From the smoky heights of the Blue Ridge to the remote river valleys of the Sandhills and Coast Range, North Carolina delivers overlanding diversity that rivals any state. Whether you’re cruising forest service roads in Pisgah and Uwharrie National Forests, exploring rugged loops in Nantahala, or carving through the Cape Hatteras backwoods, this guide gives you the routes, maps, and expedition essentials to roll through NC like a pro.
Links to Routes & Maps
- Uwharrie OHV Trails (Badin Lake OHV area) – Explore official trail network details via Uwharrie NF’s site. Great trail breakdown from Trailsoffroad, including difficulty tiers and downloadable maps.
- Pisgah National Forest Forest Roads & Dispersed Camping – Includes Victor Road, Old NC 105, and other FS roads with campsite info from The Dyrt.
- Yellow Gap Road Dispersed Camping (Pisgah) – A rugged gravel roadside with creekside pulls, primitive camping, and links to nearby trail access.
- Pisgah Loop Scenic Byway (4×4 section into Linville Gorge) – Paved and FS mixed route with steep and stunning gorge access—4×4 required. From National Forests of NC blog.
- Nantahala & Pisgah NF Maps & MVUMs – Official Forest Service maps, MVUM vehicle use maps, and downloadable PDF guides.
- AllTrails Off-Road Driving Trails (NC) – Curated list of top off-road driving routes across North Carolina with user reviews and route maps.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Beach Driving – Detailed beach driving access zones and permit info from the National Park Service. Ideal for planning Outer Banks beach runs.
- Explore Cape Hatteras access & off-road rules National Park Service
- Cape Hatteras – Hatteras Beach (Ramp 55) – onX Offroad trail details for Hatteras Beach Ramp 55 — miles of sandy beach driving with tips on vehicle prep and required gear.
- View Hatteras Beach Ramp 55 trail info onxmaps.com
- Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route (SEBDR) – The official BDR page offering GPS tracks, map purchases, route updates—all the tools you need to follow the SEBDR from the Gulf through NC and beyond.
North Carolina rewards overlanders with everything from lowland pinewoods to near-alpine crags. Digital tools and curated route finds make it easy to plan your Wheels & Trails adventure in the Tar Heel State.
Apps and Digital Resources
- Gaia GPS: Offers detailed topographic and satellite maps with MVUM overlays for North Carolina’s national and state forests. Excellent for plotting routes, marking camp, and syncing across devices.
- onX Offroad: Adds clarity with trail difficulty ratings, closures, and aerial imagery matched with forest boundaries and local road systems.
- Trails Offroad: A rich database of overland tracks, including difficulty tiers and downloadable GPX routes ready for quick deployment into your favorite nav app.
- OverlandTrailGuides.com – A growing list of routes spanning N. America.
The Uwharrie Black Mountain Loop
A tight but rewarding loop tucked in Uwharrie National Forest, weaving FS roads 172, 170, and connector loops, bringing granite ridges, shaded pine benches, and rocky fun.
Suggested Route & Direction
Loop starts at FS 172, circles via 170 and 175 — clockwise gives high-speed runouts first and finishes through shaded campsites.
Best Time of Year
Spring and fall offer the best temps and visibility. Summer brings heat and ticks; winter can leave icy roots.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping allowed along FS roads, at least 100 ft from water.
- Mount Gilead Campground provides developed site options nearby.
- Fire restrictions vary—always check with USFS Uwharrie District.
Overlanding Tips
- High-clearance 4×4 recommended; rocky sections can bite on stock tires.
- Trail conditions shift quickly—rained-on granite becomes slick.
- Bring recovery boards and a tow strap—cell service is spotty throughout the loop.
- Fuel in Albemarle or Troy before heading out.
Pisgah National Forest Backcountry Roads
Pisgah is a patchwork of FS roads, historic logging routes, and mountain spurs offering layered elevation, waterfalls, and immersive Appalachian views.
Suggested Route & Direction
Start near Brevard and head east on FS 475, take spurs into FS 464 and 471, returning via FS 477. Length varies—20 to 50 miles is typical.
Highlights
- Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls for quick break stops.
