Daniel Trail (TR390)
Uwharrie National Forest OHV Trail System – Troy, North Carolina
Overview
Daniel Trail (TR390) is widely considered the flagship extreme trail of the Uwharrie National Forest OHV system. Known for its steep rock ledges, exposed climbs, and relentless technical difficulty, Daniel represents a serious step beyond Uwharrie’s advanced trails and firmly into expert-only territory.
The trail wastes no time easing drivers in. From the outset, Daniel demands precise tire placement, disciplined throttle control, and confident spotting. Large ledges, tight approaches, and limited bypasses mean nearly every obstacle must be addressed directly rather than avoided.
Daniel Trail is short in distance but intense in execution. Progress is slow, often requiring winch assistance, repositioning, and careful coordination between driver and spotter. Vehicle damage is not uncommon, even for well-built rigs.
Who This Trail Is / Isn’t For
This Trail Is For:
- Expert-level off-road drivers
- Heavily modified rock-crawling vehicles
- Drivers comfortable with sustained technical obstacles
- Groups running experienced spotters and recovery support
- Off-roaders intentionally seeking extreme challenges
This Trail Isn’t For:
- Beginner or intermediate drivers
- Stock or lightly modified vehicles
- Solo runs without recovery assistance
- Drivers concerned about body or drivetrain damage
- Wet or unstable trail conditions
Driving Difficulty
Rating: Extreme (9/10) — sustained rock ledges, steep climbs, minimal bypasses, and a very high likelihood of winch-assisted progress or vehicle damage.
Vehicle Requirements
Daniel Trail requires a purpose-built, heavily modified 4×4 designed specifically for extreme rock crawling. This trail exposes weaknesses in suspension, gearing, traction, and armor very quickly.
Commonly recommended equipment includes:
- 37”–40”+ tires with aggressive tread
- Front and rear locking differentials
- Very low gearing and reinforced drivetrain components
- Full armor: rock sliders, skid plates, reinforced bumpers
- Winch, recovery points, and a complete recovery kit
Breakover angle, articulation, and traction management are critical. Long wheelbase vehicles and open differentials are significant disadvantages on this trail.
Seasonality & Access
Daniel Trail follows the standard Uwharrie OHV seasonal schedule but is extremely sensitive to moisture. Even light rain can drastically increase difficulty by reducing traction on exposed rock.
Many experienced drivers will only attempt Daniel after extended dry periods and with recent condition reports confirming favorable traction.
Before attempting Daniel Trail, it’s critical to:
- Confirm current OHV trail status
- Verify dry trail conditions
- Run with a fully capable, experienced group
Warnings & Hazards
Daniel Trail presents extreme risk. Rollovers, drivetrain failures, body damage, and difficult recoveries are realistic possibilities even for well-prepared vehicles.
Major hazards include:
- Large rock ledges with limited traction margin
- Steep, exposed climbs
- Off-camber sections with high consequence
- Minimal recovery and turnaround options
Spotters are mandatory, patience is essential, and knowing when to winch rather than force progress is key to a safe outcome.
Interesting for Off-Roaders
Daniel Trail is often spoken of as the benchmark extreme trail at Uwharrie. Successfully completing it is considered a major accomplishment and a testament to both vehicle capability and driver discipline.
For serious rock crawlers, Daniel offers an uncompromising test that rewards preparation, teamwork, and respect for unforgiving terrain.
This trail appeals most to off-roaders who enjoy:
- Extreme rock crawling
- Sustained technical challenges
- High-consequence, skill-driven driving
Daniel Trail embodies NC Offroad at its most demanding: preparation is mandatory, humility is required, and respect for the trail is non-negotiable.