Photos and Text: Sven and Magdalena Schlogl

UPPER TELLICO ORV AREA, North Carolina

Tellico is an ORV area with about 9.700 acres. It was established in the early 1980s and used to be a logging area. These days, it is part of the National Forest and managed by the US Government, and efforts are made to run trails which offer 4-wheeling adventures for all levels but also maintain nature with little impact. The area sports a beautiful, lush forest with 11 trails and one gravel road. All trails intersect with others and a variety of combinations is possible. There is a self registration station at either entrance. The day fee is $5. We highly recommend purchasing a map ($4.50) at the Ranger Station. (Prices subject to change.)

We approach the park from Tennessee in the north. At the State Line Campground (which is located right at the state line to North Carolina) there is a little parking area with the self-registration booth from where trail 6 leads uphill into the thick forest. The terrain is mostly dirt with rocks, and the creeks provide enough water to create muddy areas to add to the challenge. This will get messier when it rains, of course - just the right recipe for 4-wheel fun. About half way through trail 6, we turn off onto trail 4 which is rated 'easiest'. At this point I want to mention that it is a good idea to check the conditions of the trails at the ranger station. When we're driving trail 4, it is impassable for most stock vehicles and anything but 'easy'.
So we crawl along until we reach trail 8. The dense forest with its variety of trees and creeks is gorgeous scenery to cruise through. The trail leads left and right, up and down the mountain; and between the more challenging spots, you can relax on 'smoother' sections. We stop at the intersection to trail 9 (rated most difficult) and hike down part of this trail. It is definitely a most difficult trail with huge boulders, water running over the rocks, mud in between and long stretches of loose dirt where the articulation of your rig is challenged. At the end of trail 8 we get onto trail 4 again and it proves trickier than most parts we have passed. There is a water crossing with a rather tough entrance. A big step leads down into the water and your rig better has some ground clearance (not for most stock vehicles). Then you follow along the creek downstream until you get to an easy exit. From here the trail requires still quite some maneuvering skills. A long mud puddle with deep tracks offers a fun sliding experience not recommended for novices. After this point you can relax. The gravel road is just a hop away.

If you are ever in this neck of the woods, definitely consider visiting the Tellico ORV area - believe me, it's worth it. The number of trails (11) seems to be quite low, but they are quite lengthy and you can easily spend several days in this area. The campsites near the northern exit of the park are beautiful and also provide space for groups.
Most of this OHV area is not recommended for beginners.

Directions:
From Murphy, North Carolina, head north on Joe Brown Highway (Route 1326) for 2.8 miles. Turn right on Route 1331 and go 5.5 miles. Turn right on Davis Creek, a gravel road, and go 5 miles to the top of the mountain and the Allen Gap staging area.