Upper Santeetlah - 81

Total Miles 6.7
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Upper Santeetlah - 81 trail photo

Trail Overview

This is a very easy and maintained gravel road. Safe for most 4WD and high-clearance 2WD vehicles. There are lots of places to camp but you are required to camp in designated areas...we saw some very large campers towards the end of the trail. The road runs next to Santeetlah Creek and there are lots of awesome waterfalls along the route. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest which contains magnificent examples of more than 100 tree species, many over 400 years old, and some more than 20 feet in circumference and 100 feet tall is very close to this trail. There is spotty cell service (Verizon). There is a designated burn in the area so smoke could be an issue. https://youtube.com/@gladventures/

Photos of Upper Santeetlah - 81

Difficulty

Nothing too difficult about this trail.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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Steven Miller
May 23, 2026
Open
Daniel Shippey
Dec 29, 2025
Open
Trail was open and clear. It was a relaxing drive with great views. We especially enjoyed seeing the old cabin and the creeks. Nothing too technical. Some very small ruts and small rocks in places. The day we went it was mostly dry with some small puddles. A nice trail!
Ro Po
Dec 25, 2025
Open
Mostly dry with some damp (muddy) spots. Some small ruts. Very accessible for most vehicles. Waterfalls were in full effect. Beautiful scenery with the leaves mostly gone.
Jon Riggsbee
Jul 05, 2025
Open
Dan Renegar
Jun 21, 2025
Open
No issues. Trail is in good shape and easy to traverse.
Amy Modglin
Dec 20, 2024
Open
Gorgeous drive! Navigation didn’t take us directly to the road. Follow towards Joyce Kilmer. The creek was rushing and the views were incredible. Even got some snow!
Monty Hitt
Oct 27, 2024
Open
Beautiful trail, great fall colors. Lot's of camping areas. Very easy definitely a 1, never a need for 4wd.
Matt S
Aug 08, 2024
Open
Norm Lathrop
Jun 11, 2024
Open
NFS describes the road as single lane. But I had no trouble safely passing oncoming traffic. But I only encountered three vehicles. Road can be done by CRV
P Guest
Jul 02, 2023
Open

Upper Santeetlah - 81 Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Upper Santeetlah - 81 Map

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