Off-Road Trails: Georgia

For off-road enthusiasts who live in the southeastern United States, particularly Georgia, you will find several areas to experience side-by-side vehicles with family and friends.

Many of the off-road riding locations in Georgia are located near modern conveniences like gas and grocery outlets. These small towns also have restaurant and hotel accommodations should you and the family decide to make a weekend trip to the trails. There are some trailheads that provide restrooms, but its best to come prepared with your own toiletries in case stock is low. Riding the trail system here does require a usage fee usually around $5 per operator, per day. You can also purchase a yearly pass through the local Forest service office if you plan to use these trails regularly. The funds collected help provide the necessary maintenance and trail services provided by the National Forest Service. In short, the fee keeps the trail open for you to enjoy.

There are also a few private land riding areas in Georgia that provide not only tent camping, but also small cabin accommodations for rent. These destination areas have varying terrain as well and typically provide for all skill levels so everyone can enjoy the day on their own vehicle.

Georgia trail terrain varies from each ride park or OHV location and can be very easy as well as moderately tough. You have to expect rocky hill climbs combined with that Georgia red clay to add a slick surface for traversing up or down any of the mountains. Several OHV locations have two-way trail systems as well, so always be cautious when riding a wide trail and expect traffic to be just around the corner. Being careful and knowledgeable about the trails before you go will help your adventure be a success and passengers will enjoy the day too. As always, riding side-by-side vehicles is better when you have some family or friends along to share the experience with you.

Iron Mountain Resort

One of the many great things about off-road parks is that you can bring the family along, or some friends and everyone can experience the fun and thrill of challenging trails. Iron Mountain Resort is the Destination Yamaha outfitter in Dahlonega, Georgia, and is a great place to bring the family and enjoy the entire experience. Iron Mountain is a true destination, with a 4,300-acre private off-road park. They have campsites, cabins for rent, food, parts, accessories, and necessities on site and more. The terrain offers something for everyone, from Jeep trails, to ATV and UTV trails and attractions. Don’t want to bring your machine? No problem, as Iron Mountain has Yamaha RMAX and YXZ1000R machines you can rent. This is a true destination for vacation.

• Distance 10.6 Miles
• Skill Level Experienced
• Trailhead Blairsville, GA

Beasley Knob

This OHV trail system is open to SXS owners and the trails are known as some of the tougher in the state. Located in northern Georgia and just two miles east of the small town of Blairsville, the Beasley Knob trail system provides 10.6 miles of trail. The entire system can be accessed from two different trail heads. The interconnecting dirt trails combined with several rocky hill climbs make this a place for more experienced riders. This trail system is open from sunrise to sunset each day, unless scheduled maintenance or trail hazards prevent it.

• Size 6,750 Acres
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Union Point, GA

Durhamtown Plantation

Located in rural Union Point Georgia, this privately-owned recreation area is open year-round and provides many different riding opportunities. This self-proclaimed "Largest off-road resort in the southeast United States," gives travelers a place to stay with over 100 full hook-up RV sites and rental cabins for those weekend getaways. From their race tracks to the over 6,750 acres of adventure through hardwood lined trails and tall pines for shade tree picnics, Durhamtown is a very popular destination. There is even a Pro-shop for those seeking to stock up on the latest riding apparel and machine parts.