Nice video, just getting into this stuff and finding alot of trails around me but most videos I've found dont map out many land marks to help find the start of the trails. God bless and be safe!
Thanks for making this video, ran it today (March 2021) and the trail was fairly dry but definitely rutted out. I’d say no way to 2WD vehicles, unibody soccer mom SUV’s with AWD or stock full size anything / Subaru’s. Trail is plenty wide but the rutted spot early in the trail is deep, slippery and full of water. Long vehicles will be hung up from the rear. Stock Jeeps, 4RUNNERS FJC etc no problem. I ran it in a 200 series Land Cruiser and dragged the rear bumper plenty of times (steel bumper so no worries, but would’ve wrecked factory plastic bumper). Hope this trail report helps others decide if they want to run it. We came over from Pigeon Forge TN and it was about 1:40 drive drone there. We saw two built vintage 4Runners and a brand new Rubicon. We were all first timers and it was no problem navigating to the end. I would say running in reverse would be challenging and may require winching up in the rutted out section. Great trail, glad we went for it today!
There is a turn around the other side of the tunnel that goes across the median and after you pass the rest area, there is another median cross over. I have done this a few times and no issues. Met with a Sheriff and they had no issues with turning around. It is lots of fun doing it backwards. OC
I cannot thank you enough for this video. Was visiting my brother near UNC A and I found this. Took the 4Runner out and had a blast. We went up to the rocky area (split right) near the last 15 mins. There was one tough spot and the muddy area about 15 min in had a nice rut. Had the use the left edge to make it without dragging skids. Video posted on my channel of a couple small highlights.
Thanks for the video. I'm wanting to check this out in my 3rd Gen T4R sometime while exploring the TAT, but I've heard it has some rough spots, so I definitely would want to do this in a group ride. Appreciate you giving us a solid way to get to the trail. Nice Land Cruiser, BTW!
I clicked this video to say that TH-cam must be creeping. Because I saw one post on a Tacoma Facebook group about Hurricane Creek, didn't look it up. Logged onto TH-cam and this was the first recommended video...
Y’all should have been there in 1984, I did hurricane in a 84 stock Nissan extra cab with my wife and two boys. We even got to see bears. Went from Max Patch to I-40.
This trail is rough. Went out today and it was not easy by any means. Please be careful if you’re stock and do not I repeat DO NOT GO OUT ALONE!! had a great time but it was very nerve racking in some spots.
It is. I believe it only “closes” during some winter months as there are still a few homeowners that use the access road. It is significantly more rutted than last year. I used to have no problem recommending all beginners and even 2wd owners (when dry), but I wouldn’t any longer. It’s still nothing adventurous or challenging, but inexperienced or ill prepared (just in case) probably shouldn’t do it solo.
What about when heading back to Asheville? Do we have to go out the way we came in, jump on 240 west and then turn around? Or is there an alternative route from max patch?
maschinemademan A year later, but my main journey is usually to hang out at Max Patch after the trail before spending the night in or around Hot Springs, NC. I never circle back to i40. You can start your journey back to Asheville directly from the end of this trail though, starting on the FS or local roads.
GuardedTundra This is the starting point of Hurricane Creek, the only trail. Shortly after turning off i40, you’ll pass a few local residences before the trail becomes remote as it heads up towards Max Patch. There aren’t any established side trails that branch off, but you will make a left “turn” towards the end to head towards the FS road to max patch rather than local roads. Along the way, there are only a couple clearly establish camping spots, the main one being an open area at a small creek crossing with room for multiple vehicles. The other one or two are 1-2 vehicle spots max IIRC. I hope this helps.
Jake Lil a little late to respond, but this is a one way trail that goes away from the interstate (or towards it depending on where you start. Most start from i40 though) You’ll end up in a FS road near Max Patch or on some local roads that can be the start of back roads back to the interstate if you’re trying to make this a loop. Only this section will be an actual trail though.
This is terrible advice and has caused wrecks on I-40 before. As part of a Jeep club, we always tell people to get off the Fines Creek exit (there's a gas station there to fill up, etc.) and follow the road until you get to the top of Hurricane Creek. Then you can follow the trail down and finish on I-40. There you can wait until the interstate is clear before turning since there is no on-ramp. Your directions are especially dangerous with large groups. Last time the Jeep club went out, there was a large overlander group coming in from the I-40 side which caused back-ups on the interstate.
As a truck driver I gotta say,if you look in your rear view mirror and you see a semi do not put your blinker on and hit the brakes. Especially going down that hill.
