There are trails there that can be done in a basically stock vehicle, and if you have any lift it will only help. I don't know what the TTORA guys are planning on running, but there are definitely trails to be run for all types of vehicles down there. It's a fun place, but it doesn't slightly lend itself to harder trails. You should go man!

Chris

 

when is this planned again, and where is everyone meeting up?

 

You should definitely go man! It will be a lot of fun for sure.

Chris

 

Here's some nice information I found on the trails at Tellico. Also, you'll notice that there isn't a trail 16, so my question to the TTORA guys is where is everybody going to be meeting for sure? Which campground? By the way, the first rating is what the forest service says about the trail, an then the long description is what the guys that wheel it say.

Trail #1 Rated Easiest. We agree and give this one a 1. This is the rough dirt road running through ORV area from NC to TN. Even though this is the easiest trail in the ORV area, you still need to pay close attention while driving. One weekend last year (2000) in Sept., two different vehicles ran off the side and rolled down the mountain. It is very steep with nothing to stop you, except a tree if you're lucky.

Trail #2 Rated Moderate. Definately WRONG! The bottom of 2 is known as the "Rock Garden" and is a solid 8-9 with a couple of real nasty ledges. Which ledge is the toughest depends on what the weather has been and how much traffic the trail has had. Due to erosion and rocks being moved (or stacked) it's hard to say which ledge you'll have the most difficulty with. Be assured though, both are fun! This was the site of SFWDA's Rock Crawling contest during the 2000 Dixie Run, and none of the BIG DOGS completed the course without winching. The upper part of 2 is known as the "Bobsled Run" and is a 7-8. Trail 2 is arguably the "Most Difficult" trail now at Tellico.

Trail #3 Rated Moderate. We believe that it's easier and give it a rating of 2-3. Trail 3 offers a nice view of the bottom of Trail 12 and the backside of Trail 11.

Trail #4 Rated Easiest. We disagree and give it a 4. It has a nice creek crossing and connects to Trail 6; together they run across the entire area and are used to access most other trails.

Trail #5 Rated Moderate. Challenging level 5&6 with some ledges and rocks. The creek crossing that used to be known as "Rough Crossing" has had the obstacles removed that made it a challenge. A bridge is also going to be built across it to reduce the amount of sediment washed into the stream.

Trail #6 Rated Most Difficult. Interesting fun trail, but definitely not in the same league as Lower 2, 9, 11, or 12. It's more of a hard moderate and we rate it a 6-7 going up and a 5-6 coming down.

Trail #7 Rated Moderate. Most of the trail is an easy 2-3 with the exception of one big rock ledge that is a 7-8 and has been the scene of many rollovers. This ledge used to be pretty much impassable to all but the those with extra long wheelbases. However, some recent "trail work" has been performed here and now shorter vehicles can navigate it. Trail 7 is also known as "Peckerwood".

Trail #8 Rated Moderate. We agree and give it a 4-5. Very nice loop trail with some loose rocks that provide excitement.

Trail #9 Rated Most Difficult. Known as "Hard Rock" going up and "Slick Rock" coming down, either way, this trail provides plenty of excitement. The approach to the rock runs right up a creek bed with lots of big, loose muddy boulders that get shifted around each time someone goes up. Steering linkage damage and tires coming off the rim happen quite frequently here. There is no getting around Hard Rock, so when you reach this point on Trail 9 you are committed. The rock has a very smooth surface, is about two stories tall, and has a natural spring at the base to ensure that it's always muddy and wet. There are three lines that can be taken to ascend the rock, you can hang either far left for the easiest approach; far right and it will be an 8-9 climb, or you can attempt the middle and take your chances! This is a favorite place for the locals to gather and watch the show and rollovers are quite common. The fun is not over when you get to the top of Hard Rock either, as there is still a couple of good ledges awaiting you before you run into Trail 8.

Trail #10 Rated Moderate. ATV and motorcycle use only. The only time that we've been on the trail was to haul an injured ATV rider out of the woods in our Jeep. We've not seen the entire trail, but understand it has some tricky sections.

Trail #11 Rated Most Difficult. We give it an 8-9 going up and a 10 going down. The two hard spots are known as "Guardrail" a.k.a. "Half-Way Rock", and "Helicopter Pad". Guardrail is a huge rock face that has a guardrail attached to some trees to keep vehicles from rolling down the mountain. Again there is no "go around" here, so you either have to climb it or pull cable. Shortly after getting up Guardrail you are faced with the decision of hopping on the Helicopter Pad or taking the bypass to the left. If you choose to go up the Pad, pay close attention to the rock outcropping on your left. If your not careful (or lucky) it will leave you with a souvenir all the way down the drivers' side of your vehicle.

Trail #12 Rated Most Difficult. Known as "School Bus" and it is a good 8-9 trail up the mountain. It is a long, steep, rutted hill climb, with many ledges and tight turns. Once you start there is no letting up until you reach the top. Coming down is a lot of fun too, but if your rig has an automatic, disc brakes are highly recommended. This is no place to be in a hurry! For years School Bus was considered the toughest trail at Tellico, but the big ledge at the top has now been smoothed out, so... our vote for the most challenging trail is Lower 2. Come ride them both and decide for yourself!

Chris

 

Hey just wanted to make sure everyone was still planning the trip to Tellico on the 17th and 18th this month from TTORA? I'm trying to figure out my work schedule. Is this a rain or shine trip?

Chris

 

Chris, Yes we are still going, meeting at Crawfords Campgrounds
about 4 from GA TTORA and the same from TENN TTORA. Friday around noon is when Sammy and me are leaving should be there about 3 to 5

Call me soonCell 770-846-5782


Ron

 

I will definitely be there on Saturday morning, and I'll have to keep you posted on Friday night. I can't wait to meet some folks from the forums.

Chris

 

Ron, if all goes as planned, I'll be heading down about 6:30 p.m., which should put me down there between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. on Friday. I should be able to ride all day Saturday, but I'll have to be back Saturday night. I've got your cell phone, and my cell phone is (865) 607-8999.

Also, is there a thread over on Tacoma Territory too?

Chris

 

Chris,
There are several posts going on the GA board, but here is the main one, I think.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/gatto...es/?msg=1925.1

 

I'll post this here and at TT to make sure somebody gets it. I'm not going to be able to make it tonight, because I didn't get done what I needed to on the truck yesterday.

So, I'll see everyone at the campground on Saturday morning around 9:00 -9:30 am.

Chris

 

Well, I just have to say that our trip to Tellico was a great time. I got to meet a bunch of people that I've been talking to back and forth for quite some time, but now I can put a face with it. Everyone was really cool, and there was about 16 trucks, and then me with the only 4runner. I'll have pics and video soon for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to Ron and Jeremy for inviting me to their TTORA event. I wish I could have stayed longer.

How'd the rest of the weekend go?

Chris

 

Looking forward to the videos and pics! Wish I could've made it, it looked like you guys had a ton of fun. Looks like about half the group came away with something to remember the trip by.

 

Im in bristol, about 3 hours away i would be in next time you all go. Just send me a E mail

Shawn_K_Kerr@yahoo.com

 

Cool man! We had a great time! I plan to go back sometime in the near future, but I've got some trails up at Windrock which is much closer for you, only about a hour and a half if you're interested. I'll be going not tomorrow or the next weekend, but the following Saturday I'll definitely be going. Let me know if you're game!

Chris

 

No i will not be able to go till like Dec if that. I got a blown motor right now.

 

Wheeling in the snow is a lot of fun! Let us know when you're up and running again.

Chris