Deserters Loop

Trail Overview

This trail is one of many in the vast network of trails located within the Mallory Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Public access is open year-round from 1 1/2 hours before sunrise until 1 1/2 hours after sunset on all trails that are not signed as closed/restricted or private property. ATVs, SxS, or unlicensed or unregistered motorcycles are permitted following the close of Spring Turkey season until the beginning of the Fall black powder hunting season. The use of airboats and tracked vehicles is prohibited. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. The trail is one of the many unsigned trails that are depicted on the area's ATV Access and WMA maps. It is composed of soft dirt, turning to mud following rain. The trail is mostly single vehicle wide. There are plenty of potholes, wheel ruts, and deep mud holes. Highly recommend high clearance 4WD on this trail, conditions deteriorate quickly after starting down the trail. During the wet season or following rain events, expect the trail conditions to become sticky and soft, with many deep-water crossings. Obstacles such as down trees greater than 12 inches and water/mud deeper than 18" could be expected. The trail comes to a dead end at the boundary limits of the WMA. Backtracking is required. The pull-offs for passing are mainly limited to soft shoulder areas abutting drop-offs into the adjacent swamp. Some areas of the trail are so tight that careful wheel placement is necessary to avoid running off into the deep water of the bordering swamp. The shoulders are soft and muddy. There are plenty of deep ruts where vehicles have pulled off and sunk deep into the soil. The trail is very scenic. Wildlife is abundant along the trail.

Photos of Deserters Loop

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Difficulty

Uneven, rutted dirt & sand trail with large rocks, erosion, washes, and mud holes. Potential standing or crossings water up to a foot deep with obstacles up to 18 inches (rocks, down trees, etc.), including deep straight ledges dropping off into adjacent swamps. Roads are typically one vehicle wide with places to pass.

Technical Rating

Deserters Loop can be accessed by the following ride types:

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