How to get started offroading/adventuring in the southeast US?

[prodi]

I just bought a 2025 2D Rubicon and want to get into overlanding, adventuring, and basically just getting lost somewhere. I've never done any serious offroading before but right now I'm dreaming of driving out into the woods away from public camping spots and doing some hunting, fishing, dirtbiking, you name it. I'm in Florida but am more than happy to make some roadtrips north (eg. NC, Tennessee, etc etc). Pretty much a total newbie so I'm also looking for resources where i can get smart on everything offroading, thanks!

Sponsored

 

[JEEP4U]

Sign up for an event on Jeep Jamboree USA.....a little pricey. But, they are really good at showing newbies and they represent themselves well.

Join a Jeep club in Northern GA or Tenn.

Not sure what tires you have.........But, wheeling in the Southeast, you will need a great mud tire....BFG KO's wont cut it.

 

[bcupton]

I would suggest attending the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion in August at Pigeon Forge TN. There are lots of trains around that area as well.

 

[NCC-74656]

Have you joined the Florida Trail Stompers page on facebook? 21K+ strong with plenty of helpful people to provide input on your questions.

 

[GavinH]

I recommend joining a Jeep club and downloading OnX to see if anything is local you can escape into. Florida overall has really easy trails, avoid the mud and water and you pretty much can’t get stuck. Things can get real intense when traveling out of state if you don’t have the hours wheeling and especially if alone, start small and work your way up. Recommend The Orlando Jeep Club and Florida Trail Stompers, they’re always doing rides and several out of state trips each year I already have 4 planned myself.

 

[Dirtflirt]

Off roading in the SE requires a bit more prep than other parts of the country.
Some of the list of items that are considered must haves, winch and recovery gear including tree saver, GMRS radio, larger MT tires 35's minimum, tools, tire plug kit and ...

Joining a club will help. I am usually riding at private parks in Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, just not many places in Georgia.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

Join a local Jeep Club. My $.02

 

[prodi]

Off roading in the SE requires a bit more prep than other parts of the country.
Some of the list of items that are considered must haves, winch and recovery gear including tree saver, GMRS radio, larger MT tires 35's minimum, tools, tire plug kit and ...

Joining a club will help. I am usually riding at private parks in Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, just not many places in Georgia.

Yeah I'm putting together a shopping list for what I'll need, appreciate the additions!

 

[Comac90]

In addition to the other suggestions about jeep clubs etc, I’d recommend instruction from someone experienced. Over the last 30 years of doing this off-road thing, I’ve seen a lot of people make a lot of dumb, even downright dangerous decisions that endangered themselves, their equipment, and most importantly, others. Don’t be that guy.

You may want to check out https://www.overlandexperts.com/ if you’re ever heading to NC. They’re located directly across from Uwharrie OHV area and have some awesome programs. I spent a weekend with those guys running trails around their property and was really impressed with their whole team

I’d also recommend getting involved with Tread Lightly. They have a lot of good info on conservation and off-roading responsibly.

Pic of my wife on the OEX practice course :

Sponsored