Dry Branch Road

Dry Branch Road is an ideal route for offroaders seeking a scenic, moderately challenging drive through the dense canopy of Prentice Cooper State Forest. Covering approximately 3.1 miles with elevations ranging from 1,438 to 1,842 feet, this unpaved route offers stunning mountain views as it winds through the woods. The terrain consists of a narrow, mostly single-track dirt surface that accommodates two-way traffic. A high-clearance vehicle is necessary to navigate safely, and the overall difficulty can increase significantly when wet weather turns the dirt trail muddy and slick. To explore the area, drivers typically travel to the end of Tower Road and work their way back toward Haley Road, utilizing Dry Branch Road as a scenic connection. Motorized access is subject to seasonal closures, with the state forest gates typically locked during the winter months and during scheduled managed hunting days in the spring and autumn.