Tennessee Off-Road Trails

When starting on the trail's western end in the Martha Sundquist State Forest, Chestnut Ridge treats you with designated and dispersed camping and a picturesque Gulf Fork Big Creek crossing. Six campsites in this area are numbered, and by the creek crossing, there is a rough but short loop with other dispersed camping opportunities. The road gains elevation in the Cherokee National Forest as you make your way to Max Patch through a forest that is a little less dense than the surrounding area. Although the road is easy, rain could make the creek crossing impassable, so use caution. Suitable for any high-clearance vehicle.

This Hurricane Gap Road (31) resides in Tennessee in the Cherokee National Forest and joins its counterpart in North Carolina. Gap is another word for a pass or an opening through the mountains. Hurricane Gap is wider than most in the area, offering a rhododendron-covered floor, creeks, and a small number of dispersed camping sites. If dispersed camping is not what you are after, the improved Painted Creek Campground resides at the northern trailhead. It is suitable for any vehicle.

Traveling south to north, this trail starts mild but gets interesting quickly after crossing the creek at the 180-degree turn. You will be challenged by continuously climbing loose rocks that get very slick with a little bit of moisture. There are optional lines through the climb to challenge big rigs, but with a steady pedal and good decision-making, you can reach the top in a stock 4x4 with high clearance.

Spring Creek is a quaint road in South Eastern Tennessee running along its namesake, Spring Creek, down to the Hiwassee River. It is maintained and has no obstacles, making it suitable for all vehicles, and it shows with its popularity. You will likely not be alone if you choose to visit on a weekend. Camping is abundant, with many dispersed campsites along the trail. If dispersed camping isn't your thing, the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Gee Creek Campground lies at the western end of the trail.

Brown Gap is typical of the forest service roads in this area, rough in spots, narrow, and tree-lined. Brown Gap closes the loop in the area by connecting Gulf Road, Chestnut Ridge, and Middle Road. The only camping opportunity on the trail is near its eastern terminus, but it is very close to private property. Camping is best found where Gulf Road and Chestnut Ridge join. Minor erosion ruts and rocks exist, but the road is considered easy and suitable for any high-clearance vehicle.

Windrock 27 is a two-way trail accessed from G6 or Trail 26. Offroaders can expect steep inclines or declines depending on which way this trail is driven. There's a rut large enough to swallow a Jeep. Depending on your rig, it may result in off-camber moments with the potential for light body damage if not careful.

One item of interest is if drivers access 27 from G6 and exit via G26, they could leave Windrock Park and access attractions such as the Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary.

This trail is a double black diamond on Windrock's rating system, and numerous obstacles certainly warrant that rating. With large rock fins, steep climbs and descents, and ridge-top views, this trail has it all for a seasoned driver with a capable rig. Many obstacles have bypasses, making this a good place for people looking to try something out of their comfort zone without committing to winching all day. The obstacle in the "Hardest Part" photo has a bypass.

Winding its way along Parksville Lake, Indian Ridge will delight drivers with its lush vegetation, smoothly graded road, and active wildlife. You will be treated to towering Tulip Poplars, Mountain Ash, and Mountain Maple trees above, while the forest floor is littered with flowers such as the Indian Pink, Flame Azalea, and Turks-cap Lily. Birds and snakes are plentiful, and you may even be lucky enough to see a black bear! But be sure to keep one eye on the road, as there are hardly any straight sections. Camping can also be found in a few select locations along this trail.

Welcome to the Natchez Trace State Forest! This scenic, easy out-and-back trail looks like it could get muddy if it rains hard. There is a small ridge to get up to the camping area, so a four-wheel drive is a must here. The road is wide enough for larger rigs. There is a spacious campsite as well.

This trail is almost entirely smooth gravel two-track with a few shallow puddles and small rocks strewn around. The exception is the large rock ledge at the eastern entrance. As if the ledge itself wasn't enough of a challenge, the approach is steep and covered in loose gravel. To the driver's side, there is a large tree that could easily rearrange sheet metal or remove a mirror. That risk forces vehicles into an off-camber climb attempt to the passenger side. The top of the ledge is likely to have holes from drivers trying to scramble their way to the top, making traction even trickier. Running west to east to descend the ledge, vehicles may still risk hitting their bumper and rear-mounted spare tires.

White Cliff Road is a beautiful mountain road that twists you from the Tellico Plains area of the Cherokee National Forest. The trail runs between Starr Mountain and Bullet Creek roads along Hogback Ridge, skirting the northern slopes of Black Mountain. This trail has fantastic fall colors. There aren't any campsites along this road.

Round Mountain Road travels mainly through the Cherokee National Forest but is not a forest service road. Comprised of maintained gravel, it climbs up, twists, and turns through forest stands to its high point. At the high point resides Round Mountain Campground, typically open from May through the end of October. It is suitable for any vehicle.

Cane Creek Mountain Road is a sparsely used dirt road that winds down off of the Cherohala Skyway into the vast wilderness. While the trail begins and ends in the Cherokee National Forest, it does cross private land. Please be respectful of the private properties. There are not any camping spots along this route.

Running Windrock 30 from south to north is a steady climb with a mix of obstacles, including deep ruts, v-notches, and small boulder fields. Even in dry conditions, rocks may be slick as water tends to run down this trail. Bypasses are limited, and there are several obstacles where vehicles with limited articulation will struggle.

Bullet Creek is a peaceful gravel road through the Cherokee National Forest. It can be used for a simple sightseeing drive or added to other roads in the area for a long weekend of overlanding. There was one camp on the southern end, but it sits just around the corner of a private residence.

G6 is a relatively easy road providing access to other trails within Windrock Park, such as Windrock 26. It is a packed dirt trail that is prone to ruts. However, proper tire placement should make quick work of them. Access to Knoxville Highway is also possible with the addition of Windrock 39.