Off-Road Trails in North Carolina

Discover off-road trails in North Carolina

Learn more about Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a series of scenic gravel roads in Tyrrell County, North Carolina. It's located west of Nags Head in the North Carolina Outer Banks. The Refuge offers amazing scenery and…
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Total Miles
32.4
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer
Learn more about Rich Mountain Lookout
Rich Mountain Lookout

Rich Mountain Lookout

This short route is a must-see if you're in the area. If you're traveling Hurricane Gap it's well worth the detour. There area few campsites on the way up the mountain. Cell service is available,…
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Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Shad Road
Shad Road

Shad Road

The two ends of Shad Road that connect to Hurricane Gap are rather misleading. While it starts out as a relatively tame gravel two-track, the middle section is much more difficult than you may be…
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Total Miles
9.1
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about Shuler Creek
Shuler Creek

Shuler Creek

This trail has easy access gravel road off Highway 68 in Farner. The road is 2 vehicles wide and has mostly gentle elevations. It starts out running parallel to the Hiwassee River and then a…
Learn more about Shuler Creek
Total Miles
10.6
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Slab Pile Trail 79
Slab Pile Trail 79

Slab Pile Trail 79

Slab Pile is a fun trail with off-camber portions, small hill climbs, ruts, and several optional challenges. Most of the trail is accessible to most vehicles with moderate ground clearance. Little to none of the…
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Total Miles
1.1
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Summer, Spring, Fall
Learn more about South Core Banks - Back Road
South Core Banks - Back Road

South Core Banks - Back Road

South Core Banks is only accessible by vehicle ferry. A reservation is required through Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps or the Davis Shore Ferry Service. A beach driving permit (ORV) is required and can be…
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Total Miles
18.8
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Toe River Trail
Toe River Trail

Toe River Trail

This trail starts off Blue Ridge Parkway near Horse Trail Gap and Hewat Overlook in the Pisgah National Forest. The Gap and nearby overlooks offer breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset. It is a fairly…
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Total Miles
4.0
Tech Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Fall
Learn more about Trail 1 - Wayehutta Loop
Trail 1 - Wayehutta Loop

Trail 1 - Wayehutta Loop

Wayehutta is a public OHV trail system in the Nantahala National Forest. Most of the trails in this system are accessible with anything from a dirt bike to a SxS. No 4x4s are allowed on…
Learn more about Trail 1 - Wayehutta Loop
Total Miles
8.5
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Trail 1 FR 420-1
Trail 1 FR 420-1

Trail 1 FR 420-1

This road starts at the end of River Road in Tellico at State Line Campground. The first mile of the road is single-track asphalt. When it changes over to gravel you will have some areas…
Learn more about Trail 1 FR 420-1
Total Miles
8.6
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Fall, Winter
Learn more about Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector
Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector

Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector

If you want to connect the Trans America Trail with the South Carolina Adventure Route this is your path. It's located North of Walhalla, and connects the SCAR to both the TAT and the Smokey…
Learn more about Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector
Total Miles
80.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Tri State - SCAR Alternate
Tri State - SCAR Alternate

Tri State - SCAR Alternate

This is simply a scenic alternative to the main loop of the South Carolina Adventure Route. It loops around the confluence of SC, NC, and GA extending your ride of the SCAR with some additional…
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Total Miles
28.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Upper Santeetlah - 81
Upper Santeetlah - 81

Upper Santeetlah - 81

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…
Learn more about Upper Santeetlah - 81
Total Miles
6.7
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Wash Creek - FR 5000
Wash Creek - FR 5000

Wash Creek - FR 5000

This is an easy road that does not require a 4x4. The road is not maintained when it has snowed. You gain 945 feet of elevation but it is very gradual. There are several places…
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Total Miles
5.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Wolf Laurel - 81F
Wolf Laurel - 81F

Wolf Laurel - 81F

This trail is not too bad but can be rutted in places and loose gravel on steep grades. The views from this trail are great, especially in the winter when the leaves are off the…
Learn more about Wolf Laurel - 81F
Total Miles
4.8
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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