Old Bucktown Road

4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Ellijay, Georgia (Gilmer County)
Last Updated: 08/03/2020

Trail Information

Highlights

Just outside of Ellijay, Georgia, and immediately north of Amicalola Falls State Park lies Old Bucktown Road. Part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains which extend 550 miles from Georgia all the way to Pennsylvania, Old Bucktown Road is a rocky mountain pass that cuts through from Ellijay to Nimblewill. One of the rougher Forest Service roads left in Georgia, this is a great trail for beginner offroad drivers or for someone looking to test out a new rig without being too rough or too remote. Additionally, any hikers or history buffs in your group will be delighted to see that this road also offers access to the famous Appalachian Trail, the 2100 mile hiking trail from Georgia to Maine.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (24)
300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Took this trail today for the first time. It’s very close to where I live. A sign announces this as an un-maintained forest road. That is very true. It was about at the limit of my non-lifted JLU in spots. We have had a lot of rain and the road is really washed out. I bottomed out a couple times. But I made it through ok. Had to dodge a lot of rocks. Parts are a stream running down the road. Really great time though. I’ll be taking it again soon with friends this time.. If you are ready to try an actual trail instead of just a dirt road, this is a good one for a stock Jeep. I have good all terrain tires but no lift. Have a winch or another 4wd just in case. There are some spots that you could get stuck if you mess up, but if you take it easy there shouldn’t be an issue.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/04/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Today the trail was as expected with the recent rainfall in the region. Some of the puddles had to be approached unknowing how deep or what was underneath. As mentioned by others, not too many places to allow oncoming vehicles to pass or to move to the side of the trail. Airing down would have made this trek less harsh.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/04/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Started from the first way-point and took the next connecting trail down. The trail has some spots that are mandatory that could be challenging with a 2WD or stock vehicle. In a JKU with 3" lift on 35's, I never had an issue but did use 4H. We encountered several other vehicles coming from the other direction and in some tight spots. Not a lot of space in many places for passing. Also, I have not experimented much with airing down, but parts of this trail were so rocky that I thought that it might have been a good idea to air down just a bit for the sake of the tire. Follow my Jeep adventures on Instagram: @ecriz_jku
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/13/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We took Old Bucktown Rd after heading up Nimblewill Gap Rd. You'll want a little ground clearance and 4hi, we never used 4lo in our Gladiator, maybe if we were going uphill versus the downhill direction we took. Still getting my off roading legs so I took some safer lines in the more fun sections, but the road was still lots of fun to go through. It had rained two days prior and it made for some fun puddles, but the trail wasn't muddy or sloppy. Great first trail if you're hesitant about taking your Jeep out for it's maiden voyage, nice views and more fun than the roads connecting to it.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/06/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Loved it. We did the entire Nimblewill Gap through to Bucktown Road. Bucktown was the downhill section. Careful tire placement and careful navigation will get you through. I have 2wd 4Runner.

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