Ready to explore? Here’s a collection of public off-road trails across North Georgia—ranging from beginner-friendly fire roads to technical climbs with big views. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend ride or a full day of adventure, these trails will help you find your next destination. NOTE: This information is based on information found on the internet (not recent personal observation), which is often outdated. Additionally, a trail's condition/difficulty can change within the space of a few weeks.

• From Atlanta: US-19/129 N to Blairsville (≈2 hrs); trailheads off US-76. 
• Description: 13+ miles of steep climbs, rocks, ruts, and ridge trails. Jeep Badge of Honor site. 
• Vehicles: High-clearance 4x4s (Jeeps/trucks), ATVs, UTVs. 
• Difficulty: Expert. 
• Season: Spring–late fall; closed Jan–Apr and after heavy rain. 
• Permits/Fees: $5/day or annual OHV pass. 
• Amenities: Parking, vault toilet; services in Blairsville.
   

• From Atlanta: I-575/GA-515 to Blue Ridge → Cherry Log → FS 144. 
• Description: ~8 miles, out-and-back. Scenic valley with 5 shallow creek crossings. 
• Vehicles: Stock 4x4s; crossings deeper after rain. 
• Difficulty: Easy. 
• Season: Year-round. 
• Permits/Fees: None. 
• Amenities: None on trail; services in Blue Ridge.
   

• From Atlanta: US-441 to Clayton → Warwoman Rd → FS 70 → FS 54. 
• Description: ~9 miles, multiple water fords, remote mountain road. 
• Vehicles: High-clearance 4x4s; check water depth. 
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate. 
• Season: Year-round. 
• Permits/Fees: None. 
• Amenities: Primitive camping nearby; services in Clayton/Hiawassee.
   

• From Atlanta: I-85/I-985 → Toccoa; access via Currahee Mtn Rd. 
• Description: 3-mile gravel/dirt road to 360° summit views; WWII training site. 
• Vehicles: High-clearance recommended; 4WD useful when wet. 
• Difficulty: Easy. 
• Season: Year-round. 
• Permits/Fees: None. 
• Amenities: None on site; services in Toccoa. 

• From Atlanta: I-75 N to GA-52 W (≈1 hr 45 min); follow signs to Lake Conasauga.
• Description: Short but rugged 7-mile trail system with steep ascents and tight turns through the Cohutta foothills.
• Vehicles: Dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and short-wheelbase 4x4s.
• Difficulty: Moderate–difficult.
• Season: Open mid-April through December; closed in winter.
• Permits/Fees: $5/day or annual OHV pass.
• Amenities: Trailhead parking, vault toilet, camping nearby at Lake Conasauga.

• From Atlanta: GA-400 → Dahlonega → GA-52 → Nimblewill Church Rd. 
• Description: Scenic forest service roads with creekside camps and ridge passes. 
• Vehicles: Most SUVs/4x4s; Bucktown rougher. 
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate. 
• Season: Year-round. 
• Permits/Fees: None for casual use. 
• Amenities: Dispersed camping; facilities at Amicalola Falls SP.
   

• From Atlanta: I-75 → Chatsworth → US-411 → Old GA-2 → FS 630. 
• Description: 3.4 miles; wooded trail with rocks, bridges, brush. 
• Vehicles: High-clearance 4x4s, ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes. 
• Difficulty: Moderate. 
• Season: Year-round, weather dependent. 
• Permits/Fees: None for street-legal rigs. 
• Amenities: Staging/parking only.

NOTE: Was reported to be closed in August because of a sinkhole.
 

Rock Creek OHV Area — Mt. Hood National Forest

• From Atlanta: GA-400 N to GA-60 through Dahlonega (≈2 hrs).
• Description: Network of narrow forest roads through the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Rocky terrain and steep grades in places.
• Vehicles: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, short-wheelbase Jeeps.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
•  Season: March–Dec; closed in winter.
• Permits/Fees: $5/day or annual OHV pass.
• Amenities: Parking lot, vault toilet, camping in nearby Coopers Creek WMA.

