No Business Knob

Total Miles
4.5

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

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No Business Knob
8

Trail Overview

No Business Knob is a tight but simple trail located in Cherokee National Forest. You will most likely get pinstripes from the branches lining the trail in an SUV or truck. The trail is just under 10 miles round-trip and traverses the side of the mountain range. Expect steep drop-offs on the side of the trail and sections of small rocks and ruts. Numerous viewpoints overlook the Unaka Mountains and the Nolichucky River. At the top, there is an optional hill climb that leads to a pond. The trail is open all year. The trailhead is located off Unaka Spring Road through an open Forest Service gate. Approximately 1 mile from the trailhead, you will cross a second gate. Take the left directly after the second gate. This is the only fork until the top of the trail.

Photos of No Business Knob

No Business Knob
No Business Knob

Difficulty

Steep drop-offs beside the trail could deter some riders with a fear of heights, but the overall trail is easily doable in a stock Jeep or midsize truck with little offroading experience.

History

The pond at the top was purportedly for fire helicopters to dip into while fighting forest fires.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Tricia Beaver
May 25, 2025
4x4
Open
Trail is very tight single lane, out and back. Side brush is overgrown and you'll get some pinstriping. We had a saw and cleared fallen branches to make the trail more passable. Fairly easy with lots of rock garden. We didnt need to air down, though would have made for a smoother ride. Small shallow water crossing. There is a nice pond at the top, with some sunfish and someone dumped a few goldfish in it.
Richard Lyons
May 18, 2025
2020 Mahindra Roxor
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
There's a couple places that are partially obstructed yet passable. Expect some pinstripes in several areas and very places wide enough to pass oncoming vehicles though you're unlikely to see another vehicle. I've been told that there is a pond at the top but I must have taken the wrong fork since I didn't find it.
Zach Wright
Apr 20, 2025
2015 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
After initial water/stream crossing, the trail steps up in roughness. I was aired down on 35s but had plenty of clearance for the lines I chose. Rocky and somewhat rutted. Gets real tight on either side with rhododendron and trees as you go, especially after the section of the first ridge. Had to move a couple big branches in spots that were way too tight. Definitely expect pinstripes. 100%. I got ‘em. The trail itself isn’t too crazy but definitely a few fun spots here and there. I would rate it on the higher side of 3 maybe 4 at times. Trail spurs branch out at top/end of main trail. Main trail finishes up down the left side of split. I only saw a couple folks in one side by side coming back down the trail while I was out there. Beautiful day, fun trail. Took my time and got a good amount of videos and photos.
Isaac Vaughn
Apr 13, 2025
2022 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Normal
Trail was open, very tight in spots, expect pinstripes. Few mud holes, nothing crazy, aired down to make ride more comfy, lots of rip rap. Was a fun ride. Took about 2 hours in and back.

Access Description

The trailhead is located off Unaka Spring Road through an open forest service gate.

No Business Knob Map

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