Wayehutta OHV Trail System

Area Status: Closed

In 1981 the USDA Forest Service purchased the Roy A. Taylor Forest from a private owner. Previously, the Mead Paper Corperation logged most of the 40,000-acre forest during its ownership. Because this top tree-growing site has rich soil, the forest is home to some of the healthiest, fastest growing hardwoods.

Check out the brochure.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Dawn to Dusk Closed Seasonally December 15 - April 1 
Fees: Daily fee per trail vehicle (ATV, dirtbike) The self service fee station for daily fees will be removed Spring 2014.  Contact District for more information.
Open Season: April 1 - Dec 15
Usage: Light
Restrictions:
  • Children under 8 may not operate ATV's or motorcycles.
  • Children under age 12 may not operate any ATV 70cc or larger.
  • Children under age 16 may not operate any ATV 90cc or larger.
  • Operators under 16 must be under the supervision of a person over 18 years of age.
  • Helmets are required and no double riding.
  • Riders must comply with all NC State regulations pertaining to operating ATVs and motorcycles.
  • Riders must stay on designated trail routes, cross country travel is prohibited.
  • Some routes may not be suitable for all riders.
  • Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on Forest Service Roads.
  • Spark arresters, mufflers, and brakes are required for motorized vehicles.
  • Alcohol is prohibited on all trails and parking areas.
Closest Towns: Cullowhee
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Vault
Passes: Wayehutta Day use and/or Seasonal Passes must be obtained before using the Wayehutta Trail System at local vendors.
A Day use Pass is good for the calendar day you purchase the pass, from dusk to dawn.
A Seasonal Pass is available for this trail system.  These passes are ideal for frequent users.  The pass is valid from the day of purchase through December 15 of the calendar year.
How to Obtain a Day use Pass or a Seasonal Pass:
Visit the Nantahala Ranger District Office in Franklin, NC 90 Sloan Road 28734.  Open Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.  For directions or information, call (828)524-6441.
Or passes can be obtained through these offsite vendors:

Tuckasegee Trading Post 
7987 Highway 107
Cullowhee NC 28723
828-293-1514

Top Cat Grocery
3275 US 441 South
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-0847
Caney Fork General Store
6925 Highway 107 South
Cullowhee NC 28723
828-293-9767

General Information

Directions:

From Sylva take 107S to SR 1002 (Old Cullowhee Road), turn left. Travel 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.

From Franklin follow Hwy 441N, turn right onto Hwy 116. You will turn left to stay on Hwy 116 towards Webster. After turning left make an immediate right onto Old River Road (runs parallel to the Tuckasegee River). Turn right onto Hwy 107. At the stop light immediately ahead turn left onto SR 1002. Travel 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.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

OHV Trail Riding