Beginner Off-Road Trails Near North Wilkesboro, 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
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
Pond Lick Road
This dirt track travels just north of Gatewood Reservoir. At just under 3 miles, it's a great quick run, or you can add to a route that includes some of the other local forest roads.… Learn more about Pond Lick Road
Total Miles
2.5
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
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
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
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
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
Hilltop To Bramwell VIA WMG
Part of the West Virginia Outlaw System. Hatfield McCoy is a great place to ride with a lot of trail to cover and explore. Always use caution when riding, and remember to pack out what… Learn more about Hilltop To Bramwell VIA WMG
Total Miles
13.7
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Su
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
Clinch Mountain Fire Tower
This trail goes up and over Clinch Mountain and descends into Moccasin Valley. There are many vistas along the way, both ascending and descending the mountain. The surrounding area is full of history and places… Learn more about Clinch Mountain Fire Tower
Total Miles
5.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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