Autumn Off-Roading: See the USA in your 4×4
Avoid the summer weekend warriors and travel like a native — take an off-road trip this fall and witness the grandeur of America in all of its seasonal glory. There’s nothing quite like stowing a tent, warm sleeping bags, a camp stove, and sturdy hiking boots into the back of your treasured four-wheel-drive. Be sure to take a good look at your vehicle’s fluid levels, pocket your air pressure gauge, give your tires an encouraging kick, check your spare, and hit the road.
From Tennessee to Texas to Alaska, from quirky road clubs to majestic national parks to historic paths, we have your off-road adventure mapped out.
Tire Recapper’s Top 10 Off-road Adventure Destinations:
Wooly’s Off-Road Club
2003 Mooresville Road
Lynnville, TN 38472
If you’re looking to keep it close to home, just 50 miles south of Nashville, Wooly’s Off-Road Club is a great off-roading option for families and camping enthusiasts. The Club features rock ledges, mud holes, gullies, steep hills, and rocky ditches. Camping is included for those who make it a full weekend at Wooly’s.
Golden Mountain Park
6338 Golden Mountain Road
Sparta, TN 38583
Featuring more than 45 trails over more than 500 acres, Golden Mountain Park is one of the most challenging off-road experiences in Tennessee. Enthusiasts can off-road, attend national 4×4 events, and enjoy some shut-eye in the park’s bunkhouse. Four-wheeling couples can even get hitched at one of the picturesque pavilions.
Adventure Off-Road Park
1040 Ellis Cove Road
South Pittsburg, TN 37380
Adventure Off-Road Park is located in the rolling mountains of south central Tennessee. The park welcomes beginners and off-roading veterans to its 500 acres and more than 120 trails. SUVs, buggies, 4x4s, ATVs, and side-by-sides are all welcome.
Brown Mountain, Blue Ridge
160 Zillicoa St. Suite A
Asheville, NC 28801
The Brown Mountain OHV (off-highway vehicle) area, the only off-road area in the great Pisgah National Forest offers 34 miles of designated trail areas. Trails 1 and 8 allow Jeeps and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Pack for primitive camping and enjoy amenities like lantern posts, vault toilets, and picnic tables.
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground
County Road 15 and 20
West Branch, MI 48661
For those who embrace autumn’s chilly nights, a trip north to Winter Wonderland is the way to go. Hook up your ATV trailer and head to the Great Lakes State. Camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding all encouraged at Ambrose Lake State Forest.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
For those looking for a serious road trip for their off-road trip, steer your way to Alaska. The James W. Dalton Highway (known as Alaska Route 11) is a 414-mile stretch of highway that begins at the Yukon River and ends at Deadhorse, near the Arctic Ocean. There are no cushy services along this road so pack like a survivalist.
Rubicon Trail, California
Enough of the cold? Tune up your Jeep and head west, good adventurers, to sunny California and hit the famed Rubicon Trail. Due west of Lake Tahoe lies the iconic and ever-changing Rubicon Trail. For pre-departure tips, check out Fourwheeler’s great article here.
Katemcy Rocks
4869 West Highway 29
Mason, TX 76856
For a truly unique off-roading experience, grab your 10-gallon hat and mosey on down to Texas for a little “Rock Crawling Texas Style” at Katemcy Rocks. Schedule a closed group event or invite the world for a 30-vehicle open extravaganza.
Pine Barrens, New Jersey
We wouldn’t dare omit our South Jersey friends! New Jersey’s Pine Barrens are a great place for ocean-lovers to get their four-wheel on. The Pine Barrens are one of the best places to off-road on the East Coast and feature thousands of acres perfect for beginners and advanced off-roaders. Grab a hoagie for us while you’re in town.
El Camino Del Diablo, Arizona
The Devil’s Highway traces its bumpy roots back to the 16th century, when conquistadors and settlers first set foot on the dusty path. The trail starts near Ajo, Arizona and runs along the US/Mexico border and is suitable for the highest of 4x4s. So leave the Subaru Baja back at the homestead.
To get ready for your off-road trip, contact Tire Recappers for the best off-road retread tires in the industry.
