North Carolina is known for its stunning mountains, beautiful beaches, and natural beauty. There’s so much land to explore and trails to conquer. But where can you find these ATV trails in N.C?
Brown Mountain OHV Trail is a great place to ride with some technical terrain. You can also visit Outback ATV Park, which offers loads of fun activities. Enjoy the rugged trails, go bogging, and do some snorkeling. Most ATV parks offer camping, so you won’t have to worry about leaving too soon.
Here are the 12 best ATV Trails in NC:
- Brown Mountain OHV Trail
- Appalachians Outdoor Adventures
- Uwharrie OHV Trail System
- Wayehutta OHV Trail System
- Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park
- Outback ATV/MX Park NC
- Deep Creek ATV Park
- Cape Fear ATV/MX Park
- Black Swamp OHV / Black Swamp OHV Area
- Busco Beach and ATV Park
- Carolina Backwoods ATV
- Off the Grid Mountain Adventures
North Carolina has beautiful forest and mountain trails all over the state. Off-roading and motocross enthusiasts have a lot of options and activities to choose from.
12 Best ATV Trails in N.C
1. Brown Mountain OHV Trail
Brown Mountain’s ATV trails are located in the Pisgah National Forest in Morganton. This ATV park in NC is extremely popular and gets packed during weekends.
The area offers 34 miles of trails for ATVs, 4x4s, and dirt bikes. The trails are mostly easy to moderate, but their Black Diamond Trail proves to be a challenge.
If you plan on visiting this trail, keep an eye out for a gas station along Collettsville Rd. Its general store sells the $5-permit for the OHV area.
2. Appalachians Outdoor Adventures
One of the most exciting ATV trails in N.C brings you through the Smoky Mountains of Asheville. The trail runs 70 miles along Boone and Asheville in NC and Abingdon and Damascus in Virginia.
With such a scenic view, you can’t help but make several stops to appreciate the landscape. (Don’t worry, they have restrooms along the way too.)
Appalachians Outdoor Adventures offers ATV and UTV rentals, and the package fee includes food, drinks, and refuels.
3. Uwharrie OHV Trail System
Some of the most exciting ATV trails in North Carolina can be found in the Uwharrie National Forest. It has a 20-mile route for all kinds of OHVs with stream crossings, rocky ruts, and hill climbs.
It also has a moderate 9-mile long trail, sometimes called Badin Lake OHV, that passes by a river.
While you can’t go camping in the trail system itself, several campgrounds are in the forest. Some are primitive camping grounds, but some have amenities.
If you find yourself here, it may be worth visiting the nearby cities. Crossroads Yamaha-Suzuki-Polaris is one of the most popular ATV dealers in NC.
It is 6 miles from Uwharrie National Forest to the west, in Albemarle. Meanwhile, if your way home is to the east, Advance Auto Parts is 5 mins in Troy.
4. Wayehutta OHV Trail System
This ATV trail in NC is also found in a forest. The Wayehutta OHV Trail System is located in the Nantahala National Forest in Franklin.
You will find 28 miles of loop trails cutting across the lush forest, featuring bridge crossings and a hidden waterfall. There are trails for beginners, but the difficult ones can get very rocky.
Once you’re done for the day, you can settle down in their gazebo and have a picnic. The trail system is open for everyone, as long as your vehicle is no wider than 62″.
5. Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park
“Come ride the mountain,” Brushy Mountain invites.
One of the big ATV parks in NC is 100 miles of tracks in BMMS in Taylorsville. The longest track is 25 miles long, designated for more experienced off-roaders.
ATVs, motorbikes, and dirt bikes are welcome in the park from Fridays to Sundays, but members can also come on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The park strictly implements safety measures for minors. You can read more about their policies and fees on their website.
6. Outback ATV/MX Park NC
This area out back in Laurinburg is a family and beginner-friendly park. While the tracks are relatively shorter than other trails, it still packs quite an adventure.
Sandpits and ponds, woods, and a riverbank – you will have a lot to see. Depending on when you go, there are charity events, concerts, or motocross and ATV events.
If you need to prepare your family’s next off-roading getaway, Sports Cycles – one of the biggest ATV dealers in N.C, is half an hour away in Rockingham. You can check them out here.
7. Deep Creek ATV Park
The Adamant ATV Riders operate Deep Creek ATV Park in Linden, NC. The area is sandy with mud bogs, and there is a water-filled tunnel on the trail.
Aside from being an ATV park, the area doubles as an event place. They hold off-road rally races, paintball events, and concerts.
You can enjoy ATV riding in NC with your pet too! Deep Creek allows pets as long as you look and clean after them.
8. Cape Fear ATV/MX Park
You can enjoy ATV trails in NC near the coastline too! While Cape Fear ATV/MX Park in Elizabethtown is located in the woods, it is only an hour away from Carolina Beach.
In the woods trail, you will encounter some ponds, mud bogs, and sandpits. There are some jumps along the way as well.
If you feel like sticking to a smaller area, they have a motocross track and a drag strip. After a great day of off-roading, you can go fishing or swimming to unwind.
9. Black Swamp OHV / Black Swamp OHV Area
Enjoy the pine and oak trees of Havelock by riding on the trails of Croatan National Forest. The Black Swamp OHV Area has 8 miles of ATV trails fit for motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs no wider than 50″.
The terrain is mostly flat land, but you may encounter mud bogs during rainy weather. Camping is allowed, and there are some vendors in the area.
10. Busco Beach and ATV Park
Busco Beach and ATV Park is a highly recommended ATV park in Goldsboro, garnering several awards over the years. Their day pass allows you to access 2000 acres of hard-packed trails, hill climbs, mud pits, and water crossings.
The Neuse River borders the area, and they have a lake where you can go swimming and fishing.
This particular ATV trail in NC holds many events, so you should check out their website if they have any promos or special offers.
11. Carolina Backwoods ATV
While you are invited to ride the mountain in Taylorsville, you are invited to “experience the Down N Dirty” in the Carolina Backwoods of Ash, NC. With play pits, mud pits, and water crossings, you will have a truly immersive experience.
Take note: you need to join their tour or be an overnight guest to access their trails, and you may only use the rental vehicles on site. Their tours take between an hour and a half up to 2 hours.
12. Off the Grid Mountain Adventures
You can enjoy ATV riding trails in NC with snow – if you know where to go.
Most people know about Grandfather Mountain’s breathtaking view and well-maintained hiking trails. Unknown to most, there is another hidden gem just 13 miles away.
Off the Grid Mountain Adventures is open all-year-round, even during winter. While the trails can be challenging or technical, ATV, UTV, and snow tours are always done in groups with a guide.
They also have a 3000-ft zip line, a giant swing, and a go-kart racing track. Not only are you in for the promised offroad adventure, but they also have excellent activities.
Conclusion – 12 Best ATV Trails in N.C
So, where are the best ATV trails in NC? To review, here they are once again:
- Brown Mountain OHV Trail
- Appalachians Outdoor Adventures
- Uwharrie OHV Trail System
- Wayehutta OHV Trail System
- Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park
- Outback ATV/MX Park NC
- Deep Creek ATV Park
- Cape Fear ATV/MX Park
- Black Swamp OHV / Black Swamp OHV Area
- Busco Beach and ATV Park
- Carolina Backwoods ATV
- Off the Grid Mountain Adventures
If you find yourself craving an adventure on your ATV, look no further than North Carolina. You will find some of the most beautiful and refreshing sites upon mountains, in forests, and by the sea.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris