The Top 11 UTV and ATV Trails in North Carolina

We’re sending it down south to North Carolina where there’s stunning mountains, sandy beaches, and… MUD!

The Wright Brothers spent their time here to get wheels into the sky, but we’re going to keep them on the ground. Because there’s lots of awesome UTV and ATV trails in North Carolina.

This state abounds in natural beauty whether you find yourself up in the Blue Ridge Mountains or on the Biltmore Estate. The trails and parks are no different. You have the chance to rock crawl up mountains, to speed through mud holes, and to tackle scenic trails. There’s no shortage of getting into Mother Nature.

That’s why we’ve listed the best off-roading spots that you’ve gotta try for yourself.

Note: Park details and prices reflect what was current as of September 2021.

1. Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex (Uwharrie OHV Trail System)

• Location: Troy, NC
• Size: 16 miles of trails
• Style: Trees, dust, dirt, rocks
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s, dune buggies
• Experience Level: All
• Cost: $5/day pass, $30/annual pass

2. Black Swamp OHV Area

• Location: New Bern, NC
• Size: 8 miles of trails
• Style: Mud, trees
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles (nothing wider than 50”)
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $5/day pass, $30/annual pass

3. Brown Mountain OHV Trail

• Location: Morganton, NC
• Size: 34 miles of trails
• Style: Trees, rocks, dirt
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s dune buggies
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $5/day pass, $30/annual pass

4. Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park

• Location: Taylorsville, NC
• Size: 100 miles of trails
• Style: Trees, dirt, rocks
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles (nothing wider than 72”)
• Experience Level: Beginner
• Cost: $25/rider

5. Busco Beach and ATV Park

• Location: Goldsboro, NC
• Size: 5 miles of trails
• Style: Trees, small jumps, sand, mud, dirt
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $10/day (This can depend on the situation. See their admission site for more details.)

6. Cape Fear ATV/MX Park

• Location: Elizabethtown, NC
• Size: 30 miles of trails
• Style: Sand, small jumps, trees
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles
• Experience Level: Beginner
• Cost: $10/vehicle, $5/person

7. Carolina Backwoods ATV

• Location: Ash, NC
• Size: 15 miles of trails
• Style: Mud, trees
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs
• Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate
• Cost: $130/vehicle

*You can only ride provided rental vehicles on the tour—personal vehicles are prohibited.

8. Deep Creek ATV Park

• Location: Fayetteville, NC
• Size: 15 miles of trails
• Style: Mud, trees, sand, dirt
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $20/day (12 and under free)

9. Off the Grid Mountain Adventures

• Location: Banner Elk, NC
• Size: Unknown
• Style: Trees, dirt, hills, rocks
• Machines: UTVs
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $199/vehicle

*You can only ride provided rental vehicles on the tour—personal vehicles are prohibited.

10. Outback ATV/MX Park

• Location: Laurinburg, NC
• Size: 90 miles of trails
• Style: Trees, dirt, water crossings, small jumps
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $10/vehicle, $5/person

11. Wayehutta OHV Trail System

• Location: Franklin, NC
• Size: 28 miles of trails
• Style: Trees, dirt, rocks
• Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles (nothing wider than 62”)
• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Cost: $5/vehicle

You can spend your whole weekend inside your side-by-side because North Carolina made it street legal starting October 2021. But you have to pack it up on the trailer and take it onto the next trailhead, since there are limitations. That still leaves you plenty of riding time between taking a quick stop in town and enjoying the trails. On the other hand, you can travel here without hauling your UTV and have a great off-road experience. Some trails don’t allow for personal machines and require you to rent theirs.

Down south, mud is a way of life and this state is no exception. Besides the mountains and beaches, there’s no end to mudding spots. Even the traditional trails can get muddy after a good rain.

Let us know which ATV and UTV trails in North Carolina you’re excited to check out. Stay tuned for which state we cover next because you could discover your new favorite riding spot!