Cullasaja Wayehutta ATV Area

This area in Roy Taylor Forest offers 21 miles for trail bikes and all-terrain vehicles. Most trails are steep, rough, and rated as moderate or difficult. Roy A. Taylor Forest In 1981 the Forest Service purchased the Roy A. Taylor Forest from a private owner. Previously, the Mead Paper Corporation 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.

Where Can You Ride?

Some trails were steep or badly eroding; these have been closed to protect water quality, fisheries, and other resources. Please help nature restore these sites by not riding on closed roads. The difficulty levels shown on the chart located under the Wayehutta section map indicate the degree of skill needed to ride each trail. The rating is based on steepness, tread roughness, and number and type of obstacles. The easiest trails have gentle grades (5-percent maximum pitch), sweeping turns, and fairly smooth tread without obstacles. More difficult trails require a high degree of skill and challenge to travel. They have moderate to steep grades (50-percent maximum pitch), numerous turns, tight curves, switchbacks, rough surfaces, frequent obstacles, and sections of very rough tread.

Operating Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to the forest, the following acts are prohibited:

• Carelessly operating a vehicle without regard to the safety of any person or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.

• Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• Operating a vehicle with metal studs embedded in the tire or protruding from the tires.

• Operating a vehicle after dark.

• Operating a vehicle in excess of the maximum noise limit allowed. The maximum is not to exceed 99 dBu (taken stationary at 20 inches from the exhaust at a 45-degree angle).

Violators are subject to prosecution (16 U.S.C. #551). The maximum penalty for violation is a $500 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both. Title 36, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 261.12-14.

Tread Lightly

• Stay on the designated trails marked with symbols showing the kind of off-highway vehicle (OHV) allowed.

• Resist the urge to pioneer new routes or make shortcuts. Plan your trip to avoid spring thaw or extended wet weather.

• Some old trails are badly eroded and have been closed, so help nature restore these sites by not riding on them. Avoid wet trails and wheel spins.

• Be sure your spark arrester works properly. Remember: you are responsible for any fire you start.

• Keep the noise down. Many people go to the forest to get away from noise. Get the quietest machine you can, then make it quieter.

• Stop when you encounter hikers, bikes, and horses and determine the best way to pass. Yield the right of way to hikers and horses.

• Try not to bother wildlife.

• Carry a litter bag and pack out all trash. Learn and use no-trace camping techniques.

• Carry a trowel and bury human waste 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water.

How to Handle Emergencies

Back country emergencies must often be handled alone. When helping someone who is injured, remain calm and use your head. Treat the injury if you can and make the victim comfortable. If you must go for help, leave one person with the injured party. If there is no alternative but to leave the victim alone, provide shelter, food, water, and a light within reach. Attach a note to the victim, telling the injured person's name, your description of the injury, the time it occurred, the first aid given, your name and intended destination, and the time you left the site. Be sure you know your way back to the location of the victim.

For Emergencies: Jackson County Sheriff: 911, (828) 586-2916

Forest Service: (828) 526-3765

For Camping Information: Highlands Ranger District: (828) 526-3765

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers, both individuals and clubs, help maintain these trails for everyone's enjoyment. For information on how to help, please contact: SMOKEY MOUNTAIN ORV CLUB Evening: (828) 586-5679

for more information:
Nantahala Ranger District:
90 Sloan Roan
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
mailroom_r8_nantahala@fs.fed.us

National Forest Service...Leave no Trace Policy

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