The powersports community in Western North Carolina has shown incredible resilience following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. While many popular riding areas remain closed for repairs and recovery, several exceptional trails are now welcoming riders for the 2025 season. For off-road enthusiasts eager to get back in the saddle, these open trails offer the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty while supporting the ongoing recovery efforts.
At Waynesville Cycle Center, we understand your passion for hitting the trails. As your local powersports dealer serving Western North Carolina since 1970, we’re proud to offer the perfect machines for these adventures, including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. Before heading out, stop by our showroom to ensure your ride is trail-ready or check out the latest models perfect for tackling these Western North Carolina trails.
Let’s explore four trail systems that are open for the 2025 season, complete with updates, riding information, and essential details for planning your off-road adventures in the post-Helene landscape.
1. Buffalo Creek Outdoor Center
Location: Cherokee County, near Murphy, NC
2025 Opening Status: OPEN
Permitted Vehicles: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes
Trail Distance: 42 miles (some sections remain closed)
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
Buffalo Creek Outdoor Center has worked diligently to restore and reopen its trails following Hurricane Helene. As one of Western North Carolina’s premier family-friendly riding destinations, Buffalo Creek offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
Post-Helene Recovery
The staff and volunteers at Buffalo Creek have accomplished remarkable restoration work since the hurricane. While about 15% of their trails remain closed for ongoing repairs, the majority of the system is now open and in excellent condition. The center prioritized rebuilding bridges, clearing downed trees, and reinforcing water crossings to create safe riding conditions.
Their location in Cherokee County experienced less severe damage than other parts of Western North Carolina, allowing for a quicker recovery. The center has also implemented new drainage systems to improve trail sustainability for future weather events.
Trail Highlights
Buffalo Creek’s open trails offer diversity for all skill levels. The “Meadow Loop” provides a perfect introduction for beginners and families with its wide, flat pathways and gentle terrain. Intermediate riders will enjoy the “Foothills Circuit” with its rolling hills and sweeping turns through beautiful hardwood forests.
For more advanced riders, sections of the challenging “Mountain Run” have reopened, featuring steeper climbs and technical sections that test rider skills. The popular “Creek Crossings” trail has been partially restored, with reinforced water crossings providing exciting but manageable challenges.
A standout feature at Buffalo Creek is the fully operational kids’ riding area, complete with miniature trails designed specifically for youth ATVs and dirt bikes. This supervised space allows younger riders to develop skills in a safe environment while parents can relax in the comfort of the center’s amenities.
Practical Information
Day passes at Buffalo Creek cost $30 per rider, with discounts available for multiple days and families. The center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. For those who don’t own equipment, Buffalo Creek offers comprehensive rentals, including safety gear and guided tours—perfect for newcomers to the sport.
The facility provides clean bathrooms, hot showers, a restaurant, and a basic maintenance shop for minor repairs. Cabins and RV hookups are available for overnight stays, making this an excellent option for weekend getaways. Post-Helene repairs have actually improved many of these facilities, with upgraded electrical systems and renovated cabins.
2. Wayehutta ATV System
Location: Jackson County, near Cullowhee, NC
2025 Opening Status: OPEN (with limited trails)
Permitted Vehicles: ATVs only (50″ width restriction)
Trail Distance: 18 miles currently open (out of 28 total)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
The Wayehutta ATV System has partially reopened for the 2025 season after extensive recovery efforts. Located in the Nantahala National Forest, this system offers a more secluded riding experience with tight, technical trails that showcase the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.
Post-Helene Recovery
The U.S. Forest Service has prioritized Wayehutta in their recovery efforts, recognizing its importance to the ATV community. Approximately 65% of the trail system has been cleared and reopened, with crews continuing to work on the remaining sections. New bridges have been installed at three key water crossings, and reinforced culverts now provide better drainage throughout the system.
The primary staging area has been completely restored with improved facilities, including expanded parking and updated informational kiosks detailing open trails and current conditions.
Trail Highlights
The reopened sections of Wayehutta offer some of Western North Carolina’s most technical riding experiences. The southern and central loops are fully operational, featuring tight turns through dense forest, moderate climbs, and several small water crossings. These sections follow the natural contours of the land, creating a challenging but rewarding riding experience.
The famous “Falls Loop” has partially reopened, allowing access to two of the three small waterfalls that make this trail section special. Spring runoff makes these waterfall views particularly impressive during the early 2025 season.
