Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Roan Mountain, Tennessee

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

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…
Learn more about Clarketown Cruise

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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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

This trail is an extension of Flatwoods Road - 87D. The trail is mostly downhill and has several mudholes that you could potentially get stuck in. Use caution on the trail, as there are mud…
Learn more about Flatwoods Road Extension

Trail 1 serves as the main 8-mile east-to-west access corridor at Doe Mountain Recreation Area, connecting the main parking area to the Morfield Branch Trailhead. Although considered easy the entire route, the eastern section starts…
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This is mainly a gravel trail with several muddy spots. The trail is mainly flat but does have rolling hills to travel through. I encountered several mud holes but none of which are of any…
Learn more about Flatwoods Road 87D

Pineola Road is a forest service road that offers access to hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and several campsites. The road is relatively easy to drive, as it is maintained, but recent storms have caused a…
Learn more about Pineola Road - FS 464

Old NC-105 is a popular trail and is most well-known for its outstanding views of the Linville Gorge. It offers unparalleled views of the gorge and Table Rock Mountain. Numerous overlooks and campsites offer scenery…
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Alfred Woodie Lane is a short trail that begins as a forest service road and leads to a group of privately owned hunting cabins. The road is poorly maintained, featuring small rocks, ruts, and wet…
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Trail 24 is a short, quarter-mile connector between Trails 26 and 28. It features one steep corner that switchbacks up the hill, followed by a steep descent down to 28. The trail is mostly smooth…
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This road branches off Pineola Road - FS 464 and leads to Kawana--a small neighborhood with a few homes and large gardens--while also providing access to several hiking trails and scenic forest views. One of…
Learn more about Harper Creek Road - FS 58

Roseboro Gragg is a rugged, narrow offshoot from Edgemont Road that offers a slightly more challenging drive compared to other trails in the area. The trail is generally manageable for most vehicles with moderate ground…
Learn more about Roseboro Gragg - FS 192

Running Flatwoods road from Hickory Tree TN to HWY 421. This includes a section of Forest Service Road 87A when open. The main route is open year-round and is a combination of gravel and unimproved…
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Trail 526 begins as a relatively easy route with small loose rock and occasional puddles, winding through dense rhododendron thickets that create a lush, almost jungle-like atmosphere. The trail passes a storm shelter and gradually…
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Located within Pisgah National Forest, Lost Cove (Forest Service Road 464A) is a gravel-over-dirt road that is generally well maintained. It is an out-and-back route about one mile long and leads to the hiking-only Lost…
Learn more about Lost Cove - FS 464A

Trail 326 forms a scenic .6-mile loop branching off Trail 26, offering a mellow ride through thick rhododendron thickets and dense canopy cover that gives the route a lush, jungle-like ambiance. The trail is mostly…
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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

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.…
Learn more about 5583

Roseboro Road is a Forest Service road in Pisgah National Forest, primarily composed of gravel and hard-packed surfaces. Some ruts caused by storm runoff from Hurricane Helene in 2024 can be found along the route.…
Learn more about Roseboro Road - FS 981

Trail 22 begins with a smooth, gradual climb from Trail 1 before rounding a blind corner into a series of descending switchbacks down the mountainside. Most turns are wide and manageable, though a few are…
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Trail 23 at Doe Mountain Recreation Area offers a wide, well-maintained path ideal for SxS drivers seeking a smooth, fast east-west connector. Much like Trail 21, it features broad, gradual curves and a nearly debris-free…
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Trail 21 offers a smooth, flowing ride with sweeping turns and minimal elevation change--ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a break from rocky terrain. The trail is mostly mild, with only a few scattered…
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Forest Service Road 210, also known as Roses Creek Road, begins at the south end of Table Rock Road. This route is popular for hiking access to three nearby trails, dispersed camping, and seasonal deer…
Learn more about Upper Roses Creek - FS 210

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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Trail 25 is a 0.2-mile spur up to the Kettlefoot Lookout Tower. The trail has small loose rocks and some bigger embedded ones that make it a jarring ride, but not difficult. The lookout tower…
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Trail 821 is a short, half-mile connector linking Trail 21 to Trail 23, offering a steeper climb from south to north. Though it's narrower than surrounding trails and winds through dense rhododendron, it remains mostly…
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The Watauga Turnpike is a longer forest service road connecting the towns of Gragg and Edgemont. The road is relatively easy to travel, with the most difficult sections consisting of a few ruts, bumps, and…
Learn more about Watauga Turnpike - FS 45

This Forest Service road is a well-maintained gravel route over hard-packed dirt with occasional small washes, typically less than a foot deep. It features multiple switchbacks bordered by scenic gorges on both sides and may…
Learn more about FS 496