We are coming to Tennessee the last week of March for spring break and are bringing our ATV's and Camper from Wisconsin. Was wondering what are the best trails to ride and how much the permit is for out of state people. We would love to ride where the best scenery is - like some waterfalls and overlooks if possible.

Any suggestions would be great! You can also email me at moorefamily4fun@gmail.com

thanks in advance and happy riding!

 

Let's see,
Windrock: Oliver Springs
Royal Blue: Off I75 north of Knoxville
Brimstone: Off I75 to the west of it.

 

windrock

start with this link



Windrock ATV Club :: View Forum - The Bonfire

thats a link to Windrock Atv forum. You can also ask specific questions on that forum.



We put over 6000 miles on our machines riding there. We used to drive down from Michigan to ride the 72000 acres of mountain trails. I did 30 trips, myself. Things have changed a bit since we stopped going there, but I'd say it's still the place to ride. The marked trails and maps, plus riding from a single trail head, make it friendlier for out of towners. We fit right in down there, some awesome people ride those trails and made us feel like we were home. I miss it at times, but I live in West Virginia now, and we have our own awesome riding right here.

I don't think you'd regret Windrock at all...remember though, it is riding in the mountains and very very different from riding in the woods. We were fortunate enough to hook up with a guy that taught us a lot about riding. If we had taken the skills we learned in Michigan and applied them to Windrock, it might have been bad...lol You just have to be careful.

Have fun!

 

So, which trail system does everyone recommend? How different from riding in Wisconsin? Just more mountainous so it is more dangerous and challenging?

I REALLY appreciate everyone's commments. We have never taken our ATV's out of state at all. We are very excited! Where do we get the permit and is it good for all trails in Tennessee or do we have to have more than one permit for different trails?

What campgrounds do people suggest? We have a 14 year old daughter and a 9 year old daughter. They are very excited also!

tonya

 

I assumed Wisconsin is similar to Michigan as far as terrain goes. There aren't really mountains, per se, in Michigan. Much of it, especially in the lower peninsula is rather flat. I don't mean Kansas flat, but nothing like what you'd find in the WV, Tn, Western Va and NC areas. It is challenging, and some of it is dangerous. That's why i would recommend a place like Windrock, it is mapped and has trail maps you can get. Keeps you from getting lost and if you're smart, keeps you off the trails you might not wanna be on.

We only rode in Michigan a few times, and went to Tennessee...and that was about it for riding in Michigan for us. It was just too much fun riding in the mountains. Windrock is so big, you can spend weeks and weeks riding it and never tire. I never did.

You have a few choices on where to ride, Windrock is one I'd recommend. Brimstone is a place I've seen talked about, it's a little north of Windrock. I've never been there..Royal Blue is another..Land Between the Lakes is in Kentucky, I believe and I know people have enjoyed it too. We have the Hatfield Mccoy trail system here in West Virginia, and I'd highly recommend a trip here too.

I think you'd get the most value at Windrock...I may be a biased a bit, but that's cause we had soooooooo much fun there. There is a campground right up the road from the trailhead, and it's on that first link I sent you. It also tells you where you can get permits, and the permit is good for all the trails on Windrock property only. If you ride the other places, you'll have to get a separate one for each. I'd recommend going to Windrock Atv forum, and ask about it. Those people ride it on a regular basis and can tell you more about how it is now.

If I didn't have so many places to ride here, I'd go back in a heart beat. Once you've ridden in the mountains, ya might not wanna ride anywhere else.

 

Great thread! We are thinking about moving to Chattanooga, TN and I am keeping an eye on this thread lol.

 

Thank you so much for the information! We will have to post on here when we get back!

 

Make sure you take a camera. There is so much scenery there. Pack a cooler and you can easily spend all day on the trails. We did a 12 hour, 100 mile trip one day, and only rode maybe a dozen trails.

I'd recommend you going to Windrock ATV forum. Tell them you're coming and see if there is someone riding while you're there, that wouldn't mind showing you around. I've led a few tours myself, though I took people off property, cause there was some great riding there. They got to see trails that most people there don't know about. My dad and I actually found a trail that I'm not sure anyone else knows about, even the veterans of the place we know.

The place is massive. From the parking lot, to the Flats at the other end of the property, is around 30 miles. There's trails all over it. We always enjoyed riding on the other side of Highway 116, the best. If you can get someone to take you to the Flats, and Panthers Bluff, you wouldn't regret it. Make sure you go up the pavement and see the Windmills as well. And absolutely do not go out without a map.

If you're careful, you should have a great time.

 

just got back from brimstone today. what a place. Awsome trails and excellant service. We stayed in their cabin thats in the middle of the woods(about 3 miles in from the parking lot). We packed all our stuff in and stayed 2 nights. Although it rained friday,saturday and just about all day sunday, we still had fun. The trails are marked perfectly for your type of riding. we rode 80 miles total but we rode kinda slow and with the rain it made for a sloppy,slick ride on some trails. Plus this was my wifes first real ride on her can am 500 that we bought last year for her(she dont like riding in the 20 degree weather). Everything was easily marked and we just had a blast. My wifes brother went who has never rode an atv before and got around pretty well. definately going back when them mountains get some color to them.

 

mudslinginfool: Have you been to Windrock? Was just wondering what the difference between Windrock and Brimstone would be - Waterfalls and overlooks?

Appreciate your help on this one!