No Business Knob

Total Miles 4.7
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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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

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

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Chris Byrd
Mar 21, 2026
Open
Was a lot of trash but still a nice ride .. Be ready for the buffer when you get home tho .. Gets tight after the first leg
Tim Jones
Mar 15, 2026
Open
This is a tight trail. My titan got pinstripe pretty good. Parts of the trail were rough but I made it through in 2wd. I followed one SUV in about half way and they gave up and turned around. That was the only vehicle we saw there. Expect atleast 3 to 4 hours to go all the way in and back out.
Stephen garland
Jan 25, 2026
Open
Satch & Sandy Garrabrant
Dec 21, 2025
Open
Trail is very tight, you will get pin-striping. Good long range views with leaves off. Sections that had bad washouts before Hurricane have been graded.
Kyle Tilton
Aug 25, 2025
Open
slow. tight. very rocky. I would say air down. a good amount. trail gets very tight. took us hours. kind of annoying long. lol better with friends. but not hard. standard 4wd will do.
Chris Byrd
Aug 09, 2025
Open
Sheriff deputy was sitting at the bottom of the trail turning people away due to work being done.
Jeff Miller
Jul 19, 2025
Open
I only gave this trail a 2 because it’s not wide enough for two vehicles. Other than that you can traverse this trail in 2wd. The only obstacle is the vegetation so expect some heavy pin strips.
Tricia Beaver
May 25, 2025
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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.
larry childers
Mar 23, 2025
Open
They have come in with a dozer and smoothed it out for the most part. It’s still rough road. Just not washed out and huge rocks.
Lex W
Sep 22, 2024
Open
Jeff Miller
Apr 20, 2024
Open
Trail starts out typical, mud, rocks. Then about halfway up the washouts begin, and that ups the technical a bit. I was by myself and after navigating the washouts chose to turn around. Met a local in a side by side, and he said from there it gets worse. So a trail for another day with some friends.
jack leppert
Mar 23, 2024
Open
Very tight trail, expect some pinstripes. About 1/4 of the way down the trail it starts climbing the mountain and gets pretty rough. One section (1st & 3rd pic) is quite difficult; it is washed out and slightly off cambered. I’m unlocked and had to try 2 lines. A rear diff lock would be very helpful

No Business Knob Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

No Business Knob Map

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