Overton Park Old Forest Technical Loop
Old-growth forest wheeling in downtown Memphis
Hidden in the heart of Memphis, Overton Park’s Old Forest State Natural Area preserves 126 acres of original hardwood forest that somehow survived urbanization. The technical loop follows old carriage roads and maintenance tracks through steep ravines and around massive 200-year-old oaks. The challenging “Ravine Descent” section drops 40 feet through exposed roots and washouts that require careful line choice and spotting.
This is strictly a high-clearance trail requiring good articulation and skid plates for the rocky creek crossings. While only moderate in difficulty, the tight confines and proximity to civilization make recovery complicated. Open year-round but best after dry spells when the clay isn’t slick. It’s a unique chance to wheel through old-growth forest minutes from downtown Memphis, though the short loop means it’s more of a skills test than an adventure destination.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Technical, Urban |
| Length (miles) | 3 mi / 4.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 340 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Memphis, TN |
| Land manager | Memphis Parks & Recreation |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | memphisparks.org |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but the root obstacles and steep ravine lips can scrape low-hanging skid plates. A modest 2-inch lift helps, but it's not a dealbreaker — just go slow on the drops.
Is this trail accessible year-round, and does rain make it worse?
The trail is open year-round, but the dirt surface through those ravines turns greasy fast after rain. Roots become ice rinks in wet conditions — mud tires make a real difference, and post-rain runs will chew up the trail surface, so check recent conditions before you go.
Do you need a permit to wheel here, and is there a fee?
Yes, a permit is required through Memphis Parks & Recreation. Contact them directly at memphisparks.org to confirm current fees and any access restrictions before you show up — enforcement in an urban park is more consistent than on remote public land.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The steep ravine descents with exposed root networks are the crux — roots can kick your front end sideways unexpectedly, especially off camber. At only 180 feet of elevation gain across 3 miles, it's not about altitude; it's about patience, throttle control, and not trusting your tires on wet roots.
This is inside a city — where do you park, and is there room to turn a rig with a trailer?
You're parking inside Overton Park in Memphis, so trailer rigs will be tight — this is not a trailer-friendly run. Street parking and the park's lots are your options, and you're dealing with pedestrians, cyclists, and dog walkers sharing the space, so keep that in mind before you load up a long-bed truck with a bumper-to-bumper rig.
Trail track
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