Best Off-Road Attractions in the Upper South

With a slew of National Parks, a large chunk of the Appalachian Mountains, and a lovely year-round climate, the Upper South is a vacation and holiday hotbed for those looking to get away in the Eastern US. The region also has a distinct culture from that of the Mid-Atlantic or Deep South, thanks to its rich history and high population of large universities with renowned collegiate sports programs. More pertinent to us, however, the Upper South has always been a haven of off-road activity. So, let’s continue our Best of series and look at our top off-road picks.

Arkansas – Hot Springs Off-Road Park

Talk to anyone who does any type of wheeling around the Land of Opportunity, and you’re sure to hear great things about the Hot Springs Off-Road Park. Located in central Arkansas, just 50 miles west of Little Rock, the Hot Springs Off-Road Park sits on over 1,200 acres of varied terrain and trails.

For those new to the off-road scene, they offer a fantastic 1-hour course every Saturday at 9 AM that covers all the basics of off-roading. Learn about tire pressure, 4-wheel drive systems, winching, etiquette and more. While most off-roaders are a helpful bunch, this class helps to hurdle the gatekeeping and intimidation that new riders may face. It’s a super popular class, and one that we wish more 4×4 parks would regularly offer.

For experienced riders, Hot Springs has trails of all feature-type, length, and difficulty. Whether you’re looking for a challenging rock crawl or a relaxing scenic ride ending in a breathtaking vista, you’ll find it. And since there are so many trails, you’ll want to take advantage of the RV, camping, or cabin sites to stay for a while and take in as much as you can. Check the event calendar to see all the great runs, crawls, rambles, and trots that are coming up!

Kentucky – Rush Off-Road

One of the newer parks we’ve covered in this series, Kentucky’s Rush Off-Road is a massive 7,000 acres with a trail system of more than 100 miles. While trails are certainly the highlight of any off-road park, a friendly and helpful staff of employees can really take any experience to the next level. Of all the places we’ve covered here on The Engine Block, I don’t think I’ve seen one with as much online love for its personnel than Rush. They’ve earned themselves a dedicated group of wheelers that come back again and again.

As for the trails, there are wide, smooth trails for the novice 4x4er and super challenging hill climbs for the seasoned veterans. One thing that really sets Rush apart from many other parks though, is its proximity to civilization.

Many parks are far, far away from any larger towns or major thoroughfares, but Rush’s closeness to the interstate and the city of Ashland, make it a great choice for those who may want to do other things after they air their tires back up. (This also makes sourcing something like a drivetrain part or set of brakes, just a bit easier.)

North Carolina – Brown Mtn. Trail System

With a great year-round climate, North Carolina and its National Forests play host to a ton of wonderful recreation opportunities. One such area is Pisgah National Forest in the western part of the state—just an hour north of Ashville.

Within Pisgah lies the Brown Mountain OHV Area, which is the only area in Pisgah to allow off-road vehicles. Here you’ll find 34 miles and 34 trails to explore. The trails for side-by-sides and ATVs vary in difficulty and can get fairly treacherous. Those designated for Jeeps and SUVs are decisively a bit less technical and are a great ride for those wheelers that may be toward the more novice side.

I always like hitting the trail when I’m in a new place—whether it be hiking, camping, or off-roading. While some may see it as childish, I also love doing local ghost tours in any city I visit. Well, Brown Mountain is as close as you’ll get at combining the two.

The mysterious Brown Mountain Lights are a series of supernatural lights reportedly witnessed by the Cherokee and Catawba tribes, as well as settlers and civil war soldiers—all the way up to present day. These small star-like dots have been the focus of paranormal investigators and Hollywood productions alike. If you dare, power down your off-road LEDs at dusk and you just may see lights of a different kind!

Tennessee – Ride Royal Blue

If you’re looking for an off-road destination that’s heavy on the vistas, wildlife, and beauty, as well as the trails and features, Royal Blue needs to be on your list. It’s called an ATV Resort, but Ride Royal Blue is a picturesque playground for Jeeps, trucks, and bikes as well. As they put it: The trails range from leisurely treks for families to white knuckle obstacles for thrill seekers.

With 600 miles of trails and over 200,000 acres, Ride Royal Blue is owned and operated by a family whose sole mission is to help families create mountain memories. With cozy cabins, a general store, and on-site lodge/restaurant, Royal Blue offers its guests and riders a rustic community atmosphere in addition to the great trails and scenery.

We wouldn’t dare double-dip and cover the same spot twice, but if you’re looking for even more Tennessee fun, check out Windrock Park—we covered it in our Truckin’ Through Summer series.

Meet Westin Automotive

When it comes to hitting the open trail, nothing can replace the confidence of a capable, well-equipped vehicle. For many trails, a stock rig will do just fine. But if you’re after the toughest challenge, the highest vista, or the most remote corner, un-modified just won’t do.

We love a good Wrangler or Bronco for these treks, but there’s something about the small pickup segment that just makes sense. While it’s footprint may be slightly larger, the versatility that comes with a bed is unmatched. We’re really digging what Nissan has done with its completely reimagined 2022 Frontier. A much-needed facelift, a reworked Pro-4X trim, and cutting-edge tech make it a great foundation for a modern build. And when you need to accessorize (and you will), Westin is the brand to turn to.

For over 40 years, Westin Automotive Products have been at the forefront of design and craftsmanship for the off-road and professional aftermarket.

The 2022 Frontier has brought with it a new styling and engineering hurdles, but like always, Westin comes through with the goods to make it your own. The company’s mid-width front bumper packs all the functionality of a full-size bumper, in a compact size that won’t disrupt the clean lines of the front end. It will accommodate and protect most 12K lb. winches without disabling factory sensors. And with two recovery points and room for a 20 in. light bar, it’s ready to tackle mud and dirt from the trail or the jobsite.

Don’t see your state? Check out our other “Best of” trails articles – and keep an eye out for upcoming content.