Old Buzzard Roost Road

Total Miles
3.9

Elevation

886.16 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Fall, Summer

Trail Overview

Old Buzzard Roost Road is a nice adventure just a few miles from the interstate. You'll travel under the shadow of Mt. Sterling as you cross a few creeks and traverse switchbacks until you reach the top of the ridgeline and intersect with the Buzzard Roost Road. Initially, the route is mild gravel with only one easy water crossing to add some variety. After a couple of miles you'll find that it transitions to a rockier dirt track with some rutted sections. A stock 4WD vehicle should be fine with a spotter in dry conditions, but the clay and sand can become more difficult to navigate after rains. Be sure it air down for grip on the round rock sections. Cell service is almost nonexistent on the majority of this route.

Photos of Old Buzzard Roost Road

Old Buzzard Roost Road
Old Buzzard Roost Road

Difficulty

There are very few places to pass vehicles once you get into the harder parts. The rocks are mostly rounded and combined with the clay sections portions of the trail can get really slick after a rain.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Kyle Tilton
Jul 05, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Trail rated 3/4. which is good. If you are a beginner on factory stock Jeep or similar. this trail could cause you some issues. we were stock and almost had some trouble in one section. fortunately alot of people ride this trail. but I say do not go alone if stock. other then that. absolutely amazing.
Isaac Vaughn
Jun 29, 2024
2022 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Went in from Waterville exit, weather conditions were wet, made for a few pretty decent sized mud holes and a couple of the climbs were tricky, the one right mid way through is very rough, would advise a spotter, possibly some traction boards if stock suspension, Gladiator Rubicon stock made it up with no damage but it was dicey, recommend airing down also. Other than that, it was a great and fun trail. A modified/lifted 4X4 should have no trouble.
John Stratman
Jun 23, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Many nice ruts that were easy to traverse but did encounter a very deep rut about 1/2 way through, that was about 3' deep and due to its location in the road, you can take a line to the right when going down hill, but if you accidently slide to left, your 4x4 might end up on its drivers side. Aside from that, it's not bad.
Scott Lane
Jun 20, 2024
2013 BETA RS
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Rode dual sport Beta 520RS. Started from Buzzard Roost road going west, mostly downhill in this direction. Dry with a few wet spots.Tricky ruts on a dual sport; better have skill on bigger adv bike. East to west is easiest, mostly downhill. If wet, could get treacherous. In 4x4, you need good clearance for deep ruts. Stock rig may bend metal or hang.

Access Description

Take the Waterville Exit off of I40 E and then head towards the Big Creek Rangers Station. Just before the rangers station turn up Mt. Sterling Rd. and it will turn into Forest Rd. 288. That's Old Buzzard Roost Rd.

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