Naked Creek Lane

Total Miles
5.1

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Naked Creek Lane is a major east-west road located in the northernmost portion of the Sandhills Game Lands. Of the primary named roads, it is arguably the least maintained, tending to be narrower and slightly rougher than others in the area. Despite this, there are a few significant obstacles, though conditions can change depending on the weather and traffic. Along the trail, several small hill climbs with light rutting are present, but most can be nearly avoided with careful line selection. Additional minor challenges include patches of loose sand that may cause difficulty for poorly equipped vehicles and slight off-camber sections that, while not severe, can feel unsettling. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the trail continues west beyond the currently marked section; however, that portion has become heavily overgrown and is nearly impassable. Due to its proximity to the nearest highway, this trail can see more traffic than some others in the game lands. Drivers should remain alert for oncoming vehicles, military trainees, hikers, and wildlife along the route.

Photos of Naked Creek Lane

Naked Creek Lane
Naked Creek Lane

Difficulty

The trail is generally less maintained than others in the area, resulting in a slightly rougher overall ride. Despite this, most obstacles are relatively minor, with the most challenging section being a lightly rutted, off-camber stretch. It is important to keep in mind that conditions can change with weather and continued trail wear, particularly given the sandy surface, which is prone to shifting and erosion.

History

In mid-2025, a fallen tree blocked the western end of the trail, temporarily preventing through access. Since then, a bypass has been worn around the tree, restoring access to the remainder of the route. Additionally, due to limited maintenance and continued overgrowth, the far western portion of the trail has become impassable. As a result, the usable length of the trail is currently shorter than what is indicated by the NCWRC.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Naked Creek Lane can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High-Clearance 4x4
  • SUV

Access Description

This is the closest trail to NC 73, making it a popular access route to the game lands. It can be accessed via Gibson Mill Road, A-6 Lane, Baggetts Lake Lane, Deaton Lane, Field Trial Road, and Thunder Road. Due to its convenient location, it often sees more traffic than some of the more interior trails. It should be noted that the section west of Gibson Mill Road is a short out-and-back segment that eventually leads into heavily overgrown forest, limiting through travel in that direction.

Naked Creek Lane Map

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