North Cumberland WMA — Sundquist Unit
North Cumberland is not the kind of place that hands you a neat scenic loop, a tidy brochure and a gift-shop sticker on the way out.
It hands you nearly 205,000 acres of Cumberland Mountain ridges, reclaimed mining country, winding creeks, elk habitat and a web of numbered trails spread across five East Tennessee counties. Then it quietly removes your cell signal and lets you sort out the rest.
That is exactly what makes it interesting.
The Cumberland Plateau Remote Loop is a one or two-day overland route through the Sundquist Unit of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. It is designed around legal TWRA access roads and numbered OHV trails, with an emphasis on wide forest roads, remote plateau travel, scenic overlooks and historic mining-country routes rather than technical rock crawling.
This route is developed specifically for street-legal, full-width 4×4 vehicles such as Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Gladiators, Broncos, Tacomas and 4Runners.
The current version is a planning route. It is based on TWRA’s official North Cumberland trail data, its WMA regulations and a TWRA-generated Sundquist trail map. TWRA notes that access roads and trails are signed separately, and those signs determine where vehicles may legally travel. (Tennessee State Government)
Route Overview
| Route Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route Type | Two-day overland figure-eight |
| Primary Land | North Cumberland WMA — Sundquist Unit |
| Base Area | LaFollette and Pioneer, Tennessee |
| Approximate Distance | 90–110 miles after final verification |
| Time Required | One long day or two relaxed days |
| Recommended Direction | Clockwise from the Flatwoods Road area |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate when dry; Moderate–Difficult when wet |
| Best Season | Fall and early winter, outside major gun-hunt periods |
| Vehicle | Street-legal, high-clearance 4WD |
| Navigation | TWRA trail data, offline Gaia/onX maps and posted trail signs |
| Camping | Primitive camping allowed throughout most of the WMA |
| Fuel | Top off in LaFollette, Jacksboro, Caryville or Pioneer |
North Cumberland WMA is divided into six management units: New River, Royal Blue, Sundquist, Ed Carter, Highcliff and Otey Mills Refuge. This route concentrates on Sundquist, where the trail network surrounds Hatfield Knob, the Elk Viewing Tower, Flatwoods Road and the western plateau roads. (Tennessee State Government)
Why the Sundquist Unit?
The Sundquist Unit gives this route several things that are difficult to find together elsewhere in Tennessee:
- long public-land trail corridors;
- broad reclaimed plateaus;
- forested ridges and creek bottoms;
- elk habitat;
- scenic overlooks;
- historic roads and cemeteries;
- camping inside the management area;
- enough route mileage for a legitimate overnight trip.
TWRA’s older Sundquist trail map identifies 38 numbered segments totaling roughly 100 miles. The map includes everything from maintained gravel access roads to substantially more difficult trails. It is useful for route planning, but it dates to 2011 and does not replace TWRA’s current downloadable trail data, closures or entrance signs. (IRP CDN)
The route described below intentionally favors the easier roads and full-width connectors. The goal is remote overland travel—not forcing a loaded Gladiator through something designed for an ATV with the width and optimism of a riding mower.
How to Use This Route Guide
Run the route clockwise and reset the trip odometer at the beginning of each day.
The final GPX will contain:
- the primary route;
- verified full-width trail segments;
- fuel and resupply points;
- primitive camping candidates;
- scenic stops;
- emergency pavement exits;
- optional technical spurs.
Until the route is field-verified, use the road names and trail numbers below as planning anchors, not blind turn-by-turn instructions.
Trail conditions can change because of:
- heavy rain and erosion;
- active logging;
- mining activity;
- washouts;
- gates;
- hunting operations;
- trail maintenance;
- changes to permitted vehicle width.
TWRA’s published trail layer, current closure notices and posted signs always override this guide.
Sponsored: Explore More With onX Offroad
I use onX Offroad for route planning, offline navigation, trail research and recording tracks in the field. Depending on where you’re exploring, you may also find existing Trail Guides, photos and route information for roads and trails throughout the area.
As an onX Offroad Trail Guide, I also use my trips to scout potential new trail submissions, update existing route information and document current field conditions.
If you’re planning a trip of your own, onX is a great companion to official Forest Service MVUMs, state land maps, park maps and other land-manager resources for:
- Downloading maps for offline use
- Viewing existing Trail Guides and photos
- Checking trail difficulty and available route information
- Recording your own tracks and waypoints
- Identifying public-land boundaries and nearby routes
- Exploring additional roads and trails in the surrounding area
Always verify current access, closures, seasonal restrictions and vehicle regulations with the appropriate land-management agency before heading out.
