Where to Go Four Wheeling in Tennessee

  One of the things I get a lot of emails about is looking for suggestions where to go four wheeling in Tennessee?   I am by no means an expert or an all knowing guru.  I decided to address it here in a blog entry.  I can add to it as I learn more myself.   I can make changes on this entry if access conditions change.   I am doing this arranged by category.  

  Here is a link to a playlist on YouTube of various rides we have taken.  

Wildlife Management Areas 

Above: Skinner Mountain WMA in Fall 

   You will often see me refer to "WMAs" in trip reports.   Folks ask what that stands for?

It stands for wildlife management area.  We are fortunate to be able to go four wheeling in these areas whose primary function and purpose is hunting.   Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and four wheeling are often allowed in these areas unless otherwise stated.  Below is a list of the ones I am familiar with. 

Skinner Mountain

Catoosa

Big Bottom 

Chuck Swan

Gobey

Royal Blue/Sundquist

Tackett Creek

Alpine Mountain

Below is a photo of a scene at Tackett Creek

State Forests

Prentice Cooper SF

Pickett State Forest

Franklin State Forest

Below is a view from Wow Overlook in Pickett State Forest

Private Riding Venues

Brimstone

Wind Rock

Coalmont

Bluff Mountain Adventures

Adventure Off Road Park

Wooly's Off Road

Fisher's Off Road Tours

Doe Mountain Rec. Area

Free Riding Venues

Coppinger Cove

Bryants Cove

Capuchin Creek/Winfield 

Below is a photo of our machine in Coppinger Cove in Winter. 

Suggestions--

Do not take SxS or four wheelers into the National Forests. You may have a street legal machine that technically should be allowed on the forest roads in most national forests.   We have had numerous bad experiences.  The federal marshals that work these areas don't like them and will look for reasons to ticket you.  You are just asking for trouble.  

Street Legal Use in and Around Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Gatlinburg is great!  It makes for easier parking. It saves fuel. It's fun when the weather is decent.    Since the area relies on tourism dollars and many outfits rent these machines in the vicinity it is seen frequently and no one bothers you.  We tried it the first time as locals in October 2024 and it went well.   The only draw back is you'd better consider what you're heading out to do ahead of time.  I went grocery shopping in the side by side and that could have gone badly trying to get a large quantity of groceries hauled back to the camper.   Thankfully it was only a few things.  

Below is our Polaris RZR at the campground this October for Fall Break.  We used it a bunch and it was fun.   Very convenient.   

Last of all is a video of our riding at Tackett Creek.  Descending into Hell's Canyon.