Rugged Adventures Episode 3: Southeast – TN to AL
With Flex, Rocks & Rollovers
Join Marvin of Flex, Rocks & Rollovers and his group of buddies as they connect lesser-known trails through Tennessee and Alabama to create an ideal weekend traverse highlighted by diverse terrain, mountaintop views, and waterfront campsites.
New onX Offroad Route:
Secret Trails of the South
Day 1; Night 1
Kick off the Secret Trails of the South Route on a section of Rainbow Falls Loop, which crosses over onto Pebble Beach Trail. After conquering a dozen creek crossings or so, hang a right onto a worthwhile offshoot called End of the World. Navigate the maze of mud holes and tight trees and be rewarded with a waterfront campsite with a view to cap off day one.
Day 2; Night 2
Re-run that portion of End of the World to pick back up on Pebble Beach and cross over into Alabama. After a quick stint on the pavement through the town of Waterloo and onto Russellville, take the entrance for a brand new park road called “Northwest Alabama Mountain Ride.” Weave through the pine forests to night two’s campsite atop the mountain and settle in for another epic view.
Day 3; Night 3
Just around the corner from camp, Otto’s Loop Trail offers a challenge that warrants lockers and working winches. Some proper off-roading is necessary, but a bailout at Easy Rider Trail connects to the main trail and leads back to the main trail. Or, take it easy and return to the park entrance and spend night three at the park’s official campground next to a big pond to wrap up this Rugged Adventure.
Permit Note: Make sure at least one person in your group signs up for a NATRA membership. Everyone else in your group gets added as a guest, and 100% of the proceeds go to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital!
Save The Folder; Explore The Route
Ready to take on The Secret Trails of the South? Download the trip Folder to save it right to your onX Offroad App and share it with friends. You’ll have all the information you need to prepare and safely execute the Route, including Photo Waypoints that mark suggested campsites, creek crossings, trail obstacles, nearby fuel stations, meet-up points and more. In the episode, this traverse was done in 3 days and 3 nights, but it can be easily adjusted to fewer days as desired.