Explore onX Offroad: Get started with onX Offroad
Disclosure: The link above is my onX referral/rewards link. If you sign up or purchase through it, I may receive referral credit at no additional cost to you.
Day 1
Eastern Sundquist and Hatfield Knob Loop
Target distance: Approximately 40–50 miles
Primary character: Gravel access roads, elk habitat, overlooks and the eastern plateau
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate in normal conditions
Day 1 serves as the scenic introduction to North Cumberland.
The route begins near the Flatwoods Road access corridor outside Pioneer and works north toward McNew Gap. From there, the proposed route uses the Ivydell corridor and public-road connectors to reach the eastern side of the Sundquist Unit and Hatfield Knob.
The official TWRA access to Hatfield Knob begins on US 25W approximately seven miles north of LaFollette. From the red entrance gate, the gravel road continues about 3.1 miles to a fork, followed by another 1.4 miles to the viewing-area parking lot. TWRA lists Hatfield Knob at approximately 36.44899, -84.1227. (Tennessee State Government)
Day 1 Planning Sequence
| Order | Road or Trail | Approx. Length | Route Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flatwoods Road — Trail 1 | 6.4 mi | Primary southern access |
| 2 | McNew Gap area | — | Major route junction |
| 3 | Ivydell Trail — Trail 26 | 3.9 mi | Eastern connector |
| 4 | Ivydale and US 25W connector | TBD | Public-road transition |
| 5 | Elk Viewing Tower Road — Trail 25 | 4.3 mi | Hatfield Knob access |
| 6 | Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Area | — | Primary scenic stop |
| 7 | McCormick Cemetery Road — Trail 24 | 4.0 mi | Historic gravel connector |
| 8 | Campbells Split — Trail 23 | 1.0 mi | Interior connection |
| 9 | Wilson Loop — Trail 38 | 0.8 mi | Short scenic loop |
| 10 | Return through McNew Gap | TBD | Return toward camp or staging |
Trail lengths and names come from the TWRA-generated Sundquist planning map. Current legality, trail condition and permitted vehicle type must be confirmed from current TWRA data and posted signs. (IRP CDN)
Hatfield Knob and the Elk Viewing Tower
Hatfield Knob is the signature stop on the loop.
The reconstructed viewing tower overlooks wildlife openings used by Tennessee’s reintroduced elk herd. TWRA describes the Sundquist viewing area as the most reliable public location for observing elk within North Cumberland. (Tennessee State Government)
Early morning and the final hours before dark generally offer the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. Keep noise down, remain on legal roads and do not approach or attempt to call elk.
During elk-hunt periods, special rules apply within the Sundquist Elk Hunt Zone. The main Elk Tower Road corridor includes a designated buffer, but travelers should still consult the current elk-season information before entering the area. (Tennessee State Government)
Optional Day 1 Spurs
The following trails appear on the Sundquist map near the eastern route but should remain optional until their current signs confirm full-width access:
- Hickory Creek Trail — Trail 37
- Thompson Hollow Trail — Trail 35
- Overlook Trail — Trail 36
- Top of the World Trail — Trail 30
- Pond Trail — Trail 29
- Freds Way — Trail 28
Some of these are short enough to make excellent scenic detours. Others may be rough, narrow or unsuitable for a long-wheelbase vehicle.
Camping
TWRA permits camping throughout most of North Cumberland WMA, and the area remains open 24 hours a day. Camps must not block roads, trails or gates. (Tennessee State Government)
For this route, camp should be established only in:
- existing disturbed sites;
- established roadside clearings;
- durable surfaces already used for camping;
- locations safely outside active trail corridors.
Do not cut vegetation, build new fire rings or push farther into a clearing simply because the Jeep technically fits.
Campers should also remain clear of:
- wildlife openings;
- cemeteries;
- mine features;
- active logging areas;
- hunter parking;
- signed safety zones;
- private property adjoining the WMA.
There are no guaranteed services inside the route. Carry all required water, food and sanitation supplies.
Day 2
Western Sundquist Plateau Loop
Target distance: Approximately 45–60 miles
Primary character: Longer forest-road travel, ridge routes and remote mining country
Difficulty: Moderate; potentially difficult after heavy rain
Day 2 is the deeper backcountry portion of the route.
The western Sundquist network contains longer numbered roads, creek corridors and more difficult interior connections. It also provides the strongest “middle of nowhere” character of the two days.
This section requires more field verification than the Hatfield Knob side. Several trails are long enough to form the backbone of a proper overland loop, but their current width, erosion and connection points must be confirmed before publication.
