Off-Road Trails in North Carolina

Discover off-road trails in North Carolina

Learn more about Millis Road (128)
Millis Road (128)

Millis Road (128)

Millis Road (128) crosses Croaton National Forest between Whitehouse Fork Road and Nine Mile Road. This route is generally maintained and offers a nice scenic drive for any vehicle or driver. While the road is…
Learn more about Millis Road (128)
Total Miles
7.7
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter
Learn more about Mirey Branch
Mirey Branch

Mirey Branch

Mirey branch is a hard-packed road that allows access to a vast amount of Croatan National Forest game land. The road connects to several side trails that lead to different areas of the forest. Wildlife…
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Total Miles
2.6
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about NC12 - Carova 4x4 Beach
NC12 - Carova 4x4 Beach

NC12 - Carova 4x4 Beach

The Carova 4x4 Beach is the northernmost portion of NC-12, which runs along North Carolina's Outer Banks. The pavement ends in the town of Corolla, at which point a 4WD vehicle is mandatory to make…
Learn more about NC12 - Carova 4x4 Beach
Total Miles
10.9
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer
Learn more about North River Rd to Upper Santeetlah - 81
North River Rd to Upper Santeetlah - 81

North River Rd to Upper Santeetlah - 81

This trek starts at North River which is a well-maintained gravel road and then transitions to the Upper Santeetlah(81) trail which is less maintained. The Upper Santeetlah is not too bad and can be navigated…
Learn more about North River Rd to Upper Santeetlah - 81
Total Miles
4.9
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Ocean Pearl Road - The Gauntlet
Ocean Pearl Road - The Gauntlet

Ocean Pearl Road - The Gauntlet

The Gauntlet is a short section of Ocean Pearl Road in Carova/The Outer Banks that's a notorious stretch of water and mud pits. The depth and difficulty of the gauntlet depend largely on recent rainfall.…
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Total Miles
0.6
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Old Buzzard Roost Road
Old Buzzard Roost Road

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…
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Total Miles
3.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Fall, Summer
Learn more about Old NC 105
Old NC 105

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 Table Rock Mountain. Numerous overlooks and campsites offer scenery…
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Total Miles
14.0
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Summer, Fall, Spring
Learn more about Pinicale Mt Rd
Pinicale Mt Rd

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…
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Total Miles
10.2
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Pinnacle - SCAR Alternate
Pinnacle - SCAR Alternate

Pinnacle - SCAR Alternate

This trail might suit you if you're looking for a scenic side trip on the South Carolina Adventure Route. It runs along the outskirts of the Dupont State Forest and provides ridgetop views. The trail…
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Total Miles
20.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a series of scenic gravel roads in Tyrrell County, North Carolina. It's located west of Nags Head in the North Carolina Outer Banks. The Refuge offers amazing scenery and…
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Total Miles
32.4
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer
Learn more about Pond Mountain Game Land Access Road
Pond Mountain Game Land Access Road

Pond Mountain Game Land Access Road

This access road to Pond Mountain Game Land is managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The road is a well-maintained gravel road but it does have multiple sections that are a 12% grade. There…
Learn more about Pond Mountain Game Land Access Road
Total Miles
1.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Rich Mountain Lookout
Rich Mountain Lookout

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,…
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Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Rocky Mount Loop Trail 92
Rocky Mount Loop Trail 92

Rocky Mount Loop Trail 92

Rock Mount Loop was formerly a loop trail and features the perfect trailhead for airing down. The trail is seemingly divided into two by the forest road used to access the trail. One portion has…
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Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Sawmill Trail 93
Sawmill Trail 93

Sawmill Trail 93

The Sawmill Trail is an easier trail through the forest. It features multiple short hill climbs that can be slightly off-camber, a few large puddles or stream crossings, and all-around good views of the forest.…
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Total Miles
0.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Summer, Fall, Spring
Learn more about Shad Road
Shad Road

Shad Road

The two ends of Shad Road that connect to Hurricane Gap are rather misleading. While it starts out as a relatively tame gravel two-track, the middle section is much more difficult than you may be…
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Total Miles
9.1
Tech Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about Shuler Creek
Shuler Creek

Shuler Creek

This trail has easy access gravel road off Highway 68 in Farner. The road is 2 vehicles wide and has mostly gentle elevations. It starts out running parallel to the Hiwassee River and then a…
Learn more about Shuler Creek
Total Miles
10.6
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Slab Pile Trail 79
Slab Pile Trail 79

Slab Pile Trail 79

Slab Pile is a fun trail with off-camber portions, small hill climbs, ruts, and several optional challenges. Most of the trail is accessible to most vehicles with moderate ground clearance. Little to none of the…
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Total Miles
1.1
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Summer, Spring, Fall
Learn more about South Core Banks - Back Road
South Core Banks - Back Road

South Core Banks - Back Road

South Core Banks is only accessible by vehicle ferry. A reservation is required through Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps or the Davis Shore Ferry Service. A beach driving permit (ORV) is required and can be…
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Total Miles
18.8
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn more about Southwest Croatan National Forest Loop
Southwest Croatan National Forest Loop

Southwest Croatan National Forest Loop

This loop consists of several National Forest Service roads within the southwestern portion of the Croatan National Forest. Following Service Roads 199, 166, 3014, 176, 175, and 144, you will encounter well-maintained gravel roads accessible…
Learn more about Southwest Croatan National Forest Loop
Total Miles
9.2
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Toe River Trail
Toe River Trail

Toe River Trail

This trail starts off Blue Ridge Parkway near Horse Trail Gap and Hewat Overlook in the Pisgah National Forest. The Gap and nearby overlooks offer breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset. It is a fairly…
Learn more about Toe River Trail
Total Miles
4.0
Tech Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time
Spring, Fall

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