Ellerbe Tower Lane

Trail Overview

Ellerbe Tower Lane serves as a primary connector road running east to west through the Sandhills Game Lands. The majority of the route is a wide Forest Service-style access road that runs near horse stables and the field trial center. Frequent clearings, intersecting trails, and wildlife sightings are common along this stretch. Overall, the main portion of the trail is relatively free of challenges, though occasional potholes and small ruts may be present. However, the eastern "U" section of the trail is significantly more difficult and stands in contrast to the rest of the road. This portion may require 4-Low, adequate ground clearance, and careful driving. It features narrower paths, steeper inclines, loose sand, larger ledges, washouts, and potential shallow mud pits, depending on recent weather conditions. The most notable obstacle is a moderately steep, sandy hill that includes an approximately 18-inch loose ledge, which can be particularly challenging due to limited traction. This obstacle can be avoided by bypassing the eastern "U" entirely or by entering from the south and turning around before reaching the ledge. This section of the trail also includes several ponds and creeks that offer opportunities for fishing and sightseeing. Additionally, a military training grounds headquarters, field trial center, and horse stables are located near the center of the trail, resulting in frequent traffic and the possibility of encountering soldiers, hunters, hikers, horseback riders, and other vehicles may be present. Divers should remain alert and proceed with caution.

Photos of Ellerbe Tower Lane

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Difficulty

The majority of the trail is an easy Forest Service road. The western portion remains wide and well-maintained; however, east of Derby Road, the route narrows into a single-track trail with a few more challenging obstacles. The most difficult section is a moderately steep, sandy hill that includes a washout with a ledge up to 18 inches tall. Because of the loose sand and the height of the ledge, 4-Low, adequate ground clearance, and appropriate off-road tires are recommended. Drivers should also be aware that conditions may change over time due to limited maintenance and varying levels of traffic, potentially altering the difficulty of the obstacle.

Technical Rating

Ellerbe Tower Lane can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV