Hurricane Gap

Total Miles
9.4

Technical Rating

1

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Show in App
Hurricane Gap
5

Trail Overview

Hurrican Gap is a well-maintained gravel road that travels from the Houston Valley area to just outside of Hot Springs, NC. While it's not particularly challenging, there are some great side trips along the way. The Rich Mountain Lookout Tower is just a mile off of the road, and if you're looking for a more challenging route you can take Shad Road that connects near the northern and southern ends of Hurricane Gap. At the northern end of this road, there is a forest service campground in the Paint Creek area. You'll also find some great waterfalls and creek access close by.

Photos of Hurricane Gap

Hurricane Gap
Hurricane Gap

Difficulty

It's usually kept in great shape since it's one of the main access roads through the national forest.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

Alex Brown
Nov 16, 2025
4x4
Open
Washboard
Some washed out rough areas. Mostly gravel roads. Encountered 8-10 people. Paint creek to hurricane NC via hurricane gap.
Alex Eyssen
Oct 25, 2025
4x4
Open
Dusty
Lots of fall leaf tourists.
Joe Rosa
Sep 27, 2025
4x4
Obstructed
Downed Tree
About halfway in before the Rich Mountain Lookout turnoff, from the Hurricane side there is a downed tree across the road. I was able to go under it on my bike. Will need a chainsaw to clear it. This was around Noon on 9/27/25
Lori Armstrong
Aug 01, 2025
2018 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
A few wash outs on the Hurricane Gap portion. A few big mud holes but nothing crazy. Was nice until an Acura SUV decided to drive too fast to enjoy the scenery and somehow passed us 3 times.

Hurricane Gap can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High-Clearance 4x4
  • SUV

Hurricane Gap Map

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