Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Bryson City, North Carolina
Cowee Bald
This trail features elevation changes, switchbacks, some rocky terrain, a few washboard areas, and blind curves with potential oncoming vehicles. The path is one vehicle wide with places to pass. Not a high degree of… Learn more about Cowee Bald
Total Miles
6.6
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector
If you want to connect the Trans America Trail with the South Carolina Adventure Route this is your path. It's located North of Walhalla, and connects the SCAR to both the TAT and the Smokey… Learn more about Trans America Trail / SCAR Connector
Total Miles
76.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Georgia Traverse
Anyone who's heard a country song can probably picture Georgia. It's a land of green hillsides, charming southern towns dotted with white picket fences, and sunny fields tied together by red dirt roads. It's tough… Learn more about Georgia Traverse
Total Miles
372
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Cataloochee Turnpike to Big Creek
Gravel Road through the GSMNP Cataloochee area to Big Creek. The road is suitable for most vehicles, but higher clearance is recommended due to some rocky areas. The road will close during big weather events… Learn more about Cataloochee Turnpike to Big Creek
Total Miles
10.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Tri State - SCAR Alternate
This is simply a scenic alternative to the main loop of the South Carolina Adventure Route. It loops around the confluence of SC, NC, and GA extending your ride of the SCAR with some additional… Learn more about Tri State - SCAR Alternate
Total Miles
26.8
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Buzzard Roost Road
While not as exciting in terrain as the closely named Old Buzzard Roost Road, this route has some amazing views and other interesting features. It's mostly gravel with a few sections that hold water or… Learn more about Buzzard Roost Road
Total Miles
10.6
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Old Buzzard Roost Road
Old Buzzard Roost Road is a nice adventure just a few miles from the interstate. You'll travel under the shadow of Mt. Sterling as you cross a few creeks and traverse switchbacks until you reach… Learn more about Old Buzzard Roost Road
Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su
Creek Side Scenic Drive
This beautiful "Creek-Side Dirt trail is a must if you like driving on forest roads and you like the view/sound of the roaring creeks. If you ever plan to go to Max Patch (360 views… Learn more about Creek Side Scenic Drive
Total Miles
6.3
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Hall Top Road
Hall Top climbs 1,500 feet over the five-mile route from the rhododendron shaded valley to the rocky peak above. The majority of the route is maintained, but some of the steeper sections are rocky and… Learn more about Hall Top Road
Total Miles
4.5
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su
Hall Top Spur
The Hall Top Spur allows access to the Hall Top Fire Tower, Big Fill Road, and Rocky Top Road from the eastern border of this section of Cherokee National Forest. The road climbs steeply from… Learn more about Hall Top Spur
Total Miles
2.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su
South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 3
Segment three is the "upstate" section of the SCAR, and is bookended by the towns of Westminster and Gaffney. This section transits the Blue Ridge Mountains and consists of some fabulous gravel roads with a… Learn more about South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 3
Total Miles
202.4
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Gulf Road
Gulf Road is a great route to take to gain access to some of the tracks at higher elevations. From here you can head up to Max Patch, explore Martha Sundquist State Forest, head out… Learn more about Gulf Road
Total Miles
2.9
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa
Brown Gap Road
This route will take you from the higher elevations back towards Hartford. It generally a mild road, but a few sections include ruts and mud holes that might be more challenging during rainy weather. Be… Learn more about Brown Gap Road
Total Miles
6.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su
Fall Creek - FSR 722
This trail follows along one the the many Chattoga River plateau's that overlook the Wild and Scenic River. This is a maintained trail that is mostly gravel with many washboard sections. Camping is allowed in… Learn more about Fall Creek - FSR 722
Total Miles
3.1
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Chattooga River - FSR 769
This trail follows along one the the many Chattooga River plateau's that overlook the Wild and Scenic River. This is a maintained trail that is mostly gravel with many washboard sections. Camping is allowed in… Learn more about Chattooga River - FSR 769
