William B. Bankhead National Forest Brushy Creek OHV Technical Loop

Brushy Creek cuts a wicked path through the sandstone bluffs of Bankhead National Forest, serving up the kind of technical rock crawling that’ll test your diff locks and your nerves. This OHV loop connects three major creek crossings with gnarly boulder fields, including the infamous “Washing Machine” – a water-carved slot between house-sized rocks that’s claimed more skid plates than a junkyard. The route follows old logging roads that snake through dense hardwood hollows, with Brushy Creek itself acting as your main highway for nearly two miles of the 12-mile circuit.

This is legit difficult territory that demands a built rig – solid skids, 33s minimum, lockers front and rear, and recovery gear you know how to use. Spring runoff turns creek crossings into swimming pools; summer and fall offer the best conditions when water levels drop. No permits needed, but you’ll want the Bankhead OHV map and a full tank since the nearest fuel is 30 miles out in Double Springs. Come for the challenge, stay for some of Alabama’s most remote backcountry camping along the creek.