- Slickrock Creek Campground—a great overnight with water access.
- High-elevation ridgelines onto Mt. Pisgah.
Best Time of Year
Spring melt is stunning but soggy. Fall brings fire-colored canopy and stable weather.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping allowed along FS roads; Slickrock Creek is the nearest developed campground.
- No permits required; abide by Leave No Trace practices.
Overlanding Tips
- Narrow, twisty roads—drive slow to avoid forestry trucks.
- Bring bug spray; mid-summer sees gnats on east-facing slopes.
- Excellent cell coverage in lower elevations; pack offline maps for ridge sections.
Nantahala National Forest – Deep Creek Loop
Nantahala’s Deep Creek corridor blends scenic gorges, FS spurs (FS 86, 81, 69), and river camps near wilderness hiking trails.
Suggested Route & Direction
Start at the Deep Creek Visitor Center, climb FS 86 to FS 69 for a loop with ridge views, then descent past river camps.
Highlights
- Swim holes and river access at Deep Creek.
- Spence Field view from ridge-overlook.
- Old logging bridges and lush rhododendron tunnels.
Best Time of Year
Late spring to summer—river access is ideal; fall trails soften with color.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping on FS roads. Be especially careful near water.
- Deep Creek Campground is nearby if you prefer facilities.
Overlanding Tips
- Watch for hikers at creek crossings and camps.
- Tread lightly around fragile moss and rhododendron beds.
- Stock rigs handle basic climbing, but muddy slopes post-rain need traction boards.
Cape Hatteras / Sandhills Oculina Spur
A unique entry for Coastal NC—sandy forest tracks through the Sandhills and maritime woodlands near southern OBX. Less elevation, more solitude—great for testing rigs in sandy grip.
Suggested Route & Direction
Use offroad tracks connecting FS roads in the Sandhills Game Lands—head south to north for breeze-aided returns toward Hatteras.
Highlights
- Sandy coastal terrain with pine savanna and rare Oculina species.
- Prime birding habitat and coastal backcountry vibes.
- Few crowds compared to coastal beaches.
Best Time of Year
Spring and fall offer cooler temps and fewer bugs. Summer brings heat and increased access restrictions.
Camping & Regulations
- Primitive camping in designated areas. Game lands may require access permits—check NC Wildlife resources.
- Fire bans are common in dry seasons.
Overlanding Tips
- Air down tires for sand traction.
- Bring water—you’re in pine scrub with no towns nearby.
- Map cellular dead zones—carry backup GPS.
Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route (NC Section)
Part of the cross-state SEBDR, North Carolina’s section links Uwharrie, Sandhills, and sections near Laurinburg—combining red clay, forest roads, and historic US 220 corridor.
Terrain & Driving Experience
A mix of red clay paths, gravel forest tracks, mild water crossings, and ridgeline backroads with changing soil types.
Highlights Along the Route
- Uwharrie’s granite ridges.
- Sandhills forest undulation—eastern grit and solitude.
- SEBDR signage and side options into larger overland loops.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping allowed—use MVUMs to locate legal pull-offs.
- Some Game Lands in route require permits—always check NC Wildlife updates.
Overlanding Tips
- Best time: Spring and fall for moderate temps and good traction.
- Navigation: Download GPX and MVUMs; cell service is patchy.
- Gear: AT tires, skid plates, and soft recovery gear come in handy.
- Trail courtesy: Permit-only areas, wipe down boots, and leave gates as found.
Other Potential Trails
Additional AllTrails-covered routes include:
- Great Smoky Mountain Forest Roads
- Crowders Mountain WMA
- Cherohala Skyway off-road spurs—each offering a different flavor of NC overlanding.
Important Considerations
- Legal Trails First: Stick to designated forest roads and avoid trespassing on private or protected lands.
- Trail Conditions Vary: After rain, clay-rich roads like Sandhills or Uwharrie get slick fast; check forest alerts.
- Camping Rules Matter: Always reference current USFS or NC Wildlife notices for fire bans or seasonal closures.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out what you bring, and protect NC’s natural beauty for future Gladiator Up adventures.
Tread Lightly and Gladiator Up! – Doug
Revised: August 20, 2025