Cherokee County North Carolina 4x4 Trails

Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area

Nantahala National Forest

Closed Until Further Notice

Located in Cherokee County North Carolina, between the towns of Murphy NC and Tellico Plains Tennessee, the Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area is recognized as some of the best off-road trails.

A high elevation basin formed by the Unicoi Mountains, the Tellico 4x4 Area is a network of old logging roads and skid trails which range from easy to most difficult.

One of the few areas in the National 
Forest in North Carolina where off-road vehicles may be used, Upper Tellico Area offers trails for a variety of trail users including ATV,  4WD and bikes.
Offering 40 miles of trails, Upper Tellico’s 8,000 acres are known for great fourwheeling. The Tellico River crosses this high elevation basin’s rugged, steep terrain. Most trails are open to all types of off-highway vehicles; one trail is restricted to all-terrain vehicles only. Many trails are rough and challenging, requiring front and rear tow hooks, special tires, and other features on 4-wheel drive vehicles. Only the access road is rated as “easy.” Upper Tellico is on the Tennessee State line about 13 miles north of Murphy, North Carolina.

Hotel Deals near the Upper Tellico Off-Road Area

Eleven trails make up the Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area.

Tipton Creek (Easiest)
Tipton Knob Trail (More Difficult)
Bear Pen Trail (More Difficult)
Fain's Ford Road (Easiest)
Tellico River Trail (More Difficult)
State Line Loop (More Difficult)
Peckerwood Connector (More Difficult)
Bob Creek Trail (More Difficult)
Mistletoe Connector (More Difficult)
Round Mountain Trail (More Difficult) ATV Only
Chestnut Mountain Trail (More Difficult)
Hawk Knob Trail (More Difficult)

Directions:

From Murphy, go north on NC 1326 (Joe Brown Highway) for 2.8 miles. Turn right on NC 1331 for 5.5 miles. Turn right on NC 1337 (Davis Creek Road). Go 5 miles to the top of the mountain and Allen Gap staging area. (NC 1337 becomes a gravel road--FR 420.)