William B. Bankhead National Forest Brushy Creek OHV Technical Loop
Technical creek crawling through Alabama's rockiest terrain.
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1100 ft |
| Best season | June-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Double Springs, Alabama |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler run this trail, or do I need lockers?
A stock Wrangler will struggle here. The minimum bar is a modified 4WD with at least one locker — the boulder gardens and creek crossings will high-center or strand a completely stock rig. Skid plates and a lift are strongly advised.
Is the Brushy Creek OHV loop accessible year-round?
Best season runs June through November. Winter and early spring bring heavy rain that turns creek crossings dangerous and unpredictable — some sections can flood completely. Check with the Bankhead Ranger District before any late-fall or spring run.
Do I need a permit or OHV pass to run this trail?
No dedicated OHV permit is required for Bankhead National Forest, but you must have a street-legal or properly registered off-highway vehicle per Alabama state law. No fee to access the trail itself — dispersed camping is free on National Forest land.
What's the hardest section, and what makes it genuinely technical?
The tight boulder gardens mid-loop combined with the steep creek crossings are where rigs get stuck or damaged. You're picking lines through loose rock shelves at awkward angles with water flowing underneath — one bad line and you're on your rocker panels. Having a spotter is not optional here.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
Cell service is nonexistent on this trail — plan accordingly and carry a satellite communicator. Double Springs is the nearest town with fuel, roughly 15-20 minutes from the trailhead, so top off before you head in.
Trail track
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