Trail Overview

This is an intermediate to advanced trail depending on the vehicle being used. There are multiple water crossings, logs, rocks, and steep-off camber sections. If you're using a full-size vehicle be cautious of narrow trail spots and low-hanging tree branches. Water crossings can be dangerous after a hard rain so beware and proceed with caution. Cell service is spotty but available on most of the trail. The trail is open year-round and can be utilized in both directions.

Photos of Dicks Creek to Dark Hollow (Unicoi to Erwin)

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Difficulty

Potential deep water crossing at the beginning of the trail. Multiple mud holes on the trail that vary in depth but do not exceed more than 2 feet. There is also an off-camber section half way through the trail that could be dangerous for high-center-of-gravity vehicles, use caution when approaching this feature.

Technical Rating

Ryan Beaton

Sep 07, 2026

2019 Nissan Frontier

Open

Normal

Jon Miller

Sep 04, 2026

2020 Polaris RZR 1000 XP

Open

NormalDustyMuddy/Wet

Jon S

Aug 22, 2026

2025 Chevrolet colorado

Temporarily Closed

Posted Sign

Still Closed

Brent Hart

Aug 09, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Still closed with barricade.

Johnny Price OD-GRN-BN

Aug 01, 2026

2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU

Temporarily Closed

Posted SignClosed GateWeather Event

Still temporarily closed due to weather.

Chris S

Jul 18, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Closed to recent storms

Steve Petrone

Jul 16, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Weather Event

The creek at start looked like it could be 2 ft. deep. Barricades were up stating closed due to storm.

Micheal Mehren

Jul 02, 2026

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

Muddy/Wet

First half of the trail wasn’t bad. Lots of fun. The 2nd half of the trail was pretty sketchy. Muddy/wet, slid around a bit and got too close for comfort on some drop offs. Trail had everything though. Mud, creeks, rock. It was a blast. Foliage pretty overgrown, definitely scratched up the sides of the Land Cruiser but looks like it will all buff out. Broke my passenger step on some rock climbing.

Lauren Hopkins

Mar 14, 2026

2012 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Good trail - went backwards instead. Definitely expect some new pinstrips. Higher than stock clearance recommended, especially as the hill gets rutted out more

kendal foster

Mar 07, 2026

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

(2018 4runner sr5 with a 3 inch lift) most of the trail you can make it through in 2wd, most of the deeper mud holes are avoidable. Hill climb can be challenging, make sure you have some clearance for it.

Derrick Carr

Feb 24, 2026

2023 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Brent Hart

Jan 18, 2026

Open

Snow/Ice

Trail is pretty solid hill climb at the halfway point is still slick but doable with proper tires. Only seen 1 hiker and her dogs but other than that the trail was empty.

Jesse Bollinger

Jan 17, 2026

1998 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/IceRough/Deteriorated

Slick and icy in certain parts of the trail, definitely worth it. Also not for low clearance vehicles; so don't attempt. A Nissan Murano had blocked our path for a while since there are no pull offs due to tight road.

Ian danner

Jan 17, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/IceRough/Deteriorated

Tim Henegar

Jan 17, 2026

Open

Snow/IceMuddy/Wet

Bottom third of tge trail is wet middle and top are snow covered and slick. Hill climb at the half way point is very slick.