Most of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina is protected by the National Park Service and the National Forest Service, allowing very few opportunities for ATV off-road vehicle enthusiasts to enjoy a true mountain experience in Jackson County. However the region’s one off highway vehicle (OHV) trail is excellent and located right here in our backyard — the Wayehutta OHV Trail System in Cullowhee, near Western Carolina University.
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Smoky Mountain ORV Club, Wayehutta (pronounced Worry-Hut) is a 28-mile loop trail system using old rail beds and logging roads. The trail is actually located in the Roy Taylor Forest. Meandering from 2,500 to 4,500 feet in elevation, the forest's trails range from easy to extremely difficult. This is a family-friendly trail system including a trail for beginners and school-aged children. The trail winds up trails and past a scenic waterfall to the top of a mountain, crossing bridges, rock formations and dirt mounds.
A visit to Wayehutta can be whatever you want it to be- a leisurely ride or a fast-paced test of skill. Please be aware- some sections are very dangerous and can be quite challenging and rocky.
For more information, click HERE.
Directions — From Sylva, take US 107 South about three miles. Turn left on SR 1002 (Old Cullowhee Road), continue 3 miles to SR 1731 (Wayehutta Road), turn left. Travel 3.5 miles (pavement ends), continue .5 miles. SR 1731 joins Forest Service Road 4650 and continues approximately 1 mile to the trailhead parking area.
