The Cohutta Wilderness and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Cohutta Wilderness Trails were designed and expanded in the 1970s and 1980s. The trail system encompasses nearly 37,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. When you want to get outside and ride the trails, try The Cohutta and Big Frog Wilderness Loop and The Little Frog system near the Ocoee River.
Within this region are dozens of roads and trails where you can take stock 4WD vehicles. If you're looking for a good place to ride to this weekend, try these areas:
Anderson Creek Trails - This five-mile trail is open to all types of all-terrain vehicles. It's a bit of a maze, with a few trails that fork off and dead end. It's a great place to get lost in the woods, but not too lost.
Beasley Knob OHV and ORV Trails - This trail is treacherous in icy weather, so it's closed from the first Monday in January through mid-March. You will have to buy a pass to ride on these 10.6 miles of OHV trails or 10.8 miles of ORV trails. The annual pass is $50 and an excellent investment. Stay on the trails, or you'll have trouble with the law.
Locust State OHV and ORV Trails - These trails are about 17 miles in length and are very narrow. You can only fit vehicles with axel widths of 48 inches in some areas, so pay attention to signs and stick to the areas designative for 4WD vehicles rather than dirt bikes and ATVs.
There are dozens of other amazing trails and dirt roads to drive through the Cohutta Wilderness Area, so stop by the Ranger's Office, pick up a map, and get to the hills.
Brown Mountain OHV Area
Spanning over 34 miles of the North Carolina wilderness, the Brown Mountain OHV area is the only area of its kind in the Pisgah National Forest. Along trails eight and one, where 4WD vehicles are allowed, you'll find more than enough bumpy trails, mud puddles, dips, steep inclines, and bends in the road to keep your excitement high and your blood pumping. If you want to ride on any of the other trails, you'll need to bring trail bikes and ATVs along with you.
Trailheads are equipped with picnic facilities and public restrooms so families can enjoy their day out together. Trails are marked with signs, and detailed trail maps are available for purchase from the National Forest Service office and the Grandfather Ranger Station. Don't forget to buy the daily pass or annual permit you'll need to enter the forest.
That little-kid impulse to jump in puddles never ended for off-roaders — it just grew.
Lazy Springs Recreation Park
The springs might be lazy, but the trails certainly aren't. Lazy Springs is one of the best places in Florida to rip through shallow waters in your 4WD, splashing everyone within a 30-foot swath of your path. This area has a reputation for being a lot of fun, and it doesn't disappoint whether it's in the middle of winter or the dog days of summer. It's a great place to get down and dirty. Bring the family because there's a muddy zip-line, swings that go out over the water, slides, a playground and picnic area, and more. There's something to keep everyone busy and happy.
The Lazy Spring does charge at the gate to get in. It'll cost you $20 per day per person, $10 per off-road vehicle, $10 per boat or jetski, $10 per tent, camper, or RV, and kids nine and under are free. The Jeep obstacle course alone makes it worth the price.
Alabama's National, Public, and Private Parks
Most people never realize how good the off-roading scene is in Alabama. The state has six off-road parks and four national forests open to 4WD vehicles, which is nearly unheard of in the continental United States. It's almost too difficult to decide which trails are the best for quick weekend off-roading trips. When you need to get out of the city, try these destinations:
Morris Mountain ORV Park - If you're near the Birmingham area on the 2nd and 4th weekend of every month, check out Morris Mountain ORV Park's obstacle course, 4WD trails, mud pits, canyons, and primitive camping area. Note that stock vehicles should steer clear of the rock climbing area.
Stony Lonesome OHV Park - This park is home to more than 1455 acres of forested mountains packed full of trails for everything from 4WD vehicles and ATVs to rock crawlers, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, horses, and hikers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trail rider, this park has the perfect place for you. It features obstacles, mud, rocks for crawling, mountains, hills, and more. Just make sure you tell people where you're going before you take off, and bring a communication device in case you get lost or stuck and need help. It's known to happen in this park.
Talladega National Forest 600-1 - People all over the Southeast come from miles around to hit this 14-mile road. This is a great place if you want to get out into nature but don't want to tear up your vehicle doing it. The two-way road is passable in nearly any vehicle and is rough in just a few short spots. Start at the Southern end of the park on the road through White Gap Valley. Follow the ridgeline north along the Horns Mountain. You'll traverse your way gently through miles of beautiful hardwood and pine forests while you pass camping spots that are perfect for a weekend getaway. You'll witness the abundance of Alabama's wildlife and unforgettable views from the summit. While you're here, you might as well get out and stretch your legs while exploring your way through miles of peaceful hiking trails.
Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges
Horse Pasture Road lies at the Eastern entrance to the park and winds its way through one of the only temperate rainforests outside the Oregon and Washington Cascade Mountains. While this is an easy trail offering a gentle ride, it's worth every second of your time. The views of Lake Jocassee and the soaring overlooks are some of the best in the State of South Carolina.
Horse Pasture Road will lead you through lush valleys where you can pull over and go hunting, watch birds, find wild edible plants, and view rare wildlife species. Once you reach Jumping Off Rock, you can access the entrance of the 77-mile Foothills Hiking Trail. Whether you're looking to spend a few hours driving around or you want to spend a week hiking the trail and parks, you're going to have a great time.
Hit the trails in your favorite Toyota
These are just a fraction of the hundreds of miles of trails, roads, and courses in the Southeast for 4WD vehicles. Check with the National Forest Service and trade magazines to get in-depth descriptions of places you can go in your stock vehicle near you.