Trail Overview

Brown Mountain OHV Trail System offers 34 miles of designated off-road trails in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Morganton, North Carolina. It is the only designated OHV area in Pisgah National Forest and is designed primarily for dirt bikes and ATVs. The trail network includes routes officially rated Easiest, More Difficult and Most Difficult, giving riders options for different experience levels. Several routes are one-way, helping riders navigate narrower sections safely. Full-size Jeeps and other four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted only on Trail 8 and the designated portion of Trail 1; they are not allowed throughout the entire system. A permit must be displayed on each vehicle, helmets are required, and riders must remain on marked trails. The trailhead provides parking, restrooms and picnic facilities, while primitive dispersed campsites are available along Forest Road 299. The OHV trails are generally open from April 1 through December 31, but visitors should confirm current conditions, closures and permit requirements with the Grandfather Ranger District before traveling.

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Difficulty

The trail has a variety of obstacles, some of which are likely unavoidable. The trail is narrow, with mud holes up to 2 feet deep, and a few ledges that are close to 18 inches. Pinstripes should be expected.

Technical Rating

Caleb Sc

Apr 25, 2026

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Open

NormalMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Well that was a trail going up is cake going down is a different story rain didn’t effect us too much it was actually a lot of fun there was one climb as you’ll see in the pictures I used 4L to get up that was smooth going down is very technical to say the least mad it out tho!

Derek

Apr 19, 2026

2026 Toyota Tundra

Open

Normal

The trail is nice and easy, there is some sections that have rocks but its not that bad. The hardest obstacle is a very steep incline that I couldn't go up it on my tundra since it would probably damage a lot of the back side. It is worse in person that it is in the picture. Other than that I think the trail is nice and I will come back to it to explore the whole thing.

Hunter Hills

Mar 29, 2026

2023 Jeep Wrangler

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

Despite the typical April 1st opening date, the US Forest Service opened the trails early on 3/26. The majority of the trail can be driven in 2wd with some sections requiring 4hi, and one obstacle likely requiring 4lo. The hardest obstacle is a steep 5+ foot tall steep vertical section that is unavoidable and can also push a vehicle of camber.

C Ruiz

Dec 30, 2025

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

I have a 4.5" lift with 35" tires on factory 18" wheels. The trail was fun but much more rugged than the last time I went(7|2024) & today (conditions after Hurricane Helene ripped through "). I wasn't able to climb the face/wall just before reaching the bulb (rock). I think getting up would have been possible but going down, not so simple. In 2024 | was running factory lift with 33" tires. The pics are of my approach to the climb and of my son (6'1") standing at the top. Enjoy. Be safe

Matt Robison

Dec 13, 2025

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Adam Hummell

Oct 29, 2025

2022 Ford Bronco

Open

Normal

Brown was great. Longer than I anticipated. It’s pretty rocky and can beat you up a little more than URE, surprisingly. Not difficult, but several sections where you’ll need to think and consider. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to heading back out.

Mike Fleming

Sep 01, 2025

Open

NormalDusty

I did not take any pictures and they are no water crossing but very steep rocks to climb and you will receive some hits to the bottom of your jeep I won’t be going back until I modify my rig because it will bet the hell out of your rig unless you’re riding a motorcycle

Andrew D

Aug 31, 2025

Open

WashboardRough/Deteriorated

I ran this trail in my Jeep YJ with lockers and 33s. We went with a group of newer broncos. It was quite a bit more intimidating in person than the pictures portray. The first big obstacle is a very large shear rock face with an off camber approach thanks to a ditch/channel worn in the rock. Traction was good, but it was bone dry. I imagine in the rain, it would be impassible for some stock 4x4s. Most of the trail afterwards containted a lot of small rock gardens, with some shelf rocks that could catch a lower vehicles bellypan. Rock sliders are a must for this trail, along with a good set of skid plates. Some of the broncos really hit their skid plates hard on a few of the climbs. Expect lots of washouts that will lift a tire or two. If you are inexperienced, a spotter is a must. Overall this was a great trail, but definitely something you shouldn't underestimate. The pictures and videos online really don't do some of the obstacles justice.

Ryan Doggett

Jul 26, 2025

Open

Normal

First time to Brown OHV. Fantastic trail with just enough challenges for our Wrangler Rubicon with 33s. Trail was relatively dry and traction was excellent. Surprised we didn’t see more people on a Saturday. Decent number of dirt bikes but respectful of our slower speed. Will definitely be back

samuel tynch

Jun 21, 2025

Open

NormalDustyMuddy/WetRough/DeterioratedWashboard

Lots of big rocks. Easy on a bike, harder if you’re not on 33’s or bigger. Rode through it in a lifted Suzuki Samurai. Partway up the trail is a straight up wall that most casual rigs will not go up easily. Seems recent. Pictures don’t really do it justice. If you know what you’re doing you’ll be fine though.

Will Jones

Jan 03, 2025

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Great trail to ride on. Got harder as you progressed up the trail. The last few sections were extremely muddy and washed out. If you have a slightly modified rig on 35s you should be able to make it up and down with no issue.

Rob Cornelius

Nov 29, 2024

Open

Normal

leo dan

Oct 26, 2024

Temporarily Closed

Kevin O'Reilly

Jul 06, 2024

Open

Landon Lennex

Jun 16, 2024

Open

NormalDusty

Just normal washouts, loose large rocks, other than that I highly recommend! Just use caution as others have crawlers upcoming on the trail.