Trail Overview

Take a quick trip through the mountains on this scenic forest service road. There are multiple water bars (rain/erosion control mounds) that can catch you by surprise, so use caution throughout the trail. There is one spot in particular about halfway up the trail that stays muddy and rutted out; could possibly require 4wd. The trail narrows quite a bit towards the top, so some "trail striping" may occur depending on vehicle size. Scenic views of the Unaka Mountain range are visible towards the end of the trail. There are multiple spur trails along this route as well. Cell service is spotty so plan accordingly.

Photos of Irishman Branch

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Difficulty

This is a mostly tame trail. The water bars could cause some issues for low-clearance vehicles. Shallow mud holes will be possible along the way.

Technical Rating

Steve Petrone

Jul 16, 2026

Open

Normal

This trail is an easy drive with a few rocky areas. Airing down to 22 smoothed the ride. Only one area with views this time of the year.

Andrew Honeycutt

Mar 22, 2026

Open

Had to cut and move a tree out of the way almost at the top. Smoother than expected, recently did some road work that took out some of the fun parts. Great views from top and couple pull offs that I didn’t attempt. High clearance 4x4s can easily do it wet or dry

Michael Lilly

Nov 01, 2025

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Open

Muddy/Wet

A fall must do. Trail is a 2 but as others note potential pinstripes towards top of trail especially if in full sized truck. Later part of trail very little opportunities for passing but well worth the drive.

Richard Lyons

Oct 13, 2025

2020 Mahindra Roxor

Open

Ryan Beaton

Sep 22, 2025

2019 Nissan Frontier

Open

Muddy/Wet

The main trail itself is not bad and definitely a 2 rating. The side trail that is near the end of the main trail is a bit more challenging with pretty good mud holes, and gets pretty tight the farther back you go. I’d rate the side trail a 4.

Ryan Beaton

Sep 21, 2025

2019 Nissan Frontier

Open

Normal

Previous tree obstruction is cleared. Trail is 1 vehicle wide. Kept in 2nd whole time.

Mark Henry

Sep 07, 2025

Obstructed

Tree down at .25 mile.

Joshua Barnett

Sep 03, 2025

Open

Muddy/Wet

Heavy rain today made this a little tougher than what I was hoping for. My first time going out on my own so I was a little nervous. Made it through most in 2wd but on the way back it had rained so hard I needed to put it in 4wd. Fun trail would definitely do it again if I’m in the area, the back is very narrow and way over grown so if you have a higher lift watch out it will wreck the paint.

Mike Gilliam

Aug 23, 2025

Open

Normal

very nice open speed trail ran up quickly.

Jon Lester

Aug 16, 2025

2021 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Chris Totherow

Aug 16, 2025

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Open

William Irons Jr

Jul 31, 2025

2023 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Only a couple of turn around points. A couple spots where the edge to a drop off are about 2ft. Trail ends in a turnaround.

Dillon Watson

Jul 26, 2025

1995 GMC Yukon

Open

Normal

Anthony Tishchenko

Jul 19, 2025

2018 GMC Canyon

Open

Muddy/Wet

easy trail can do it all in 2wd. did some of the trails that branch off, they get really tight in places, tons of pinstripes

Kyle Whorten

Jun 07, 2025

2023 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Muddy/Wet

Fun, short trail. A little tight towards the end for taller vehicles due to overhanging branches. 2wd the entire trail.

Irishman Branch Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
High Clearance
Full Width

Irishman Branch

Trail Overview

Photos of Irishman Branch

Difficulty

Technical Rating

Status Reports

Irishman Branch Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Irishman Branch Map

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