• From Atlanta: I-75 N to GA-52 W (≈1 hr 50 min); located within the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area.
•  Description: Narrow mountain trail climbing Tatum Lead Ridge with deep ruts and scenic overlooks.
•  Vehicles: 4x4 ATVs, dirt bikes, and short-wheelbase Jeeps only.
  Difficulty: Difficult.
•  Season: April–Dec; closed in winter.
•  Permits/Fees: $5/day or annual OHV pass.
•  Amenities: Limited parking; no facilities. Camping at nearby Cohutta WMA sites.

• From Atlanta: US-441 to Clayton → Warwoman Rd → FS 156. 
• Description: Easy gravel road along Sarah’s Creek to primitive campground. 
• Vehicles: Most SUVs/4x4s; shallow creek splashes. 
• Difficulty: Easy. 
• Season: Typically spring–fall; winter varies. 
• Permits/Fees: Driving free; campground fee. 
• Amenities: Primitive campsites, vault toilets.
   

• From Atlanta: GA-400 → Cleveland → Helen; FS 79 to Tray Gap. 
• Description: 7–8 miles up Tray Mountain to AT; rocky forest road with views. 
• Vehicles: Stock 4x4s usually fine. 
• Difficulty: Beginner–moderate. 
• Season: Year-round. 
• Permits/Fees: None. 
• Amenities: Parking at Tray Gap; services in Helen/Unicoi SP.
   

North Carolina Off-Road Trails

• Location / Access: Uwharrie Ranger District, North Carolina  
• Description: ~16 miles of trails maintained for 4WD vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles. Trails vary in difficulty. 
• Vehicles: Jeeps / 4WD, ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes.  
• Difficulty: Mixed — some mild trails, some more technical spurs. 
• Season / Access: Usually open year-round, though trail sections may close for maintenance or weather. 
• Fees / Permits: Standard National Forest use rules apply. (No large private fee) 
• Amenities: Parking, vault toilets, signage, trailhead boards and trash collection.

• Location / Access: North Carolina — Dutch John is part of the Uwharrie / Pisgah trail systems.  
• Description: Mixed terrain; mild trail with occasional muddy climbs. In wet conditions, more challenging.  
• Vehicles: Jeeps/4WD, ATVs.  
• Difficulty: Generally moderate, though in dry conditions easier. 
• Season / Access: Typically open year-round; trail use may be limited by maintenance or weather.  
• Fees / Permits: Standard forest service regulations; no major private fee. 
• Amenities: Trailheads, forest parking, some facilities like signs.

• Location / Access: In or around Cherokee National Forest / Pisgah region; often accessed via Newport, NC side.  
• Description: Rocky Top is a trail with exposed rock, climbs, good views; Big Fill is a companion route often combined with Rocky Top for a full-day run.  
• Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4, preferably with off-road tires. 
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on conditions and which sections you do. 
• Season / Access: Usually open; some sections may be seasonal or gated. 
• Fees / Permits: No private fees, just forest service regulations. 
• Amenities: Typically minimal — parking, trailheads; nearest services in local towns.

Tennessee Off-Road Trails

• Location / Access: In Tennessee (Huntsville area) 
• Description: Many miles of trails, wooded paths, water crossings, steep sections. More remote and adventurous. 
• Vehicles: Jeeps, UTVs, ATVs, etc.  
• Difficulty: Some trails are tough; good for intermediate to expert users.  
• Season / Access: Open unless conditions are prohibitive (mud, storm damage).  
• Fees / Permits: Paid entry (varies by park)  
• Amenities: Trail infrastructure, basic support. Check park’s website for camping, restrooms.
   

• Location / Access: Tracy City, Tennessee (in southern Tennessee)  
• Description: City-owned OHV area with scenic trails, caves, overlooks, varied terrain.  
• Vehicles: Jeeps, 4×4s, ATVs, UTVs. 
• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate; good for mixed use and for people wanting moderate challenge.  
• Season / Access: Year-round (weather dependent)
• Fees / Permits: The area is kept up by the city; generally free or low cost for local OHV use.  
• Amenities: Because it’s city-owned, more likely to have parking, signage, maybe restrooms or nearby services.