Off-roading is an American pastime. Outdoor enthusiasts have a long history of designing and building custom builds that can handle all kinds of terrain with ease. The U.S. has no shortage of mud trails that were made for off-roaders like you. With a mix of private and public trails and some truly unforgettable scenery, you can easily find a place to explore the great outdoors in your neighborhood. From steep mountains to ruddy backwoods trails, there are all kinds of ways to get your fill of adventure.
You’ll need an off-road vehicle if you want to drive over these trails. Ford and Jeep are nearly synonymous with off-roading at this point, but your factory model may not be enough when it comes to tackling the outdoors. We’ll talk about how to find places to go off-roading as well as how to prepare for your trip, including must-have vehicle modifications and an overview of what to expect on the trail.
Finding Mud Trails Near You
The first step is finding a trail to explore. Regardless of where you live, you shouldn’t have to go too far out of your way to find a mud trail in your area. Even New Yorkers can drive up to Harriman State Park in New Jersey or Long Island for some mudslinging by the sea. You can always use Google or your native search engine to find off-road trails near you, but we recommend using Where2Wheel, a useful online database of off-road trails in the U.S. and beyond.
The website is owned and operated by two off-roading enthusiasts, both of whom come with their fair share of off-roading expertise. They know how to get in and out of tight spaces and how to help new drivers like yourself get started on the trail. Over the years, they’ve cultivated a large online community of off-roaders with members all over the world. You can read blog posts and user comments on various off-roading topics like how to stay safe on the trail, what it feels like to drive on these trails, and what kinds of vehicles are best suited for the trip.
Pull up their website and click on the “Trails” tab. You’ll see a map of the U.S. with hundreds of orange and black markers. Orange markers represent members, while black markers represent trails. You can use the map much like you would any other online map tool. You can zoom in and out until you find some trails in your area. For example, if you’re looking for off-road parks in Tennessee, zoom in to Tennessee, and you can quickly see how many trails there are in your state.
Once you find a trail near you, hover over the black marker until you see the name of the trail. Click the name, and you’ll find a bunch of helpful information to help you prepare for your trip. You can learn about the terrain and if there are any problem areas on the trail and how to avoid them. Looking for off-road parks in Michigan? Search for trails by terrain or keywords, such as “steep,” “forest,” or “bumpy.” Most trails are also rated by difficulty, upkeep, and whether the drivers enjoyed themselves.
If you’re feeling social, you can also register as a member of Where2Wheel. You can upload photos of your vehicle and the trail. If you encounter any issues or the trail has been damaged in any way, you can report your findings here. Other off-roaders will be grateful for the heads-up!
You can also reach out to other members in your area. You can request to be their “friend” much like you would on any other social media website. You can send them a message, ask them for tips, or invite them along on your next trip. It’s always a good idea to bring along a friend if you’re heading off road for the first time.
With around 19% of the U.S. general population going off road at least once a year, you’re bound to find a fellow enthusiast in your area. If you know other off-roaders, encourage them to register as well.
Preparing for Your Trip
Once you have a trail in mind, research the terrain as much as possible. Get a feel for what kinds of surfaces and obstacles you’ll need to drive over. Set a date and take a look at the weather forecast as well. If it’s been raining in your area, things might get muddy. If you plan on tackling steep curves and ridges, watch out for slick surfaces and mudslides. If you’re heading for the dunes, a little rain might work in your favor. It compacts the sand, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck. Preparing for your trip all depends on the terrain you’re dealing with.
Let’s break down some of the most important considerations for your trip.
Vehicle Modifications
Going off road means installing a lift kit. Most factory models aren’t equipped for the great outdoors. They tend to sit low to the ground, and their tires are best used on paved surfaces. If you’re serious about off-roading, your vehicle will need off-road suspension, such as a 2- or 4-inch lift kit.
Installing a lift kit will raise the suspension of your vehicle, giving you room for larger tires. You’ll also have more ground clearance, or the distance between the underbelly of your vehicle and the ground. You may have to run over rocks, tree roots, branches, and logs on your trip, so those extra few inches will definitely come in handy.
