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<blockquote data-quote="wkmac" data-source="post: 2949481" data-attributes="member: 2189"><p>In the Smokies area, check out Parson Rd in Cades Cove and also some of the roads in Cataloochee. North Georgia, Coopers Creek and Blue Ridge WMA as very easy but enjoyable and beautiful rides. East side of Tray Mountain north of Helen off Georgia 356 becomes hard core near the top but the west approach off Georgia 75 in pretty mild. Some rocky spots of very small boulders near the top but put it in 4 low and let the truck pull itself. Don't get to aggressive (slow, steady and easy) or you risk snapping an axle. Do not go down the east side unless your rig is lifted and you either have a winch or someone with you does. Turn around at the top of Tray but make time to pull over, ample area to park, and enjoy the view. Great spot for lunch or even taking a portable grill. We like the Tembo Tusk Skottle if you want to look it up. </p><p></p><p>And if you do snap an axle, it just presents the opportunity to upgrade to something beefier. The Yota 4 Runner is a pretty good rig to start with. I was going to get a Tacoma TRD Pro built on same chassis as 4 Runner but I was too tall and big and I felt squeezed in but the Tundra, ah just right. I envy you in the choices of aftermarket options verses the Tundra.</p><p></p><p>In SW Colorado, Ophir Pass, Cinnamon Pass, Animas Fork and Alpine Loop. The abandoned silver mines are worth stopping and looking around. Animals Fork is an abandoned town with the old silver mine and you get the added scenery of the Animals river.</p><p></p><p>Some of these trails have some real exposure spots so if heights and a very narrow 1 lane trail bother you, you might rethink. Cinnamon is a cakewalk but beautiful. Several Youtubers have videos of the entire trails but sped up in film speed so you can see what you are getting into. They are great sources for trail recon. </p><p></p><p>And definitely make the trip from Silverton to Lake City and plan extra time because you will use the crap out of your camera. There is a side trail that leads to a beautiful alpine lake above the tree line but I've yet to recall the trail we took. This was 30 years ago oddly enough this week 30 years ago. Damn, time flies. It is one way in and out but well worth it as an grassy alpine meadow slopes down to the lake and makes a perfect spot for a picnic. </p><p></p><p>The area around Ouray , Silverton, Lake City & Telluride is an off road paradise and even in a month you can't see it all.</p><p></p><p>Also check out Black Canyon and the top of Grand Mesa. We are going to install light bars that really kick out nearly 300 yards as our intent is to do a night trip to the top of Imogene Pass, over 13k feet, for the purpose of star gazing. One other note, these trails are only opened from early June to late October really December but an early snowfall on some trails isn't good. You will encounter opposing vehicles so be cautious around blind corners. Also where you can see down the trail, watch for oncoming traffic and general trail etiquette is the rig going up has the right of way as you don't want to break their rhythm and they start slipping blocking both vehicles. The downhill rig has the advantage of gravity.</p><p></p><p>Maps and navigation. Delorme maps are great as they are actual topo maps but there electronic options. The Delorme In Reach is a satellite based mapping device that also allows texting in case of emergency. Many people spend the money and use the In Reach paired to their cellphone to drive Google maps. Magellan TRX 7 and the excellent Australian company HEMA offers a great map app for North American. The TRX7 and HEMA can both plot your course for new routes along with waypoints but each offers an open source cloud where everyone can upload and share. When you start getting into more extensive trail systems, these all but become a necessity. </p><p></p><p>2 pieces of advice. Get an ARB tire repair kit and learn how to use it. Not hard at all. Also spend the money and get a 12 volt portable air compressor. I would recommend the ARB 2 stage as you can air up a tire puncture but it also comes in handy when you air down for more trail grip and then need to air up when you hit hard road again. The ARB 2 stage can air up a 35 inch tire so it can handle most needs on the trail. And get a really good air gauge and not the $5 cheapies you see at the checkout line. Around town, these are OK but not so much on the trail, especially when airing down.</p><p></p><p>If you have room, a shovel and axe are handy. We carry chainsaws and have cleared downed trees many times. When you get into deeper back country, the amount of dead trees may surprise you. Also some manner of recovery tools and an 8k lb. come along, tree saver and 30 ft tow strap. You'll use it clearing a big tree too. And if you don't have a fire extinguisher, get one, at least a 5lb. ABC type. 2 are even better. </p><p></p><p>And a first aid kit. The wife and I were certified advance first aid but that was 3 decades ago so we are signed up this fall to take the wilderness and advanced first aid through the National Outdoor Leadership School since we are headed for the northern extremes of Canada but their 2 day wilderness first aid course is outstanding and worth the time and money. They have them quite often at the REI in both Roswell and John's Creek. I highly recommend it. It might not be you but you may come across somebody and it could make all the difference.