Due to the 50″ width restriction, Wayehutta remains exclusive to ATVs rather than side-by-sides. This limitation preserves the narrow, technical nature of the trails and maintains the intimate backcountry feel that makes this system unique.
Practical Information
Wayehutta requires a $5 daily use permit, available at the trailhead or through the Recreation.gov website. The system is currently open Friday through Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with potential expanded hours as more trails reopen.
Given its remote location, cell service remains extremely limited in the area. Riders should travel in groups and bring basic tools and supplies. The nearest fuel and services are in Cullowhee, approximately 8 miles from the trailhead.
Forest Service rangers remind visitors that conditions can change rapidly in the post-hurricane landscape, so checking for updates before visiting is highly recommended.
3. Durhamtown Off-Road Resort
Location: Union Point, GA (3.5 hours from Waynesville)
2025 Opening Status: FULLY OPEN
Permitted Vehicles: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, 4×4 trucks
Trail Distance: 150+ miles
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Expert
While not technically in Western North Carolina, Durhamtown Off-Road Resort deserves mention as it has become a crucial riding destination for displaced North Carolina riders following Hurricane Helene. Located in Georgia approximately 3.5 hours from Waynesville, this massive complex offers perhaps the most comprehensive off-road experience in the Southeast.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
Durhamtown’s 6,000+ acres and 150+ miles of trails provide a scale unmatched in the region. The resort was completely unaffected by Hurricane Helene, meaning all trails and facilities are in prime condition for the 2025 season. Many Western North Carolina riding clubs have organized group trips to Durhamtown while waiting for local trails to recover.
The resort has responded to the influx of North Carolina visitors by offering special discounts for residents from hurricane-affected counties and extending their accommodation options.
Trail Highlights
Durhamtown’s extensive trail network truly offers something for everyone. Novice riders can enjoy the “Green Loop” system with wide, smooth trails perfect for building confidence. Intermediate riders have dozens of options with the “Blue” trail network, featuring moderate challenges and diverse terrain types.
Advanced riders can test their skills on the “Black Diamond” trails, which incorporate significant obstacles, steep climbs, and technical sections. The park also features multiple specialized areas, including:
- A 1.5-mile motocross track
- A supercross track with professional-grade jumps
- Multiple mud bogs of varying difficulty
- Rock crawling areas for specialized vehicles
- Hill climb competition areas
- GPS-guided adventure routes
The park’s size means riders can explore for days without covering the same ground twice, making it ideal for extended visits.
Practical Information
Day passes run $35 per rider, with multi-day discounts available. The resort is open seven days a week, though Monday and Tuesday have limited services. Durhamtown offers extensive accommodations, including cabins, bunkhouses, RV sites with hookups, and primitive camping areas.
On-site amenities include a restaurant, equipment rental, a pro shop with parts and accessories, shower facilities, and a basic repair shop. Fuel is available on the property, though at higher prices than nearby gas stations.
4. Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park
Location: Taylorsville, NC (2 hours from Waynesville)
2025 Opening Status: OPEN
Permitted Vehicles: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes
Trail Distance: 35 miles
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park has become an essential resource for Western North Carolina’s powersports community following Hurricane Helene. Located in Alexander County, the park experienced minimal storm impact and has quickly become a popular alternative for riders from more severely affected areas.
Post-Helene Response
Recognizing the need for riding opportunities as other areas recover, Brushy Mountain has expanded its trail system and facilities for the 2025 season. The park has added five miles of new trails specifically designed to replicate some of the experiences found in currently closed public lands.
The ownership has also invested in improved facilities, including expanded camping areas and upgraded restrooms, to accommodate the increased visitor numbers from Western North Carolina.
Trail Highlights
Brushy Mountain offers a surprisingly diverse riding experience within its compact footprint. The “Valley Loop” provides a perfect introduction for beginners with its smooth surface and gentle grades. As riders progress, the “Hillside Circuit” introduces more challenging terrain with moderate climbs and descents.
Advanced riders gravitate toward the “Ridge Run” and “Rock Garden,” which combine steep climbs, technical obstacles, and tight turns through dense forest. A unique feature is the “Creek Trail,” which incorporates multiple water crossings of varying difficulty—particularly exciting during the spring season.
