Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Marion, North Carolina
Old NC 105
Old NC-105 is a popular trail and is most well-known for its outstanding views of the Linville Gorge. It offers unparalleled views of the gorge and of Table Rock Mountain. There are numerous overlooks and… Learn more about Old NC 105
Total Miles
13.3
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa / Sp
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
5583
The trail at the time was snow-covered (approximately 3-4 inches) but it is mostly a dirt/mud trail. I didn't encounter anything that a normal 4x4 couldn't handle. The trail from the road is mostly uphill.… Learn more about 5583
Total Miles
0.7
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Wi / Fa / Su / Sp
No Business Knob
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… Learn more about No Business Knob
Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Pinnacle - SCAR Alternate
If you're looking for a scenic side trip on the South Carolina Adventure Route this trail might be for you. It runs along the outskirts of the Dupont State Forest and provides ridgetop views. The… Learn more about Pinnacle - SCAR Alternate
Total Miles
19.6
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
Pinicale Mt Rd
This is an easy, mostly gravel and dirt trail. It has some small rocks and holes throughout, and good views in the winter when the trees are bare. It has wildlife land and public lands… Learn more about Pinicale Mt Rd
Total Miles
9.7
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 4
Segment four transits the "midlands" section of South Carolina, with the towns of Gaffney and Camden on each end. This section is mostly forested and contains a mixture of pavement, gravel, and clay roads. The… Learn more about South Carolina Adventure Route Segment 4
Total Miles
194.9
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
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
Green River Rd
This is a short dirt and gravel trail that can be combined with Pinnacle Mt Rd to make a great loop. It runs along a small stream with great views or the stream and a… Learn more about Green River Rd
Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Flatwoods Road 87D
This is mainly a gravel trail with several muddy spots. The trail is mainly flat but does have rolling hills to travel through. I encountered several mud holes but none of which are of any… Learn more about Flatwoods Road 87D
Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa
Jennings Creek Road
Jennings Creek Road travels along the border of Cherokee National Forest between the Horse Creek Recreation Area and the Old Forge NF Campground. The campground has walk-in sites with a parking lot only 10 to… Learn more about Jennings Creek Road
Total Miles
2.3
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa
Flatwoods Road to 87A
Running Flatwoods road from Hickory Tree TN to HWY 421. This includes a section of Forest Service Road 87A when open. The main route is open year-round and is a combination of gravel and unimproved… Learn more about Flatwoods Road to 87A
Total Miles
22.7
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Hurricane Gap
Hurrican Gap is a well-maintained gravel road that travels from the Houston Valley area to just outside of Hot Springs, NC. While it's not particularly challenging, there are some great side trips along the way.… Learn more about Hurricane Gap
Total Miles
8.9
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Rich Mountain Lookout
This short route is a must-see if you're in the area. If you're traveling Hurricane Gap it's well worth the detour. There area few campsites on the way up the mountain. Cell service is available,… Learn more about Rich Mountain Lookout
Total Miles
1.2
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
McQueen's Gap
This is the only unpaved route across South Holston Mountain. There are many off shoot trails that are open seasonally, but the main route isn't ever closed. You can access the Appalachian Trail from the… Learn more about McQueen's Gap
Total Miles
5.7
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Jacobs Creek
This is a combination of gravel and dirt. It starts in the Jacobs Creek area and travels through the Cherokee National Forest from TN into VA. There are a few camping locations along the way,… Learn more about Jacobs Creek
Total Miles
3.4
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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