Dicks Creek to Dark Hollow (Unicoi to Erwin)

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

(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.

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.

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.

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.

I came from the Erwin side and took about 2.5 hours to complete the trail. I had decent conditions, but encountered a lot of mud, and several places that were pretty washed out. This was my second time on this trail, my first coming from the Unicoi side. I would recommend coming from the Erwin side due to the mud and the spots that are washed out. The first half of the trail was dry with the exception of some large mud puddles. All were about a foot and a half deep with a solid bottom, but also room to go around for the most part. The second half of the trail was very muddy. Up to two foot deep ruts made for some squirrely moments, but with high clearance and 4lo, I was just fine. There is one very steep grate towards the Unicoi side I was thankful to be going down. It has washed out to a point I am not sure I could have gone up it. I would bring a friend or a winch next time just in case of getting stuck, but overall it’s not too technical. Just take it slow and carefully pick your lines.

Very muddy, rocky terrain. Some areas were probably 30 or more degrees off-camber. Had to be careful due to lots of trees, low branches and drop offs along the trail. One vehicle wide for most of the trail with very few places to turn around. Pin striping is unavoidable. Don’t enter expecting your truck to exit without scratches.

we entered from unicoi, was in 4low most of the time while i get better at off roading but def wasn't necessary the entire trail. One tough spot is about halfway as you climb, it's pretty steep with loose rocks and deteriorated areas but with good tires and 4wd you've got it. It's not an issue if you come from the erwin side since you'll just be descending that spot. all the standing water that you have to go through have hard ground underneath. trail is very rocky so be prepared to be bounced around the entire length. the trail head at erwin has a water crossing where they put cinder type blocks but they are all kind of washed away and makes it a bit harder.

Overall a awesome trail. We came in from Erwin side. Trail was very muddy and washed out in some spots due to rain! When we got farther down the trail I had some issues navigating the trail some of the markers were gone. Some very deep mud holes towards the bottom! But was 10/10

4x4 100% required with some good tires. Deep mud holes, about 4 feet deep water crossing. Very rough and rocky terrain pretty much entire time.

trail was drier than normal rocky but nice trail