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Exploring the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area on an ATV, side-by-side, or other OHV is one of the best ways to experience the rugged beauty of East Tennessee. From scenic ridge lines and creek crossings to rocky climbs and miles of wooded trails, the adventure here keeps riders coming back year after year. But with that adventure comes responsibility. The North Cumberland trail system is shared by riders of all skill levels, families, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities. Staying safe and respecting the trails, wildlife, and fellow riders helps ensure everyone has a wonderful experience while protecting the future of off-road riding in Tennessee. Whether you’re visiting for your first ride or you’ve spent years exploring these mountains, following proper safety practices and trail etiquette makes the trails more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some practical ATV and side-by-side trail safety tips, along with important atv TWRA trail safely, rules, and riding etiquette to help you make the most of your time in the Tennessee North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. TWRA Rules & Trail Safety Guidelines for ATV and Side-by-Side Riders in East Tennessee 1. Riders Must Stay on Designated Trails Stay on the trail today so the trail is still here tomorrow. OHVs are only allowed on roads and trails marked open to vehicle traffic. Cutting through woods, riding off-trail, or creating bypasses is prohibited. Unauthorized trail widening and off-trail riding are some of the fastest ways to damage trails and lead to future closures. ATV Friendly Routes For Travelling To Different Units Stinking Creek Road Area: Stinking Creek Rd (from Mountain Rd to county line), Rock Creek Rd, Hickory Creek Rd, Titus Hollow Rd, and Adam Hollow Rd. Royal Blue/Stoney Fork Area: Stoney Fork Rd (from 25W to Howard Baker Hwy), Tackett Loop, and Demory Road. Other Designated Roads: Duff Road, Davis Creek Road, Little White Oak Road, and Walden Mnt Road. Jellico Area: Portions of Pine Mountain Road, Douglas Lane, London Avenue, and Indian Mountain Road are authorized. 2. TWRA Permits Riders are responsible for carrying the proper permits before entering the trail system. You can find current permit information on our Permit page (link below). Permits can be purchased online or at any TN Walmart You have the option to buy a hunting license or High Impact License. If you buy an annual permit, it will extend one full year from the purchase date. ​​ Permits are "per machine." Only one person in a buggy must carry a valid permit. That person can be a driver or passenger. Once you purchase a permit, either print or take a screenshot of the license to keep with you. Active military and those under 13 do not require a permit to ride. A Sportsman license will cover your riding permit. 3. Helmets And Safety Gear Helmet Requirement: Minors (under 18) must wear a fastened DOT-approved helmet. Adult Supervision: Minors under 18 must be supervised by an adult. Safety Gear: Protective eyewear (goggles/glasses) is also required. Vehicle Compliance: Riders must obey all TWRA signage and stick to designated trails. Seat belts in SxS Vehicles-We have seen harnesses eliminate and/or minimize injuries on several occasions. Safety gear only works if you wear it. 4. Road and Community Etiquette: Ride Responsibly So Riders Stay Welcome Spinning tires, doughnuts, and other reckless behaviors can lead to injury, negatively impacts the trail system, and disturb residents. Please respect the surrounding community! You are on vacation, but this is a residential area. Please respect the residents and communities while enjoying your time here. We want the riding community to be welcomed for years to come. Make sure you have a proper muffler and avoid revving your engines in populated areas. Turn stereos down when near residential neighborhoods and campgrounds. Avoid using bright light bars on public roads where they may affect oncoming traffic. Trail speed limit is 25 mph. Blind curves, dust, steep terrain, and mixed rider experience levels can make excessive speed especially dangerous on mountain trails. 5. Alcohol and Drugs Are Prohibited While Riding TWRA compliance reminders specifically warn against drugs and alcohol while operating OHVs. Consuming or possessing alcohol while riding, hiking, or driving on WMA trails is illegal. Alcohol is permitted in the campground. 6. During Hunting Season, Blaze Orange Matters TWRA requires fluorescent orange during certain hunting seasons while on the WMA. We will post the dates on our Facebook page prior to each hunting season. Safey Pink is now approved in addition to blaze orange. 7. Trail Etiquette Yield on narrow trails The uphill rider usually has less room to maneuver. Slow down and communicate. Don’t roost people, camps, or parked machines. Nothing ruins a ride faster than eating a face full of Tennessee clay confetti Pack out trash. Even small stuff matters. Slow down near camps and trailheads Dust clouds + speeding machines + kids/pets = bad combo. Help stranded riders. The mountain version of roadside assistance is often just another rider with tools and a tow strap. Stay Safe-Use Hand Signals When Approaching Other Riders ✋ Closed Fist = Last Rider ☝️ One Finger = One Rider Behind Me ✌️ Two Fingers = Two Riders Behind Me 🤟 Continue counting riders until the last rider signals a closed fist 8. Before You Hit the Trails Check fuel levels before long rides Carry water and snacks (extra clothes and fire starter if it’s cold) Bring a tow strap and basic tools Download trail maps before losing service Let someone know your planned route Watch weather conditions before entering remote areas. Respect the Trails. Protect the Experience. The North Cumberland trail system offers something special: miles of mountain riding, incredible scenery, and the freedom to explore East Tennessee’s backcountry. Protecting that experience takes all of us. Ride responsibly, respect the trails and surrounding communities, and look out for fellow riders along the way. The choices riders make today help ensure these trails remain open, welcoming, and enjoyable for future generations of off-road enthusiasts. Ride smart. Ride prepared. And most importantly, enjoy the mountains.

