Imagine a theme park but built for off-roading. That’s right – the East Coast is loaded with these off-road parks. Sure, theme parks and off-road parks share a few unfavorable traits; there is an admission fee and they’re crowded. But these parks have plenty of perks; they’re kept-up and well organized, multiple trails to choose from no matter your skill level, and some even allow tours which is great if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain. As you can tell, the pros outweigh the cons. Here are four of the happiest places in the East Coast for us off-roaders.
WINDROCK PARK – TENNESSEE
PHOTO CREDIT: ASHEVILLEVEHICLEOUTFITTERS.COM
Considered an off-roaders paradise, Windrock is the largest off-road park in the country. It rests on 73,000 acres and is packed with over 300 miles of off-road fun. With trails rated from easy to extremely difficult; no matter your 4 Wheel Drive, there is a trail that you can ride. Off-road is not all that Windrock has to offer, there is also plenty of hiking and camping available.
THINGS TO KNOW
-Starting at $25.51 per day
-7 days a week (8AM-6PM)
JEEP BADGE OF HONOR TRAILS
-Trail #16
-Trail #26
-Panther Rock Trail #51
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TERRAIN PARK – MAINE
PHOTO CREDIT: @HARRYSITUATIONS
When the Rocky Mountains come to mind, most of us don’t think of Maine; that is, unless you’re a New England native. The Rocky Mountain Terrain Park is the only off-road park in Maine. Like most off-road parks, there are plenty of trails suitable for any experience level and/or 4 Wheel Drive. The 100-acre park features trails that are rated from mild to wild and are packed with slick mud, slippery rocks, ditches, and jumps. Be sure to stop by the RTI ramp to test your vehicle’s limits.
Want to push your vehicle’s limits even further? Hit the infamous Franken Beans trail. Beware, carnage is likely for at least one member of your group.
THINGS TO KNOW
-Open 24/7 – 365
-Starting at$25-day pass/$15-night pass (per person)
-Starting at $240 annual membership
GULCHES ORV PARK – SOUTH CAROLINA
PHOTO CREDIT: @DECIDE_TO_LIVE
Consisting of 40 miles of trails that wind through 80 acres of land, Gulches ORV Park is steep, rocky, and dirty (but in a good way). Many of the trails are wider in comparison to the other parks but that doesn’t take away from the difficulty and experience. The difficult trails network through the easier trails which means there is a bypass for each hard trail. The intention is to keep groups together.
THINGS TO KNOW
-Friday-Sunday
-Starting at $25 per day/$50 weekend pass
-Camping is available
RAUSCH CREEK – PENNSYLVANIA
PHOTO CREDIT: JDMRAW.COM
The trails at Rausch Creek will have you winding in and out of trees and crawling over rock. Sitting on 3,000 acres, there’s over 80 miles of trails that can be easily navigated by viewing the map provided by Rausch Creek. The trails are color coordinated by difficulty: green (easy), blue (intermediate), black (hard), and red (extreme).
One of its newer trails, Crucible, is considered the most difficult trail in the entire park. Loaded with boulders that will make a 40” tire look small, you’ll be lucky if your rig can cross the finish line only liming. Don’t expect to take the shortcut; there’s no bypasses or off trail exits.
THINGS TO KNOW
-7 days a week (8AM-5PM)
-Starting at $22 membership + $56 entrance
-Reservations may be required
-Minimum two vehicles per trail
JEEP BADGE OF HONOR TRAILS
-Crawler Ridge
-Crawl Daddy
-Trail 11
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