Eddy Grade

This trail is located within the John M. Bethea State Forest and is part of the Osceola Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which comprises this State Forest and the abutting National Forest (NF). The trail is open to public access year-round unless otherwise posted. Vehicle access rules vary between the National Forest and the State Forest. This trail is open only to registered highway legal motor vehicles. All-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), off-highway vehicles (OHV’s), side-by-sides (SxS), and unlicensed/unregistered motorcycles or vehicles are prohibited. There are no fees or permits required to access or use the trails. This arterial connector trail runs north and south within the western half of the forest. Eddy Grade is listed as an improved trail on forestry and WMA maps. The trail is composed of soft, loose, and deep sand for the majority of the trail length. There are a few select and isolated pockets of muddy/soft dirt. Deep ruts, whoops, and deep sand can be expected almost the entire length of the trail. A high clearance 4WD is recommended for this trail. The Department of Forestry (DNF) cautions on their website and published maps that the designation of a road or trail should not be interpreted as the trail is passable, actively maintained, or safe for travel. The same should be considered if it is shown as improved. Listed as improved does not necessitate that the trail is regularly maintained. The remoteness of this area significantly limits cellular coverage. Recommend having backup navigation and communication means. Having maps offline is a must. Also would recommend paper maps or having backup GPS. Additionally with the remoteness, ensure to be equipped for self-recovery or off-road tire/vehicle repairs. There are numerous locations on trails leading out to this trail where there is evidence of vehicles getting unexpectedly trapped in sand or mud.