Trail Overview

The Gauntlet is a short section of Ocean Pearl Road in Carova/The Outer Banks that's a notorious stretch of water and mud pits. The depth and difficulty of the gauntlet depend largely on recent rainfall. Some of the pits can reach as much as 3 feet in depth at their centers, depending on rainfall. High clearance is required to successfully negotiate the full trail. Be cautioned that the pits can be much deeper than they look, and when in doubt, stick to the outside of the obstacle. Some obstacles have a high risk of becoming high-centered while passing through them. Encountering wild horses while running the gauntlet is a high probability, and local laws which require drivers to remain at least 50' feet from horses are strictly enforced.

Photos of Ocean Pearl Road - The Gauntlet

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Difficulty

Drivers can expect water up to 3 feet in depth, depending on recent rainfall. There is also deep mud, with a high risk of high-centering. Expect pinstriping if sticking to the outside of the water obstacles.

History

The Gauntlet is part of Ocean Pearl Rd, which is a county road in Carova, NC.

Technical Rating

Jun 21, 2026

Open

Dried up and foliage everywhere. Can access first 1/4 of the trail from either side but you will encounter a pile of branches obstructing the path. No water and barely any mud, a 1 at best

Jose Betancourt

Oct 22, 2025

Open

well deserved lvl 5 rain makes a big difference, a lot of deep holes full of water about 2ft in some areas, duable in stock trucks with 4x4 just make sure you got minimum 33s all terrain tires. Today we made it through in 2 f150s and 1 chevy 1500 all 4 hi, no lift kits or lvls, I did hit my skit plate on the front so be mindful, overall 10/10 experience worth the drive. Hope this helps new off road drivers like myself :)

Davis Maio

Sep 27, 2025

Open

Lots of horses. South third is currently being restored according to postings. Top two thirds are drivable.

Will Garrett

May 03, 2025

Open

Water levels were lower than usual. Pits were fairly easy to negotiate. lots of mud though.

Chris C

Apr 06, 2025

Open

A large portion of this trail has now been marked private property. Still some decent holes to hit but not what it used to be. Be careful on the 2nd hole 2014 f350 8 inch lift on 38s almost got stuck luckily I was able to rock back forward and reverse get traction and pull out from the side. Pre filter was soaked in water. Do not try this without a significant lift and snorkel.

Colin A

Jul 12, 2024

Open

Without 40s a snorkel and a winch plz don’t try it

Grant Kurtz

Mar 30, 2024

Open

Long stretch of “hidden road” with probably 15-20 deep mud/sand holes. There aren’t really safe routes around them, the holes span the entire width of the road. Even the edges of the holes are deep, I drove through with a 2’ lifted wrangler on 35 MTs and ended up getting stuck once about halfway through. Put it in reverse and managed to back out of the hole, the tops of my front tires were submerged. Still a very fun drive if you’re already down there, there’s space to turn around if you don’t like the look of a hole.

John G

Apr 07, 2023

Open