This a good video and please take no offense but do NOT use hazard lights for this. It is an incorrect useage. Like a Floridiot in a thunderstorm on the interstate. It creates confusion because no one else has a friggin clue what you are doing. Use them only in distress. We, as overlanders or whatever we call ourselves, should set the example not only on a trail but on the highway also.
common sense Point taken. Some may say, common sense? I’m the same one who complains about those using hazards in the rain, so should have acknowledge and just recommended a turn signal in the voiceover. Although too many people think someone just left their blinker on, so I can see some merit either way. Cheers!
Everyone who sees someone with hazards knows to slow down and pass. And hazards in the rain have kept me from hitting about 10 people in a summer thunderstorm. This reply/comment makes no sense, like theres an Overlanding Justice League and this guy is JK Superman.
I can't believe you made a vid on how to get there, its going to be shut down because of mis and over use, there are tons of videos of jeeps taking roads such as this in nasty conditions and destroying the roads, this ain't no trail, Flatlands in GA is a perfect example, shutdown or Cashes Creek, shut down, take this video down please, locals don't like and the FS for sure doesn't
Nice video, just getting into this stuff and finding alot of trails around me but most videos I've found dont map out many land marks to help find the start of the trails. God bless and be safe!
Thank you very much, finally someone tell you how get on a trail, for a poor weekend overlanders is so hard find cool trails
Thanks for making this video, ran it today (March 2021) and the trail was fairly dry but definitely rutted out. I’d say no way to 2WD vehicles, unibody soccer mom SUV’s with AWD or stock full size anything / Subaru’s. Trail is plenty wide but the rutted spot early in the trail is deep, slippery and full of water. Long vehicles will be hung up from the rear.
Stock Jeeps, 4RUNNERS FJC etc no problem. I ran it in a 200 series Land Cruiser and dragged the rear bumper plenty of times (steel bumper so no worries, but would’ve wrecked factory plastic bumper). Hope this trail report helps others decide if they want to run it. We came over from Pigeon Forge TN and it was about 1:40 drive drone there. We saw two built vintage 4Runners and a brand new Rubicon. We were all first timers and it was no problem navigating to the end. I would say running in reverse would be challenging and may require winching up in the rutted out section.
Great trail, glad we went for it today!
Sweet gonna send a few Land Cruiser through there in 2022, Volunteer on IH8MUD
I saw this on the interstate, not knowing what it was, and thought “what the heck kind of turn off is that” 🤣 great advice!
I thought the same going thru there, guess I have a new adventure now.
There is a turn around the other side of the tunnel that goes across the median and after you pass the rest area, there is another median cross over.
I have done this a few times and no issues. Met with a Sheriff and they had no issues with turning around.
It is lots of fun doing it backwards.
OC
Thank you for making this video . I to am just getting into this overland /trail riding . I have a 1998 Tacoma 4x4 .
I cannot thank you enough for this video. Was visiting my brother near UNC A and I found this. Took the 4Runner out and had a blast. We went up to the rocky area (split right) near the last 15 mins. There was one tough spot and the muddy area about 15 min in had a nice rut. Had the use the left edge to make it without dragging skids. Video posted on my channel of a couple small highlights.
Can you do this for some other trails in the area it's hard find the good ones. Great video
Thanks for the video. I'm wanting to check this out in my 3rd Gen T4R sometime while exploring the TAT, but I've heard it has some rough spots, so I definitely would want to do this in a group ride. Appreciate you giving us a solid way to get to the trail. Nice Land Cruiser, BTW!
Thanks, are there any camping spots you recommend in the area?
I clicked this video to say that TH-cam must be creeping. Because I saw one post on a Tacoma Facebook group about Hurricane Creek, didn't look it up. Logged onto TH-cam and this was the first recommended video...
Thanks for taking time to do this!!!
Y’all should have been there in 1984, I did hurricane in a 84 stock Nissan extra cab with my wife and two boys. We even got to see bears. Went from Max Patch to I-40.
How long does the trail typically take and where does the trail end?
Great video, thank you for taking the time to do this!
Thanks for the video. Heading up there tomorrow.
Had a great trip good information thanks!
David Tallent I’m glad. Happy wheeling.
North Carolina vehicles only. New rules posted on the trail, dont get caught with an out of state tag per NC Forestry
Great video!!! Thanks for the info!
This trail is rough. Went out today and it was not easy by any means. Please be careful if you’re stock and do not I repeat DO NOT GO OUT ALONE!! had a great time but it was very nerve racking in some spots.
maschinemademan when you get the end of it how do you get back to the interstate?
