns into a tight-looking double-track trail that may not be accessible or a legal road or trail. The road is accessible by mo...
Learn more about Bogue Road

This trail runs through Pettiford Creek State Forest and is the easiest trail within Pettiford Creek. It mostly consists of sandy double-track with small whoops and potential for small puddles or mud pits. The majority of the trail can be driven in 2WD, only requiring 4WD upon heavy rain, resulting ...
Learn more about Pettiford Creek Trail

Pettiford Creek Trail 10 provides access to a scenic campsite along Pettiford Creek. The trail itself consists mostly of packed sand with minimal obstacles - only a few shallow ruts and small roots scattered throughout. The eastern section runs through open terrain, while the western end transitions...
Learn more about Pettiford Creek Trail 10

Pettiford Creek Trail 11 is a short offshoot from the Pettiford Creek West Entrance that leads to a small, secluded campsite along Pettiford Creek. The site can accommodate up to three or four vehicles, including creek access and a fire ring. At the beginning of the trail, there is a noticeable hump...
Learn more about Pettiford Creek Trail 11

This accesses the Pettiford Creek Tract trail system, which has sandy double track with mud holes, stream crossings, whoops, and amazing scenery. Most of the trail is loose sand, with some ruts and potential mud pits following heavy rain. Many offshoots from this trail vary in length and difficulty ...
Learn more about Pettiford Creek West Entrance

This trail is an easy forest service road that provides access to Croatan National Forest land and a few shorter trails. Along the road is a bridge, a small creek, an access trail to a clearing, and several hiking trails, while the end of the trail features access to three shorter trails. The surfac...
Learn more about Pettiford Creek - FS 206

Millis Road (128) crosses Croaton National Forest between Whitehouse Fork Road and Nine Mile Road. This route is generally maintained and offers a nice scenic drive for any vehicle or driver. While the road is well maintained, portions of large potholes should be watched closely to avoid any mishaps...
Learn more about Millis Road (128)

Holland Point is a scenic 1.1-mile out-and-back coastal trail ideal for beginners, families, and anyone seeking a relaxed drive with scenic water views and wildlife viewing opportunities near Cape Carteret, North Carolina. Winding through a dense coastal forest, this flat route offers a straightforw...
Learn more about Holland Point

This easy off-road trail is located on the western side of the Croatan National Forest. Obstacles include a few potholes, and the trail is mostly gravel. There is one small muddy area that might be trouble for low-clearance vehicles after heavy rains. There is also a water crossing, but it has a con...
Learn more about Holston Hunter Trail

This loop consists of several National Forest Service roads within the southwestern portion of the Croatan National Forest. Following Service Roads 199, 166, 3014, 176, 175, and 144, you will encounter well-maintained gravel roads accessible by any vehicle with minimal to no obstacles to encounter. ...
Learn more about Southwest Croatan National Forest Loop

Great Lake Road travels through Croatan National Forest, ending at Great Lake. This route is well-maintained and passable by any vehicle. While traveling the route, drivers will cross several small wooden bridges that cross small water streams that show age but are stable. Where the road ends, there...
Learn more about Great Lake Road (126)

East road is accessible from the back road of Cape Lookout which connects to Cape Lookout road. It’s has an emergency storm shelter area that is located on this trail, that can be used during hurricane season. Packed down sand makes traveling this area easier but respect closed off areas.
Learn more about East Road

This access leads to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Soundside access, with parking that can be limited during the spring and Summer months. The ramp is to be driven with caution, as some corners do not provide enough visual clearance. Abide by the speed limit and pull off to the sides if possible, for ...
Learn more about Lighthouse Access Ramp

South Core Banks is only accessible by vehicle ferry. A reservation is required through Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps or the Davis Shore Ferry Service. A beach driving permit (ORV) is required and can be obtained through Rec.gov. The National Park Service recommends a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel...
Learn more about South Core Banks - Back Road

Coming up onto the trail, the trail consists of dirt and sand packed down, but it makes for a smooth, comfortable ride. The path makes enough room for passable vehicles to pass each other without stopping and moving over. Plenty of wildlife can be seen while approaching a recently timbered off area ...
Learn more about Belangia - FS 163

Turning off of Hill Field, you will access Collins Road, which is mainly flat from end to end. You may have to pull off for others to pass, but this road is part of the Croatan Gamelands. This is where hunters might be seen occasionally from the road or woods.
Learn more about Collins Road - FS 146A

Pulling onto Hill Field Road from Highway 58, you will be met with a gravel road and an open gate allowing access to this trail. It flat and smooth from beginning to end and might have to pull off onto the side to allow others to pass through. At the end will be a parking area for hunters during the...
Learn more about Hill Field - FS 603

Coming up onto Pine Grove Road (FS 156), located off of Catfish Lake Road, you will be met with a gravel road that stretches 3.1 miles in the eastern section of the Croatan National Forest. It is smaller in width than most of the trails in the Croatan area, but you will still have room to pull to th...
Learn more about Pine Grove - FS 156

This is a well-maintained gravel road. The whole road is mostly flat and is wide enough for passing vehicles to go around each other without stopping. No trees or debris blocking the road and no signs of washouts or ruts.
Learn more about Ives Field - FS 182

This easy off-road trail is located on the western side of the Croatan National Forest. Obstacles include a few potholes, and the trail is mostly gravel. There is one small muddy area that might be trouble for low-clearance vehicles after heavy rains. There is also a water crossing, but it has a con...
Learn more about Holston Hunter Trail

East road is accessible from the back road of Cape Lookout which connects to Cape Lookout road. It’s has an emergency storm shelter area that is located on this trail, that can be used during hurricane season. Packed down sand makes traveling this area easier but respect closed off areas.
Learn more about East Road

This access leads to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Soundside access, with parking that can be limited during the spring and Summer months. The ramp is to be driven with caution, as some corners do not provide enough visual clearance. Abide by the speed limit and pull off to the sides if possible, for ...
Learn more about Lighthouse Access Ramp

South Core Banks is only accessible by vehicle ferry. A reservation is required through Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps or the Davis Shore Ferry Service. A beach driving permit (ORV) is required and can be obtained through Rec.gov. The National Park Service recommends a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel...
Learn more about South Core Banks - Back Road

This easy off-road trail is located on the western side of the Croatan National Forest. Obstacles include a few potholes, and the trail is mostly gravel. There is one small muddy area that might be trouble for low-clearance vehicles after heavy rains. There is also a water crossing, but it has a con...
Learn more about Holston Hunter Trail

East road is accessible from the back road of Cape Lookout which connects to Cape Lookout road. It’s has an emergency storm shelter area that is located on this trail, that can be used during hurricane season. Packed down sand makes traveling this area easier but respect closed off areas.
Learn more about East Road

This access leads to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Soundside access, with parking that can be limited during the spring and Summer months. The ramp is to be driven with caution, as some corners do not provide enough visual clearance. Abide by the speed limit and pull off to the sides if possible, for ...
Learn more about Lighthouse Access Ramp

Pulling onto Hill Field Road from Highway 58, you will be met with a gravel road and an open gate allowing access to this trail. It flat and smooth from beginning to end and might have to pull off onto the side to allow others to pass through. At the end will be a parking area for hunters during the...
Learn more about Hill Field - FS 603