Choosing a lift kit all depends on what kind of off-road tires you want to install on your vehicle. If you plan on going off-road on a regular basis, you’ll be better off with mud terrain tires. They come with reinforced sidewalls for more puncture-resistance and custom tread patterns for better handling and stability. If you’re more of a casual off-roader, you may want to go with all-terrain or all-season tires. They handle just as well on the road as off, so you can still take your vehicle on the highway without noticing much of a difference.
Lift kits come with everything you need to modify your vehicle, including new shocks, steering components, spacers, and brake lines. Raising the suspension of your vehicle can change the way it handles. These additional parts and accessories will make the ride more comfortable and your vehicle easier to handle in the great outdoors.
Before making your purchase, you’ll need to make sure the lift kit clears your new tires, so the rubber doesn’t hit the fender when turning. Without much experience, you should be able to install these kits yourself. It should only take a few hours, but, if you’re not sure what you’re doing under the hood, you can always have a mechanic install the kit for you.
Accessories
With a fresh set of off-road tires and a newly installed lift kit, you should be feeling good about your upcoming trip, but it’s a good idea to bring along a few accessories as well, depending on where you plan on driving. For instance, if you plan on tackling some particularly muddy trails or sand-covered dunes, bring along a pair of traction pads in case you get stuck. Just tuck these rugged pieces of rubber behind or in front of your tires to get going again.
You can also invest in a lightbar for more visibility on the road. Your factory headlights may not be enough when it’s pitch black outside. It’s best to go off-roading during the day, but, if you’re going camping or you like to stay out late, grab a lightbar just to be safe.
It’s also a great idea to bring along a spare tire in case you get a flat, as well as all the tools you’ll need to fix a flat. Remember, you may have to do this in the middle of the wilderness, so you may want to bring a blanket or tarp to make sure you have a clean workspace.
If you do get stuck on the trail, you may need more than traction pads to get yourself unstuck. You can bring along a resistance band or winch for more peace of mind. Use these tips for getting unstuck to make sure you know what you’re doing before your trip.
Safety First
Safety should always come first when you’re going off-road. Depending on which trail you choose, you may be miles from the nearest sign of civilization. It’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Let’s start with the basics. Bring along a first-aid kit, a backup gallon of water, some snacks like beef jerky or nuts, and a hunting knife, compass, electric blanket, flare, and fire-starter, so you will be able to make do for a couple of days if the going gets tough.
You should also have a proper navigation system. Your truck may already come with a stellar navigation system. You can use the GPS on your smartphone as well, but you should know whether or not you’ll have service on the trail. You may lose your signal halfway through your trip, so bring along a paper copy of the park or trail map just to be safe.
It’s also not a bad idea to have your truck or Jeep inspected before your trip, especially if you’re been falling behind on your maintenance duties. Make sure everything is working properly before you head out on the trail.
Permits and Documentation
Some trails, including public lands and those maintained by the government, may require a permit. Pull up the specific park or trail online and see if a permit is required. You should be able to pay the fee and print off the permit at home, but some trails and parks may require additional steps. You should also have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration on hand.
Knowing the Lay of the Land
Every trail or park is different. Even if you consider yourself to be an experienced off-roader, some trails may throw you for a loop. Make sure you know the rules of the trail before heading out. You may have to check in with park officials prior to accessing the trail. Some parks and trails may have endangered wildlife, which means you’ll need to use extra caution.
Operating an off-road vehicle outside designated areas is a violation of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and is subject to a maximum ?ne of $5,000 and up to six months in prison. Violating the Endangered Species Act comes with an even steeper fine, so pay attention to the rules and leave the land the way you found it.
You should always have a clear understanding of where you’re going and where you are in relation to the rest of the park. Make a note of all exits and entrances, so you can get in and out with ease. Keep track of the time, including when the sun is supposed to go down and when the park closes.
Respect these parks and trails that we all love so much. If you notice the trail is blocked or damaged in some way, report it to park officials so they can clean it up for other drivers.
Prepare to Have Fun!
Finding off-road trails near you has never been easier. You can use tools like Where2Wheel to research your journey ahead of time. Make sure your vehicle has all the necessary modifications so you can handle the terrain without damaging your vehicle. If you’re trying a trail for the first time, go slow in the beginning and take your time learning the ups and downs of the trail. Join the off-roading community today and experience the adventure of a lifetime.