Dicks Creek and the Beauty Spot in Unicoi County, TN

[Chunky White]

My nephew and I spent a few hours driving a couple of the local trails today. Dicks Creek was mainly a rocky trail with a fun hill climb and a few creeks to cross. I avoided any damage but had some trouble getting my rear locker to activate when I wanted to lock it to go through what looked like a deep mud hole. I made it through easily but not without getting myself muddy because I left the Freedom Top off. I do not like offroad plus because it tried limiting wheel spin in the mud hole and then it slung mud everywhere. I have no idea what that mode is but I am guessing its to limit wheel spin which isn't what I needed at the moment it almost stopped me completely in the mud. You learn as you go or read about it and know for sure I guess. I just learn the hard way.

The Beauty Spot is on the top of a MTN near the North Carolina border. You can see Tn, Va, and Nc from there and the road up to it is gravel so most vehicles would have no issues getting there. Some guys on adventure bikes commented that they were happy to see someone with a Gladiator actually took theirs off road

It was a good day away from work and the house and I look forward to checking out some other local trails soon

The Creek you cross at the start of the trail. Nice pic but not challenging to drive through

this is the hill climb from the top. I tried taking the picture with the camera phone as flat as possible but the picture doesn't do the hill any justice. Not challenging but fun to climb

The creek you exit through

The beauty spot

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[T Ray]

My nephew and I spent a few hours driving a couple of the local trails today. Dicks Creek was mainly a rocky trail with a fun hill climb and a few creeks to cross. I avoided any damage but had some trouble getting my rear locker to activate when I wanted to lock it to go through what looked like a deep mud hole. I made it through easily but not without getting myself muddy because I left the Freedom Top off. I do not like offroad plus because it tried limiting wheel spin in the mud hole and then it slung mud everywhere. I have no idea what that mode is but I am guessing its to limit wheel spin which isn't what I needed at the moment it almost stopped me completely in the mud. You learn as you go or read about it and know for sure I guess. I just learn the hard way.

The Beauty Spot is on the top of a MTN near the North Carolina border. You can see Tn, Va, and Nc from there and the road up to it is gravel so most vehicles would have no issues getting there. Some guys on adventure bikes commented that they were happy to see someone with a Gladiator actually took theirs off road

It was a good day away from work and the house and I look forward to checking out some other local trails soon

The Creek you cross at the start of the trail. Nice pic but not challenging to drive through

this is the hill climb from the top. I tried taking the picture with the camera phone as flat as possible but the picture doesn't do the hill any justice. Not challenging but fun to climb

The creek you exit through

The beauty spot

Looks like you had a real nice day !

 

[Phelps]

I ran this trail today. Maybe a little aggressive for the first time taking my stock Rubicon off road but my goodness this is a capable truck. I'm sure I did a lot of things wrong but the Gladiator smoothed over all my mistakes. It almost didn't seem challenged even when I was puckered up. I'm worried how much false confidence it will give me now.

Great recommendation on the Beauty Spot. What spectacular view from up there.

 

[Chunky White]

I ran this trail today. Maybe a little aggressive for the first time taking my stock Rubicon off road but my goodness this is a capable truck. I'm sure I did a lot of things wrong but the Gladiator smoothed over all my mistakes. It almost didn't seem challenged even when I was puckered up. I'm worried how much false confidence it will give me now.

Great recommendation on the Beauty Spot. What spectacular view from up there.

Dicks Creek is definitely rough and rocky trail but the hill climb and creek crossing are fun but not really challenging for a stock Rubicon. My lockers were not working when I did it and I had zero issues. I need to drive the whole Beauty Spot trail at some point and guess its all just a gravel road with some ruts from rain washout. I see that you have North Carolina as your location. Theres some decent trails in Western North Carolina from what I have read but I have not been on any yet. The On X app and website shows where most are at and thats how I have found a few trails so far.

Thanks for responding on your trip

 

[ShaunTOR]

Nice creek and great scenery!

 

[ORACLE Terry]

I grew up in that area. I am still amazed at its beauty. Thanks for sharing.

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