The park maintains separate areas for dirt bikes and ATVs in certain sections, allowing each vehicle type to enjoy terrain specifically designed for their capabilities. Several open practice areas allow riders to work on specific skills in a controlled environment.
Practical Information
Day passes cost $25 per rider, with weekend passes available for $40. The park operates Friday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours and days during holiday periods. Basic camping is available for $10 per night per tent, with primitive RV spots (no hookups) for $25.
Amenities include portable restrooms, shower facilities, a small concession stand, and basic first aid services. The park does not offer rentals or repair services, so riders should come prepared with everything they need.
Preparing for Trail Riding in 2025
The post-Helene landscape presents unique challenges for off-road enthusiasts. Here are essential tips for safely enjoying Western North Carolina’s trails this season:
Trail Condition Awareness
Even on open trails, conditions may change rapidly:
- Check official websites or call ahead on the day of your planned ride
- Be prepared for unexpected obstacles like partially fallen trees or washouts
- Respect all closures and detours—they exist for safety reasons
- Consider joining local riding groups on social media for real-time condition updates
- Understand that some familiar trails may have new routing or features
Vehicle Readiness
Your powersports vehicle should be in perfect condition before hitting potentially challenging terrain:
- Schedule a comprehensive inspection at Waynesville Cycle Center before your first ride
- Ensure tires have proper tread and pressure for potentially muddy conditions
- Pack essential tools and spare parts, as recovery services may be limited
- Consider upgrading skid plates and protection for rocky or debris-filled areas
- Verify that your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning optimally, as some trails may require more slow-speed technical riding than before
Our service department specializes in preparing Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes for the unique challenges of post-hurricane terrain. Our factory-trained technicians can ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever the trails present.
Safety Essentials
Always prioritize safety, especially when riding in less familiar or newly reopened areas:
- Ride with partners—never alone in remote areas
- Carry comprehensive first aid supplies
- Bring communication devices (recognizing cell service may be limited)
- Pack extra food, water, and emergency supplies
- Share your riding plan with someone not in your group
- Consider a GPS device with emergency notification capabilities
Supporting Recovery Efforts
As you enjoy Western North Carolina’s trails, consider how you can support ongoing recovery:
- Respect all trail closures and regulations
- Volunteer for trail maintenance days when available
- Support businesses in hurricane-affected communities
- Consider donations to local trail maintenance organizations
- Practice minimal impact riding to prevent additional trail damage
- Report hazards or trail issues to appropriate authorities
Looking Ahead: Trail Recovery Progress
While this article focuses on currently open riding areas, several major trail systems are making significant progress toward reopening:
- Brown Mountain OHV Trail System is currently projecting a partial reopening in late summer 2025, with approximately 30% of trails potentially available by August.
- Hurricane Creek Off-Road Park has begun limited operations for special events, with full public reopening targeted for fall 2025.
- Balsam Mountain Trail System continues extensive repairs, with the potential for limited access by authorized groups in late 2025.
The U.S. Forest Service and private landowners are working diligently to restore these beloved riding areas. The best way to support their efforts is to ride responsibly in currently open areas and participate in volunteer opportunities when available.
Conclusion
While Hurricane Helene created unprecedented challenges for Western North Carolina’s powersports community, the resilience of both the land and its people is evident in the riding opportunities available for the 2025 season. From the partially reopened trails at Wayehutta to the expanded offerings at Buffalo Creek Outdoor Center, along with worthy alternatives within driving distance, adventure awaits for those eager to get back on the trails.
Before heading out, visit us at Waynesville Cycle Center to ensure your ATV, UTV, or dirt bike is ready for the season. Our showroom features the latest Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha models perfect for tackling these trails, and our service department can handle all your maintenance and repair needs.
Located at 18999 Great Smoky Mountain Expressway in Waynesville, we’re conveniently positioned to serve riders throughout Western North Carolina, from Cherokee to Burnsville, Canton to Knoxville, and Bryson City to Maggie Valley. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday, call us at (828) 360-8465, or visit our website to schedule service or learn more about our inventory.
The 2025 riding season offers new adventures and the chance to experience Western North Carolina’s natural beauty while supporting the region’s recovery. We look forward to seeing you on the trails!
Note: Trail status information is current as of March 2025. Always check with managing organizations before planning your trip, as conditions may change. Waynesville Cycle Center is not affiliated with any of the trail systems mentioned but proudly supports responsible off-road recreation throughout Western North Carolina.
