Popcorn Creek

Started on the west end off 76. Several large ruts that were a challenge. Wife spotted me on a couple. Thw tilt got the pucker factor going a few times. Mud holes were shallow and no hidden debris. Second half of the road was easy forest road. Had to move out of the way for several groups coming the opposite direction.

Trail was pretty tight for a full size rig, however we made it through with no issues other than pin striping. Mud holes were hard packed, some off-camber places with lots of ruts.

Really fun ride, lots of challenging obstacles for a newbie. Had to challenge myself to pick my lines on a few.

Forest Service was working in several spots removing dead timber. They moved out of the way allowing us to proceed. Trail rating is accurate, ran most in 2wd but definitely need higher clearance. Great trail.

Entered from Popcorn Rd with ledge on drivers side. Most difficult trail I have done so far (newb). The first half is just a nice drive in the woods… then all of the sudden massive washout to navigate and the rest of the trail isn’t a simple drive. 3-4 big washouts/gullies to cross, several water/mud holes, and some very bumpy rock fields. Surprised the Outback made it through, but did say folks had to drag them up. I did go 4-Low and locked the center, rear, front diffs a couple of times, the Land Cruiser just charged ahead. Right before the washout there is a nice side trail too. If you can make it over the intial obstacle, should be okay for rest. Had to turn around at the really big hill due to a tree down midway. I like this trail and will be back.

Dry, ruts, deep ruts, went from north side and worked south, drop ofs on passenger side, ruts and technicals were all down hill going my route. 23 Bronco Wildtrak stock, @roary_lion_2023.

Trail was mostly dry with a few shallow mud holes. 4x4 and some clearance are recommended due to occasional ruts, but overall, nothing a stock Jeep couldn’t handle. I’m running a 2.5” lift and 35s—had no issues at all.

Trail was very doable for the most part except for the most technical part of the trail that features slick ground and ruts that are several feet deep. Going from East to West is more technical. Thankfully I ran into some friendly people who were willing to ground guide and pull me up.

Great trail, we got a stock GX up it with minimal effort so it definitely can be beginner friendly with some guidance. Lots of tight areas, pin striped my Tacoma a good bit. Good luck if you run into someone going the other way, we went from the bottom up and I think the obstacles were definitely more fun that way

Some tight spots, lots of limbs to rub on paint. Some sections could be technical for the majority.

Great trail! I drove 2 hours from Asheville to check it out. A lot of other trails in the area are also on the list. I’d rate the trail a 3 with some 4 or maaaybe 5 rated obstacles. Some deep ruts and washouts. Definitely requires a relatively experienced driver. I cleared a few downed branches and smaller trees. I want to go back and explore some of the offshoot trails (spurs). I aired down and did it all in 4 HI. Definitely recommend.

Mud only in isolated patches. Drove 4L and didn’t bother to air down. Most of trail very easy, but there is one section that level 6 ruts. That section was pretty dry today, but would have been more challenging if very wet as it is uphill. Definitely need high clearance for a few sections

Right off the side of the road. Tons of offshoots and areas to explore. Went up a few 30 degree inclines with no issues. Mud had a bottom to it so wasn’t hard to get through. A few extremely tight areas where I had about 3 inches on either side of me. In a 2 door jeep! Super fun trail, a few corners to spin around on in the mud. Some of the offshoots had hills that would be very unforgiving on anything longer than my jeep. Few fun little jumps here and there and LOTS of rocks. Very bumpy when going fast. A water crossing with about 1 for deep water. Not one person in sight. Highly recommend one of my favorites