Trail Overview
Mine to Market is a 1.4-mile out-and-back route that follows a narrow, extremely rocky trail through steep mountain terrain. The road is more like a raw 4x4 trail than a typical forest road, with loose rock, tight switchbacks, and increasing brush encroachment as the route climbs. Several switchbacks are exceptionally tight and may require multi-point turns, particularly for longer wheelbase vehicles. Off-camber sections and exposure add to the challenge, while the narrow trail corridor limits room for error. The route becomes impassable beyond mile 1.4 due to extensive windfall. Drivers are encouraged to turn around at the final switchback rather than continue to the blockage.
Difficulty
Mine to Market is a difficult route that requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and confident driving skills. Large loose rocks are present throughout the trail. The combination of narrow road width, tight switchbacks, off-camber terrain, and exposure makes this one of the more demanding routes in the area despite its short length. Full-size vehicles should use extreme caution, as some switchbacks may require multi-point turns and leave little room for recovery. Brush encroachment further limits maneuvering room near the upper end of the trail. While there are no major ledges or rock-crawling obstacles, the rough surface and consequences of a mistake make this a serious route. As with most trails in the area, bringing a chainsaw or equipment to clear fallen trees is recommended.
History
The trail was likely established for accessing mines along Hawkins Mountain. Hawkins Mountain was actively mined during WW1 into the 1940s.