Day 2 Planning Backbone
| Order | Road or Trail | Approx. Length | Route Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flatwoods Road — Trail 1 | 6.4 mi | Start and primary access |
| 2 | Short Mountain Road — Trail 4 | 4.3 mi | Broad ridge corridor |
| 3 | Short Mountain Trail — Trail 6 | 2.0 mi | Interior connector |
| 4 | Lee Asbury Road — Trail 13 | 8.6 mi | Main western backbone |
| 5 | Broyles Branch — Trail 17 | 3.6 mi | Interior forest connection |
| 6 | Freds Way — Trail 28 | 2.2 mi | Plateau connector |
| 7 | Top of the World — Trail 30 | 0.7 mi | Scenic spur candidate |
| 8 | Walnut Mountain — Trail 19 | Up to 8.0 mi | Northern ridge route |
| 9 | Louse Creek — Trail 20 | Up to 6.4 mi | Remote northern section |
| 10 | Pond Ridge — Trail 22 | 3.5 mi | Return option |
| 11 | Lee Asbury or Flatwoods return | TBD | Return to staging |
This is not yet the final trail sequence. It is the road network from which the verified western loop will be built.
The likely final route will use only portions of some trails to avoid unnecessary backtracking, technical bottlenecks and uncertain private-land edges.
Historic Mining Country
North Cumberland’s remoteness is not untouched wilderness.
The landscape has a long history of coal mining, timber work and rural settlement. Reclaimed mine areas now provide broad wildlife openings and distant views, while old roads, cemeteries and abandoned corridors remain scattered throughout the mountains.
TWRA warns visitors that hazards related to both deep and strip mining exist throughout the WMA. Stay on marked trails and keep well away from mine openings, highwalls, unstable cuts and water-filled depressions. (Tennessee State Government)
Old mine ground is no place to freelance a shortcut. The terrain may look flat right up until it very much is not.
Difficulty
Dry Conditions: Easy–Moderate
Most of the planned route uses gravel, dirt and broken-rock roads.
Expected conditions include:
- loose rock;
- potholes;
- shallow mud;
- moderate ruts;
- washboard;
- short ledges;
- occasional off-camber travel;
- vegetation encroachment.
A stock high-clearance 4×4 should be capable of completing the easier route in good weather, provided all selected trails remain open and signed for full-width travel.
Wet Conditions: Moderate–Difficult
Rain changes North Cumberland quickly.
Clay becomes slick, low areas hold water and existing ruts deepen. A trail that drives like a county gravel road on Friday can resemble a hog wallow with ambition by Saturday afternoon.
After prolonged rain, expect:
- reduced traction;
- deep standing water;
- hidden ruts;
- erosion damage;
- washed-out shoulders;
- slick climbs and descents.
Travel with at least one other vehicle when conditions are wet.
Recommended Vehicle and Equipment
Minimum Vehicle
- street-legal four-wheel drive;
- high ground clearance;
- all-terrain or more aggressive tires;
- full-size spare;
- secure front and rear recovery points.
Recommended Equipment
- winch or traction boards;
- kinetic rope or recovery strap;
- soft shackles;
- tire repair kit;
- air compressor;
- shovel;
- basic hand tools;
- offline navigation;
- printed TWRA trail map;
- first-aid kit;
- emergency food and water;
- weather-appropriate clothing;
- fluorescent orange or pink garments during hunting season.
Large trailers, low-clearance crossovers and vehicles without proper recovery points are not suited to this route.
Permits and WMA Rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, vehicles using North Cumberland’s trail system—including street-legal Jeeps and trucks—must have the dedicated North Cumberland WMA OHV Riding Permit.
At least one adult in each vehicle must possess the appropriate permit. The permit is issued per vehicle rather than per passenger. (Tennessee State Government)
Current Permit Prices
| Permit | Tennessee Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | $20 | $50 |
| 3 Days | $30 | $125 |
| 7 Days | $100 | $200 |
| Annual | $150 | $300 |
Annual or lifetime Sportsman license holders may purchase the supplemental annual riding permit for $40. (Tennessee State Government)
Core WMA Rules
- Maximum speed is 25 mph.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- Motorized vehicles are limited to 86 dB measured at 50 feet.
- Stay on roads and trails marked open to vehicular traffic.
- Camping must not block roads, trails or gates.
- Public use is allowed during hunts.
- Mining hazards exist throughout the area. (Tennessee State Government)
Hunting-Season Considerations
North Cumberland is first and foremost a wildlife management and hunting area.
Overlanders should expect hunters, parked vehicles, dogs and increased traffic during fall seasons. Travel slowly, give hunters room and avoid setting camp near established access points or wildlife openings.
