THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES

A Road For People Who Dislike Paved Roads
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With much of the North Carolina Smokies protected by the National Park Service and the National Forest Service, there are very few opportunities for the off-road vehicle enthusiast to enjoy a true mountain ATV experience.

However the area's one ATV trail is a very good one — the Wayehutta ATV trails near Western Carolina University.

For more information contact —

Smoky Mountain ORV Club.
828-586-5679

Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala Ranger District.
90 Sloan Road
Franklin NC 28734
828-524-6441

Download brochure (153K PDF)

Managed by the Smoky Mountain ORV Club and the US Forest Service, Wayehutta is a 28-mile loop trail system using old logging roads and rail beds. The trails are iin the Roy Taylor Forest near Cullowhee, about a half-hour from downtown Bryson City.

Ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 feet in elevation, the forested rails range from easy to most difficult. This is a family-oriented trail system including a trail for beginners and youngsters. The trail twists and turns up trails and past a scenic waterfall to the top of a mountain, crossing rocks, bridges and mounds of dirt. You can make it a leisurely ride or pick up the pace for a total workout. Some sections are very rocky and challenging.

•  Spark arrestors are required.

•  Flags are not required.

•  Eco-friendly restroom, picnic shelter

•  Closed during the freeze-thaw period of December 15 to April 1.

•  $5 a day per vehicle used on the trail system or an annual fee of $30.

•  Day use only.

•  NO camping.

GPS N35 degrees 20.178' W 83 degrees 08.551'

Directions — From Sylva, take US 107 South about three miles. Turn left on SR 1002 (old Cullowhee road), continue 3.2 miles. Turn left on Edgewater Road and continue .8 miles. Turn left on SR 1731 (Wayehutta Rd.) continue about 2.5 miles. Staging area is on the left