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Wayehutta ATV System

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Roy A. Taylor ATV Trail System, Jack Rabbit Hill, Nantahala National Forest

Last Known Status

Temporarily Closed

This part of the Nantahala National Forest has about 28 miles of marked trail loops. Numerous bridge crossings, dense forest vegetation and a scenic waterfall trademark this popular trail system. Trails range from easy to difficult with some sections being very rocky and challenging.

The main staging area offers level parking and has a nice day use area that consists of picnic tables and a large gazebo. Cell phone service is not available at the staging area but a signal can usually be picked up along most of the trails and mountain ridges.

Visitors should note that there is no longer an onsite self service pay station and passes must be purchased in advance by either visiting the Nantahala Ranger District, Caney Fork General Store or Top Cat Grocery.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	No
Dates Open	April 1 - December 15
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Unknown
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (99 dB)
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	Yes (62 inches)	bridge crossings have a width restriction of about 64"
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted
Four Wheelers	Permitted
UTV & SXS	Permitted	(maximum width 62 inches)
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Prohibited
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Prohibited
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction
MX Helmet Required	Yes
Camping	Prohibited
Campfires
Night Riding	No
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	no trailblazing
Alcohol	Prohibited
Rule Enforcement
Comment	Children under 8 may not operate ATVs or motorcycles. Children under 12 may not operate any ATV 70cc or larger. Children under 16 may not operate any ATV 90cc or larger. Operators under 16 must be under the supervision of a person over 18.

TERRAIN

Approx Size	39,680 acres (62 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	28
Climate Type	Forest
Elevation	3000 to 5000 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained
Loose Dirt	Mostly
Hard Pack	Little
Sand	None
Mud	Little
Dust	Little
Rocks	Some
Trees	All
Steep Hills	Few
Water Crossings	None
Small Jumps	None
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Some
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	Some
Roads	None
Shade	Many
Hazards	Few	(hazards assumed marked but use caution)
Novice	Some
Amateur	Mostly
Expert	Some
Comment	MedWest EMS (828) 456-7311 serves up to the parking lot with normal EMS service. Jackson County Rescue Squad (828) 586-8719 will respond anywhere in the park with multiple UTVs and medical bed.

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	National Forest

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (S)	Moonshine Mini Mart (828) 293-5015
Diesel	5-20 Miles (S)	Moonshine Mini Mart (828) 293-5015
Water	On Site
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (N)	Moonshine Creek Campground (828) 586-6666
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (N)	Moonshine Creek Campground (828) 586-6666
Campground	Cullowhee, NC
Conv Store	5-20 Miles (S)	Moonshine Mini Mart (828) 293-5015

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	Yes ($5.00 per OHV)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Our Rating
Recommended Stay	Full Day
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Cullowhee, NC

Address

Wayehutta Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723

Trail Map

From: Hazelwood, NC
1) Take US-23 (US-74) South to Exit 85
2) Merge onto US-23 South, continue 1.4 miles
3) Turn left (east) onto Main Street/SR-107, continue about 3 miles
4) Turn left onto Old Cullowhee Road/SR-1002, continue 3.6 miles
5) Turn left onto Wayehutta Road, continue about 4 miles toward staging area.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact Info

Nantahala National Forest - Nantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6441
mailroom_r8_north_carolina@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov

Contact Info

Smokey Mountain ORV Club
(828) 586-5679