Tillery Road

Total Kilometers
14.2

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Tillery Road offers a laid-back but scenic journey through the beautiful backcountry outside Merritt, BC. Beginning off Hwy 5A, this well-maintained gravel road winds gently through rolling hills and wide-open ranchlands. The terrain is generally loose and dusty in dry months, but remains accessible for most vehicles. Expect minor washboarding and occasional soft spots after rain. As you make your way along the trail, you'll pass several off-grid homesteads--evidence of the area's rugged, self-sufficient spirit. It's common to see free-roaming cattle grazing near the road, so keep your speed in check and be alert for livestock, especially around corners. The real payoff comes at the end of the 14km drive, where you'll find panoramic views of Harmon Lake, a serene destination tucked into the hills. The Harmon Lake Rec Site offers lakeside camping, picnic spots, and access to non-motorized water recreation. This is an ideal stop for overlanders, vanlifers, or anyone seeking a quiet night under the stars. For those looking to explore further, continue just a few more minutes past Harmon Lake to discover the Kane Lakes, a trio of smaller, lesser-known lakes perfect for fishing or a peaceful paddle.

Photos of Tillery Road

Tillery Road
Tillery Road

Difficulty

Tillery Road is an easy road due to its generally smooth and well-maintained gravel surface. The trail has mild elevation changes, wide turns, and no technical obstacles, making it accessible to most stock SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Even 2WD vehicles with reasonable clearance should have no problem completing the route in dry weather. However, after heavy rain, some sections may become soft or rutted, so caution is advised.While this is a non-technical trail, drivers should still be alert for loose gravel, washboard sections, and roaming livestock. This trail is a great choice for beginner overlanders or anyone looking for a scenic, low-risk backcountry drive with rewarding views.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Tillery Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High-Clearance 4x4
  • SUV
  • SxS (60")
  • ATV (50")
  • Dirt Bike

Access Description

The trailhead for Tillery Road is easily accessed from Highway 5A, just south of Merritt, BC. If you're coming from downtown Merritt, head southeast on Hwy 5A for approximately 8 km. Keep an eye out for Tillery Road on your left--it's marked with a standard green FSR (Forest Service Road) sign.Once you turn onto Tillery Road, the gravel begins almost immediately. There's enough space to pull off and air down ( I don't think you need to air down for this well-maintained road). From this point, you're heading east into Merritt's scenic backcountry. Cell service drops off fairly quickly, so be sure to download offline maps before leaving town.

Tillery Road Map

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