</p><p></p><p>Otherwise, have fun going to see things and places most people never will.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="wkmac, post: 2949481, member: 2189"] In the Smokies area, check out Parson Rd in Cades Cove and also some of the roads in Cataloochee. North Georgia, Coopers Creek and Blue Ridge WMA as very easy but enjoyable and beautiful rides. East side of Tray Mountain north of Helen off Georgia 356 becomes hard core near the top but the west approach off Georgia 75 in pretty mild. Some rocky spots of very small boulders near the top but put it in 4 low and let the truck pull itself. Don't get to aggressive (slow, steady and easy) or you risk snapping an axle. Do not go down the east side unless your rig is lifted and you either have a winch or someone with you does. Turn around at the top of Tray but make time to pull over, ample area to park, and enjoy the view. Great spot for lunch or even taking a portable grill. We like the Tembo Tusk Skottle if you want to look it up. And if you do snap an axle, it just presents the opportunity to upgrade to something beefier. The Yota 4 Runner is a pretty good rig to start with. I was going to get a Tacoma TRD Pro built on same chassis as 4 Runner but I was too tall and big and I felt squeezed in but the Tundra, ah just right. I envy you in the choices of aftermarket options verses the Tundra. In SW Colorado, Ophir Pass, Cinnamon Pass, Animas Fork and Alpine Loop. The abandoned silver mines are worth stopping and looking around. Animals Fork is an abandoned town with the old silver mine and you get the added scenery of the Animals river. Some of these trails have some real exposure spots so if heights and a very narrow 1 lane trail bother you, you might rethink. Cinnamon is a cakewalk but beautiful. Several Youtubers have videos of the entire trails but sped up in film speed so you can see what you are getting into. They are great sources for trail recon. And definitely make the trip from Silverton to Lake City and plan extra time because you will use the crap out of your camera. There is a side trail that leads to a beautiful alpine lake above the tree line but I've yet to recall the trail we took. This was 30 years ago oddly enough this week 30 years ago. Damn, time flies. It is one way in and out but well worth it as an grassy alpine meadow slopes down to the lake and makes a perfect spot for a picnic. The area around Ouray , Silverton, Lake City & Telluride is an off road paradise and even in a month you can't see it all. Also check out Black Canyon and the top of Grand Mesa. We are going to install light bars that really kick out nearly 300 yards as our intent is to do a night trip to the top of Imogene Pass, over 13k feet, for the purpose of star gazing. One other note, these trails are only opened from early June to late October really December but an early snowfall on some trails isn't good. You will encounter opposing vehicles so be cautious around blind corners. Also where you can see down the trail, watch for oncoming traffic and general trail etiquette is the rig going up has the right of way as you don't want to break their rhythm and they start slipping blocking both vehicles. The downhill rig has the advantage of gravity. Maps and navigation. Delorme maps are great as they are actual topo maps but there electronic options. The Delorme In Reach is a satellite based mapping device that also allows texting in case of emergency. Many people spend the money and use the In Reach paired to their cellphone to drive Google maps. Magellan TRX 7 and the excellent Australian company HEMA offers a great map app for North American. The TRX7 and HEMA can both plot your course for new routes along with waypoints but each offers an open source cloud where everyone can upload and share. When you start getting into more extensive trail systems, these all but become a necessity. 2 pieces of advice. Get an ARB tire repair kit and learn how to use it. Not hard at all. Also spend the money and get a 12 volt portable air compressor. I would recommend the ARB 2 stage as you can air up a tire puncture but it also comes in handy when you air down for more trail grip and then need to air up when you hit hard road again. The ARB 2 stage can air up a 35 inch tire so it can handle most needs on the trail. And get a really good air gauge and not the $5 cheapies you see at the checkout line. Around town, these are OK but not so much on the trail, especially when airing down. If you have room, a shovel and axe are handy. We carry chainsaws and have cleared downed trees many times. When you get into deeper back country, the amount of dead trees may surprise you. Also some manner of recovery tools and an 8k lb. come along, tree saver and 30 ft tow strap. You'll use it clearing a big tree too. And if you don't have a fire extinguisher, get one, at least a 5lb. ABC type. 2 are even better. And a first aid kit. The wife and I were certified advance first aid but that was 3 decades ago so we are signed up this fall to take the wilderness and advanced first aid through the National Outdoor Leadership School since we are headed for the northern extremes of Canada but their 2 day wilderness first aid course is outstanding and worth the time and money. They have them quite often at the REI in both Roswell and John's Creek. I highly recommend it. It might not be you but you may come across somebody and it could make all the difference. Otherwise, have fun going to see things and places most people never will. [/QUOTE]
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