Almost took the wife, sister-in-law, and daughter yesterday. Was a little apprehensive on doing it cause of the turn off. Timely video, lol. Thanks.
Jared Headrick Great timing. I hope this helps encourage a fun trip sometime soon!
is hurricane creek still open?
It is. I believe it only “closes” during some winter months as there are still a few homeowners that use the access road. It is significantly more rutted than last year. I used to have no problem recommending all beginners and even 2wd owners (when dry), but I wouldn’t any longer. It’s still nothing adventurous or challenging, but inexperienced or ill prepared (just in case) probably shouldn’t do it solo.
@@WykerWyker thanks for the info.
Squeezed my crew cab tundra through there last year. Nice drive
Jody Lang A nice drive it is! Cheers.
Kudos to you my friend
What about when heading back to Asheville? Do we have to go out the way we came in, jump on 240 west and then turn around? Or is there an alternative route from max patch?
maschinemademan A year later, but my main journey is usually to hang out at Max Patch after the trail before spending the night in or around Hot Springs, NC. I never circle back to i40. You can start your journey back to Asheville directly from the end of this trail though, starting on the FS or local roads.
Are there any fishing spots through there?
How do you find the trails and the public camping spots?
GuardedTundra This is the starting point of Hurricane Creek, the only trail. Shortly after turning off i40, you’ll pass a few local residences before the trail becomes remote as it heads up towards Max Patch. There aren’t any established side trails that branch off, but you will make a left “turn” towards the end to head towards the FS road to max patch rather than local roads. Along the way, there are only a couple clearly establish camping spots, the main one being an open area at a small creek crossing with room for multiple vehicles. The other one or two are 1-2 vehicle spots max IIRC. I hope this helps.
Just past mile-marker 8.0.
When you come to the end of the trail how do you get back I the interstate?
Jake Lil a little late to respond, but this is a one way trail that goes away from the interstate (or towards it depending on where you start. Most start from i40 though) You’ll end up in a FS road near Max Patch or on some local roads that can be the start of back roads back to the interstate if you’re trying to make this a loop. Only this section will be an actual trail though.
Is there any fee ? If im interested in visiting this place ?
No. It’s a public “road” open to the public aside from a temporary, seasonal closure. It’s open now.
Ty 👍
Thank you sir
You are the MAN!
SS Thank you. *humble bow*
Do you think this trail a issue for a stock tacoma and silverado?
only in high water
It is now more rutted out and the club of stock toyotas we saw were really struggling.
Might hit your rocker panels a few times if your not carful
Super helpful! 👍
Awesome, thanks.
This is bad ass!
This is terrible advice and has caused wrecks on I-40 before. As part of a Jeep club, we always tell people to get off the Fines Creek exit (there's a gas station there to fill up, etc.) and follow the road until you get to the top of Hurricane Creek. Then you can follow the trail down and finish on I-40. There you can wait until the interstate is clear before turning since there is no on-ramp. Your directions are especially dangerous with large groups. Last time the Jeep club went out, there was a large overlander group coming in from the I-40 side which caused back-ups on the interstate.
As a truck driver I gotta say,if you look in your rear view mirror and you see a semi do not put your blinker on and hit the brakes. Especially going down that hill.
This a good video and please take no offense but do NOT use hazard lights for this. It is an incorrect useage. Like a Floridiot in a thunderstorm on the interstate. It creates confusion because no one else has a friggin clue what you are doing. Use them only in distress. We, as overlanders or whatever we call ourselves, should set the example not only on a trail but on the highway also.
common sense Point taken. Some may say, common sense? I’m the same one who complains about those using hazards in the rain, so should have acknowledge and just recommended a turn signal in the voiceover. Although too many people think someone just left their blinker on, so I can see some merit either way. Cheers!
Everyone who sees someone with hazards knows to slow down and pass. And hazards in the rain have kept me from hitting about 10 people in a summer thunderstorm. This reply/comment makes no sense, like theres an Overlanding Justice League and this guy is JK Superman.
Thanks you! New to Asheville and just heard of this trail. Fellow lc owner! If you want to get out and drive James Pensyl on Facebook
If they can't drive it or take care of it then someone probably shouldn't show them how to get there.
I can't believe you made a vid on how to get there, its going to be shut down because of mis and over use, there are tons of videos of jeeps taking roads such as this in nasty conditions and destroying the roads, this ain't no trail, Flatlands in GA is a perfect example, shutdown or Cashes Creek, shut down, take this video down please, locals don't like and the FS for sure doesn't
Yet this video is 6 years old and still not shut down