Royal Blue, Pioneer Tennessee
The North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area spans four counties: Scott, Anderson, Campbell and Morgan. Maintained by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the WMA consists of more than 140,000 acres in three units — the Royal Blue Unit, Sundquist Unit and New River Unit. It is a popular destination for 4-wheelers and is home to one of the largest wild elk herds east of the Mississippi River.
Royal Blue OHV consists of at least two areas. One used primarily for ATV's and SxS's (full size is permitted as well) is affiliated closely with the campground and resort while the historic Sand Mines area is used more by full size 4x4 vehicles and is under the OHV management but not privately controlled. All riders in both areas must adhere to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules which require land-use permits and proper seasonal attire. Permits are available everywhere you buy a fishing or hunting license as well as on-line. Daily non-resident passes are $37.50 ($233.00 yearly) and at least 1 person in each vehicle will need the permit. Resident rates are $15.50 daily and a yearly pass is $74.00.
A new campground is located on the east side of I-75 at exit 141 right off the trail system. Eagle Campground has 49 full hook up sites and is in the process of building cabins as well.
Just down the road in Huntsville TN is another campground called Trails End. They also offer full hook-ups and cabins. They are a bit more established and even have a small store on-site.
Royal Blue OHV consists of at least two areas. One used primarily for ATV's and SxS's (full size is permitted as well) is affiliated closely with the campground and resort while the historic Sand Mines area is used more by full size 4x4 vehicles and is under the OHV management but not privately controlled. All riders in both areas must adhere to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules which require land-use permits and proper seasonal attire. Permits are available everywhere you buy a fishing or hunting license as well as on-line. Daily non-resident passes are $37.50 ($233.00 yearly) and at least 1 person in each vehicle will need the permit. Resident rates are $15.50 daily and a yearly pass is $74.00.
A new campground is located on the east side of I-75 at exit 141 right off the trail system. Eagle Campground has 49 full hook up sites and is in the process of building cabins as well.
Just down the road in Huntsville TN is another campground called Trails End. They also offer full hook-ups and cabins. They are a bit more established and even have a small store on-site.
NOT a Wolverine outing. Even the easy trails can be hazardous if your not paying attention,
|
Either yearly or daily permits may be purchased online at https://license.gooutdoorstennessee.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx from either a desktop of your mobile device
|
Sand Mine Trail
|
Sand Mine & Others
|
|
|
|
Eternal Flame
|
The Eternal Flame is a pipe sticking out of the ground that emits a steady supply of natural gas from an underground source. It is a favorite camping destination in Royal Blue and a fun day trip as well. The trail starts in Norma where Montgomery Road meets Norma Road.
Turning onto Montgomery and following the main gravel/dirt trail will lead you past a coal and dirt playground and across 3 creek crossings. The trail is very easy but the creek crossings can be fairly deep so you'll want good ground clearance on your vehicle. Once you've reached the third creek crossing, start to look for the pond on your right. Just past the pond is a trail to the right that dead ends in the flame. |
|
Sand Mines Trail
|
The sand mine trail is a point to point (not a loop) that goes from Pioneer, TN (next to the Pilot gas station) and ends up in Caryville, TN (down from Red Ash Church) across from the eternal flame to Caryville shortcut.
The river crossing in Caryville is something that needs to be checked before running this trail to make sure it is passable. The trail is NOT for stock vehicles as there a long rocky (boulders) climbs which require larger tires and greater ground clearance. From start to finish the trail is only about 8-1/2 miles and climbs from 1083' up to 2235'. As the trail traverses the mountain there are switch backs both up and down for a total elevation change over 3,000'. |
|
|
|
Disclaimer: There are not club photos but of an outing that Bill G. was on. Nice drone footage!!
Wheeler Gap Trail
A point to point trail connecting Norma, TN to Caryville, TN that follows old mining roads. While the trail is not challenging the views are great with many overlooks as you can see the wind mills at Windrock Park. The surface is gravel and dirt which can be muddy at times. Total time from start to finish is about 2-3 hours.
After exiting the Eternal Flame trail make a sharp left and head up the mountain. Total length of the trail was about 2o miles and takes about 4 hours when combined with the Eternal Flame trail.
After exiting the Eternal Flame trail make a sharp left and head up the mountain. Total length of the trail was about 2o miles and takes about 4 hours when combined with the Eternal Flame trail.