Charlies Creek Road — Attraction in Clayton

This trail is considered a beginner trail. My family and I drove up in a Dodge Ram 1500 full size pickup 4x4 Quad cab and it got us over and through some rough spots. There were lots of other families on the trail camping, off-roading, hiking and in terrain vehicles. Most of the vehicles that got stuck on the trails were Jeeps. People are really friendly and willing to help if you run into vehicle trouble (which we did!) Be sure to have a spare tire and emergency kit.

The trail itself is beautiful with a roaring river and boulder rocks that look like something out of the Revenent movie. It goes on for about 90 minutes or more with big dips and soft inclines. The day that we went there were lots of other people out so we were in line/traffic jam for some parts of the trail. We spotted a few deer and I’m pretty sure bear come to the river to eat fish. If you just want to get away without spending a bunch of money: gas up, pack a lunch and go for it! A very relaxing but also exciting experience in nature that I will not be forgetting...

GREAT place to take your 4X4 and try it out while admiring the rushing creek next to the main road. Admittedly, I was in 2WD most of the time, but saw some great scenery. Towards the top (2 miles in?) of the trail after the second creek crossing with a campsite, it follows a power line that provides some good road washouts to cross. At the "end" of the road, where it meets up with Upper Hightower Road, it becomes very rocky and steeper. The biggest challenge is the washout crossings, but if you pick a good line, it's not too bad. There weren't too many places to pull over, so I would try to go on a weekday as a suggestion. Total mileage on trail is 3.9 and it took me about 35 minutes without stopping. IF you are in the area try this as well - at the top of Lake Burton / 76, take Vickers road to to FR 163 (Nice 4X4) then back around 76 to Popcorn road to join up with Vickers road again (Stream crossings!). Take that to Plum Orchard / Cat Gap to Persimmon to...

This is a fun easy trail. Stock Jeeps can handle it with no issue. Once in a while we will run it just to get out and take in the scenery. You cross the Tallulah river and a couple of other Creek crossings (Charlie's) some very mild bumps in the road. If you're new to wheeling or just want to enjoy the scenery, check it out. Stay on the FS road. Don't take and side trails. They are not legal to travel along. You will see where others have rutted out alternate trails. Save that for the OHV parks. Damage to the FS roads and private property are what cause the roads...