Sure, motorcycles and sports car clubs may get a lot of attention in these parts, especially at The Dragon on US 129,  but 4×4’s certainly have a lot to choose from.

Look at any local map and you will find plenty of roads that send shivers up the spine of a motorcyclist or someone that has to wax their car every other week. These roads – typically a “dotted” line on the map – were meant for you! 

Top of the list are the trails located at the Upper Tellico ORV Area.  These great off road trails are part of the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina near the Tennessee border. The cost to access is only $10.00 for a one-day pass available at a self-service pay station located at the two entrances (or exits depending on where you enter and leave)! 

With something for every skill level this off-road paradise is frequented by Four Wheel Drive Clubs from all over.  In fact members of the Southern 4WD Association help maintain the public trails.

Unless you are sporting a GPS with trail maps, you are going to need to obtain a map through the Tusquitee Ranger District at 123 Woodland Drive in Murphy, NC (Phone 828-837-5152).   You can also download in PDF from the Forest Service. While there is a map for viewing at the entrance, they are not available to take with you. 

It is also a good idea to pay attention to the difficulty ratings. Don’t confuse the trail numbers (ranging from 1 through 12) with the ratings or you could end up down a road that you or your vehicle is not ready for. 

With that said, there are plenty of trails for the newbie. Trail #1 or Tipton Creek Trail is rated easy and really nothing more than a gravel road that cuts through the Unicoi mountains and connects both entrances. Four-wheel drive is actually not needed for this road but unless you want to fling rocks at your wheels, we recommend a pick-up or SUV at a minimum. 

Step it up with Trails #4 or #5. On our first visit we ran into someone at the entrance that knew the area well and pointed us in the right direction but you will find plenty of well-marked trails along the way. We took #1 to trail #5. Going up (and down) trail #5 was a great taste of going off road.  You have the option to turn around when you hit trail #4 and come back down the hill. No question – you will need 4WD and above average clearance. We opt for the Jeep Wrangler and leave the motorcycles at home for the ORV area.

Looking for more 4×4 information? Check out the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association for great local trail information and organized events. 

Getting There…..

The Northwest Entrance is probably the easiest entrance site to locate.  From Tellico Plains, TN take Highway 165, also known as the Cherohala Skyway.  From Hwy165 turn onto Forest Service Road #210 and follow until the pavement runs out to reach Upper Tellico ORV Area. This route also gives you an opportunity to visit Bald River Falls on your way there. If you are on street bikes #210 is a nice paved two lane road to travel along the Tellico River but you will probably want to turn around when it turns to gravel at the ORV area.  

When you are done playing around the ORV area you can head back on #210 or elect to take Trail #1 to the Southwest Entrance and head towards Murphy, NC.  You are on gravel for about 8.5 miles and then hit pavement around Davis Creek Road.  Turn left at Hanging Dog Road, left at Joe Brown Highway, and follow the signs into Murphy, NC (about a 20 mile drive into town).