A new riding season doesn’t start on the trail. It starts in the planning. It starts with maps spread across tables, saved GPS routes, group texts between riding buddies, and that quiet winter excitement that comes from knowing the mountains are waiting. For many riders, winter is reset season. Time to visit family, ride where you can, recharge, and prepare for what’s ahead. It’s when the next riding year starts taking shape. If you’re planning your 2026 riding season, East Tennessee should be on your list, and North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area  should be at the top of it. Why Ride in East Tennessee? East Tennessee has become one of the fastest-growing riding destinations in the region for ATV and side-by-side enthusiasts. The reason is simple: the terrain. Riders experience true mountain riding with ridge lines, rock sections, wooded climbs, and scenic overlooks. No two rides feel the same. Every trail delivers a different challenge, view, and experience. This is why riders don’t just visit once. They return season after season.  North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA)  sits at the heart of East Tennessee’s OHV and UTV riding community. Plan a Riding Season, Not Just One Trip The best riding experiences don’t come from one weekend. They come from building a season. Many riders plan spring mud rides, summer group trips and fall scenic weekends. Planning multiple trips creates more than memories. It builds tradition, community, and connection to the places you ride. Your Basecamp Matters Where you stay matters just as much as where you ride. Stinking Creek Campground  is more than a place to sleep. It’s a true rider basecamp: We offer easy access to North Cumberland WMA trail heads, rider focused amenities, and a community atmosphere. It’s where machines rest. Where riders reset. Where stories start. Where trips begin. Start Planning Your 2026 Riding Season If you’re looking for the best ATV and side-by-side riding in Tennessee, East Tennessee delivers. If you’re looking for one of the most diverse trail systems in the region, North Cumberland WMA  delivers. And if you’re looking for a true riding RV park basecamp experience, Stinking Creek Campground is ready to be part of your season. As you plan your 2026 riding season, make East Tennessee your destination and Stinking Creek Campground your home base. We’d love to be part of your trail story this year.

As 2025 winds down, Stinking Creek Campground is preparing for our annual winter closure. We’ll officially shut down for the season on December 15, 2025,  and reopen on February 27, 2026 , just in time for prime riding on East Tennessee’s OHV trails. This short break allows us to winterize the campground and gear up for an incredible 2026 season of ATV, SxS, and off-highway adventure. * We are still available by phone to help with reservations and answer any questions you may have. Black Friday Meets Cyber Monday: Save 20% on 2026 OHV Adventures If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to book your next ride on the NCWMA OHV trail systems, this is it. Our Black Friday–Cyber Monday  promotion gives riders a 20% discount on cabins and campsites  for stays between March 1 and November 22, 2026 . This limited-time offer runs November 28 through December 2, 2025 . Promo details: • 20% OFF stays  (cabins + campsites) • Use code:   BLKMON20  at checkout • Minimum 2-night stay • Blackout dates:  Memorial Day, 4th of July & Labor Day weekends If you’re planning to hit the Royal Blue, Sundquist, Tackett Creek, or New River OHV trail systems in 2026, this discount is an easy way to lock in your favorite spot for less. New for 2026: Free Private Guided Tour for Groups Got a big group ride in the works? If your crew books five or more cabins or campsites , you’ll receive a FREE private guided tour with Keith , our campground owner and long-time trail guide. He knows the local OHV trail systems inside and out, including scenic overlooks, technical sections, hidden connectors, and rider-favorite loops. It’s the perfect perk for large groups planning an ATV, UTV, or side-by-side getaway in East Tennessee. Why Riders Choose Stinking Creek Campground • Direct access to hundreds of miles of OHV trails • Close to Royal Blue, Sundquist, Tackett Creek (Ed Carter), and New River units• Full-hookup RV sites & cabins• Trail rider–friendly amenities including pressure washer stations, firewood, ice, and FREE WIFI• Family-owned and operated with local knowledge of the mountains and riding areas   Stay Connected for 2026 Updates Follow our Facebook page  for deal reminders, trail updates, and upcoming announcements. Visit our website anytime for online booking, availability, and OHV trail resources. Sign up for email correspondence   to stay in the loop on upcoming events, promotions, and trail information. We look forward to welcoming riders back when we reopen March 1, 2026 . Until then, bundle up, enjoy the holiday season, and start planning your next off-road adventure. The OHV trails will be waiting.

