|
Description:
|
Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area
The Upper Tellico OHV Area is famous for some of the best 4x4 trail riding in all of America. It has something to challenge off-roaders of all experience levels. Trail names like Guardrail, Helicopter Pad, Slick Rock and School Bus all conjure up visions of adventurous steep hills and adrenaline pumping fun. The Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area is near the western end of North Carolina at Allan Gap (2850 feet elevation) just south of the Tennessee border in the Natahala National Forest. The closest town south is Murphy, North Carolina in Cherokee County. On the northwest end of this area is Tellico Plains Tennessee.
Located in Cherokee County North Carolina near the town of Murphy, the Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area is recognized as one of the best off-road trails.
The Upper Tellico area is a high-elevation basin formed by the Unicoi Mountains. The ORV trails are a network of old logging roads and skid trails that range from "easy" to "most difficult".
It is one of only a few areas in the National Forest in North Carolina where off-road vehicles may be used. The trails are open to all uses-trail bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and four-wheel drive vehicles-except one trail that's open to ATV use only.
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.
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:
Word of Caution:
All roads are narrow and twisty with steep drop-offs and no shoulders, please slow down and stay on your toes, as several folks have driven off the sides by simply not paying attention. Be prepared to meet oncoming traffic such as log trucks with trailers.
From Murphy, NC- From the McDonalds in Murphy on Hwy 64, turn north (left) onto Hiwassee St and go to the first traffic light. Turn left at light onto Tennessee St and leave town, the road becomes Joe Brown Hwy (there is a couple of places along here to buy gas) continue for 2.8 miles until you come to a blinking caution light. Turn right at caution light and continue for approx. 5.5 miles and turn right onto Davis Creek Road. Pavement will end soon and the Forest Service entrance station will be on your left. Trail #1 starts here and continues through the ORV area and turns into River Road at the NC/TN state line.
From Sweetwater, TN- Take Hwy 68 East at exit #60 off I-75 to Tellico Plains, TN. Just past the Hardee's restaurant in Tellico Plains (last chance for gas), turn left onto Hwy 165, which leads through downtown. Once through downtown, the Tellico River comes into sight. Turn right onto River Road and from this point on, always follow the river! Follow the signs to Bald River Falls .If you do not see the river for a few hundred yards next to the road; you have made a wrong turn. Most roads beyond Tellico Plains are not well marked. Bald River Falls can be seen on the right when passing across a bridge. Continue to follow the river and you will eventually come to the infamous Green Cove Motel. If you happen to get lost, ask a local for directions to Green Cove. The TN/NC state line is about 5 minutes past the motel and when the pavement ends you are on Trail #1 in the ORV area.
|
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