Total Miles
0.6
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Trail 1 FR 420-1
This road starts at the end of River Road in Tellico at State Line Campground. The first mile of the road is single-track asphalt. When it changes over to gravel you will have some areas… Learn more about Trail 1 FR 420-1
Total Miles
8.2
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Wi
Woodall Shoals - Road 757
This trail leads to Woodall Shoals is the second to last rafting takeout along the Chattooga River. This maintained gravel road leads to the trailhead that leads to a perfect location to cool off in… Learn more about Woodall Shoals - Road 757
Total Miles
2.2
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Long Creek Falls - RD 755
This trail leads to the trailhead for Long Creek Falls, one of the most iconic falls along the wild and scenic Chattoga River. This trail leads from the main highway to the large parking area… Learn more about Long Creek Falls - RD 755
Total Miles
2.7
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Tray Mountain Trail
This trail is very popular among 4x4 enthusiasts. it is a straightforward drive, although it gets more difficult and tricky as you get to the higher elevations. There are many locations along the trail and… Learn more about Tray Mountain Trail
Total Miles
7.5
Tech Rating
3
Moderate
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
FR126 Waucheesi Bald
The trail to Waucheesi Bald is a gravel trail. The trail has been recently re-graveled. It is a two-way road so make sure you watch for oncoming traffic. The road will take you along Bald… Learn more about FR126 Waucheesi Bald
Total Miles
16.2
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Big Clifty Road
Big Clifty is a mild introduction to the forest roads in the area. This seven-mile track climbs to the Meadow View Lookout Tower and is easily traversed by a 2WD vehicle. Cell service is available… Learn more about Big Clifty Road
Total Miles
6.4
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa
Jumping Off - SCAR Alternate
West of Table Rock you will find this scenic out-and-back diversion. It's a nice addition to add some more challenging riding or driving to the main South Carolina Adventure Route loop. Along its path, you… Learn more about Jumping Off - SCAR Alternate
Total Miles
10.1
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Lake Tugaloo
This route leads down to Lake Tugaloo; which is the end of the Wild and Scenic Chattoga River and creates the border of South Carolina and Georgia. Lake Tugaloo is a perfect place to stop… Learn more about Lake Tugaloo
Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Brush Creek Road
Brush Creek starts out as a narrow paved road, but once it meets the western end of Weaver's Bend it transitions to gravel. This is a beautiful drive and the namesake creek parallels the road… Learn more about Brush Creek Road
Total Miles
4.5
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su / Sp
Meadow Creek Tower Road
This short two-mile trail is a great quick route to visit the tower. It's relatively tame outside of a few sections with larger rocks. When paired with Big Clifty, it makes for a nice 10-mile… Learn more about Meadow Creek Tower Road
Total Miles
2.2
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa
Weaver Bend
Weaver Bend Road runs from its intersection with Brush Creek to the French Broad River. It transitions from gravel to dirt. Along the road, there are several marked campsites including several riverside. At it's namesake… Learn more about Weaver Bend
Total Miles
2.2
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa
Sassafras - SCAR Alternate
This scenic out and back trail is located West of Table Rock and largely paved. It will lead you to South Carolina's highest point of elevation and is a great addition to the main South… Learn more about Sassafras - SCAR Alternate
Total Miles
8.3
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Paint Mountain Road
Paint Mountain is a great way to connect Hurricane Gap to the east, with some of the other roads and trails west of this area. It's 1 to 1.5 cars wide and outside of a… Learn more about Paint Mountain Road
Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Wi / Fa
Wash Creek - FR 5000
This is an easy road that does not require a 4x4. The road is not maintained when it has snowed. You gain 945 feet of elevation but it is very gradual. There are several places… Learn more about Wash Creek - FR 5000
Total Miles
5.1
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Bent Creek Trail
This is a short section of roadway out of Asheville that connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road winds up the Blue Ridge Mountains through scenic back-country areas with multiple trails and recreational areas… Learn more about Bent Creek Trail
Total Miles
4.1
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
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