We have spent the last few weeks soaking up some Florida sunshine and enjoying a little "down time." We always head south after the new year to visit friends and family. This year, being stuck due to snow and ice was a first for us but years of prepping for hurricanes came in handy and we were prepared. Let me tell you, the minute roads were passable, we were on our way to warmer temperatures. We've had a great time camping and riding the new CanAm Maverick R and our trusty Defender in central Florida at River Ranch. The boys love trail riding in the mountains but I'm a flatlander all day long and I've enjoyed just cruising along in some of the prettiest country Florida has to offer. It's not all beaches and theme parks. The view from my window is grass cow pasture, live oaks covered with moss and a pond complete with a resident alligator. As the date gets closer for us to head back to eastern TN to open the campground for spring, I find myself getting more and more excited. There's always something new to look forward to and we've missed our people. We hope that Punxsutawney Phil got it right and we get an early spring! We hope you've got your reservation in the book and look forward to an amazing 2024!

Twenty years ago, we discovered this amazing park while searching for ATV trails in the mountains. Some refer to the area as "Royal Blue" or "Tackett Creek" but those are just two of the trail systems found within the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA). Back then, there weren't many resources available to showcase the full extent of this expansive park. In this post, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive overview and highlight all the unique aspects that make this place truly extraordinary. The North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA) in Tennessee is an extensive and diverse area covering almost 200,000 acres across five East Tennessee counties: Morgan, Scott, Anderson, Campbell, and Claiborne. The management area is divided into four units: the New River Unit, the Royal Blue Unit, the Sundquist Unit, and the Ed Carter Unit. The Cumberland Mountains provide a habitat for various terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species. Some notable wildlife in the area includes the majestic elk (re-introduced in the early 2000s), Black bear, White-tailed deer, Eastern Wild Turkey, Bobcat, Coyote, Raccoon, Timber Rattlesnake, Green Salamander, and a variety of bird species such as Cerulean Warbler, Golden-Winged Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, among others. The streams are home to diverse fish and aquatic species. One of the highlights is the presence of elk, which can be observed from the Elk Viewing Tower in the Sundquist Unit or through the Elk Viewing Camera. The Hatfield Knob viewing area is recommended for the best elk sightings. You can read more about the Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower at https://tnwf.org/elk-viewing-tower/ Recreational activities in NCWMA include hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, camping, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails, hiking, sightseeing, and a shooting range. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced additional management for OHV use in the area, including new trails, safety regulations, and improved digital mapping. OHV/ATV Trail Systems The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area with 600+ miles of OHV/ATV trails. TWRA is committed to balancing recreational enjoyment with environmental sustainability. Maintaining and repairing the trail system is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for riders, while the emphasis on environmental soundness indicates a responsible approach to conservation. Creating trails that are both challenging and fun allows the area to cater to a diverse range of riders with varying skill levels. Striking the right balance ensures that experienced riders can enjoy a thrilling experience while beginners can also explore the trails with confidence. TWRA works to foster a positive relationship between outdoor recreation and conservation. This includes ongoing trail maintenance, implementing sustainable practices, and promoting responsible use of the area to minimize the impact on the environment. The units included in the NCWMA are shown on the map below and there are ATV/OHV trails found throughout each area. There is a paper map (also shown below) for the Sundquist Unit and each trail within this unit is marked. Royal Blue, New River, and Tackett Creek require GPS mapping systems as they are not found on any paper map and are NOT marked on the property. Trails are open 24 hours a day. NCWMA Map Showing All Units Sundquist Unit Paper Map Copy Rules for All Units -Visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails, and cutting new trails or off-trail riding is prohibited. -Alcohol use is restricted to designated locations, such as Agency-maintained campgrounds. DUI laws apply on state-managed trails and public roads. -Children under 18 are required to wear a helmet while riding. -A valid permit is also required for OHV use on the WMA. For more information on licensing and regulations, visitors can refer to the TWRA website at tn.gov or visit our Permits page. There are additional resources such as PDF maps and links to TWRA resources on our Resources/FAQ page. *Information gathered from https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/east-tennessee-r4/north-cumberland-wma.html and other TWRA resources.