During daylight hours in deer and elk gun or muzzleloader seasons, anyone outside an enclosed vehicle or established camp must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink on the upper body and head, visible from the front and rear. (Tennessee State Government)
Best Practical Travel Windows
The best overall window is typically:
- mid-to-late October after the primary elk hunts;
- weekdays before deer muzzleloader and gun seasons;
- early January after the main deer-gun season;
- dry stretches in late spring.
Always check the current TWRA hunting calendar before departure. Fall may provide the best scenery, but it also belongs to the hunters who fund and use the WMA. Share the mountain accordingly.
Navigation and Trail Verification
TWRA currently provides downloadable North Cumberland trail information in:
- North Cumberland WMA Trails GPX
- North Cumberland WMA Google Earth KML
- North Cumberland WMA GIS Shapefile
The latest files listed by TWRA are dated November 14, 2024. (Tennessee State Government)
Load the official GPX into Gaia GPS, onX Offroad or another offline-capable navigation app before leaving pavement.
Do not rely entirely on:
- Google Maps;
- crowd-sourced trail lines;
- old printed maps;
- cell coverage;
- a single navigation device.
The TWRA map is the starting point. Current signs and closures are the final word.
Known Closure: Montgomery Fork Road
Montgomery Fork Road is not part of this proposed Sundquist route.
However, it provides a useful example of how quickly conditions can change across North Cumberland. TWRA temporarily closed part of the road in June 2026 after heavy rain caused severe erosion and a hazardous washout. The agency stated that the road would remain closed until repairs made it safe for public travel. (Tennessee State Government)
Check TWRA’s alerts before every trip—even when the GPX worked perfectly the last time.
Fuel, Food and Cell Service
Fuel
Top off before entering the WMA.
Practical resupply towns include:
- LaFollette;
- Jacksboro;
- Caryville;
- Pioneer.
Do not assume small stations will be open late, especially on Sundays or holidays.
A standard Jeep Gladiator should have sufficient range for the planned route, but fuel consumption rises considerably in low-range travel, mud and repeated climbs.
Cell Service
Expect weak or nonexistent coverage across much of the interior.
Carry:
- offline maps;
- a paper backup;
- a satellite communicator when traveling alone;
- a shared trip plan;
- emergency contact information;
- the TWRA Region 4 phone number.
TWRA lists its Region 4 office at 423-587-7037 and its North Cumberland OHV information contact at 423-562-2013. (Tennessee State Government)
Points of Interest
| ID | Point of Interest | Why Stop |
|---|---|---|
| S | Flatwoods Road Access | Proposed start, finish and trip reset |
| 1 | North Cumberland WMA Office Area | Information and route-status check |
| 2 | North Cumberland Firing Range | Established landmark on Flatwoods Road |
| 3 | McNew Gap | Central Sundquist trail junction |
| 4 | Hatfield Knob | Primary wildlife and scenic destination |
| 5 | Elk Viewing Tower | Elevated view across elk habitat |
| 6 | McCormick Cemetery | Historic community landmark |
| 7 | Top of the World | Optional scenic spur |
| 8 | Western Plateau | Remote forest and reclaimed mine landscape |
| 9 | Lee Asbury Road | Long western backcountry corridor |
| 10 | Primitive Camp Zone | Final location to be established during field run |
Free Download
Cumberland Plateau Remote Loop
By Doug Stokes / GladiatorUp.com
Status: Field verification in progress. The final free route package will include:
- field-verified GPX track;
- printable roadbook;
- route overview map;
- Day 1 and Day 2 section maps;
- numbered points of interest;
- camping candidates;
- fuel and bailout information;
- current permit and safety notes.
- Will be available on OnX Offroad and Google Maps
Until then, the article serves as a planning resource—not a recorded route.
Final Thoughts
The Cumberland Plateau Remote Loop will not offer the polished campground circuit of Land Between the Lakes or the postcard waterfalls of the Cherokee National Forest. What it offers is space. Long ridges. Old roads. Elk country. Reclaimed plateaus. Historic cemeteries. Dark camps. Trail intersections where the next occupied building may be several ridgelines away.
This is not extreme wheeling, and it does not need to be. The challenge comes from distance, weather, navigation and the simple fact that North Cumberland feels much larger once the pavement disappears behind you.
Plan carefully. Carry what you need. Respect hunters, wildlife and posted closures. Leave the route cleaner than you found it. And do not follow an old map through a locked gate simply because the line looked convincing on your phone.
Here’s to the road unpaved! — Doug