Off-Road Profile: Get lost in the expanse of Windrock Park

What's 72,000 acres and has a history dating back to 1872? Windrock Off-road Park, that's what!

Windrock Park is the largest privately owned off-road park in the United States. It features tons of trails leading to off-road adventures through breathtaking landscapes. 

Located in Oliver Springs, Tenn., Windrock welcomes ATV's, dirt bikes and Jeeps or other 4x4 vehicles. The park is open 365 days a year. All of their trails combined equal over 310 miles of terrain to navigate in a vehicle or on foot. The park is connected to the picturesque Cumberland Mountains and also has accommodations for camping.

A map of Windrock's trails with vehicle designations.

Some trails at Windrock are open to all vehicles while others are designated specifically for four wheeling. Ranging from quiet gravel roads to extremely difficult terrain, trails are rated like ski slopes: from green to double black diamond. 

Windrock routinely features a Trail of the Month on their website, WindrockPark.com. March's trail is number 27. It is moderate difficulty and open to all vehicles. 

"The trail is very scenic and crosses a few mud holes before descending down and across Bletcher’s Creek," reads Trail 27's description. "This is a beautiful wooded area with rippling waters and thick strands of Hemlocks and other trees which makes a great place to stop for a lunch break."

Click here for a trail map showing terrain.

To explore the trails at Windrock all those entering the park must purchase a Land Use Permit. Everyone in the park must have a permit, regardless of age; though children's permits are cheaper. For a single day an adult permit is $17 ($8 for children 12 and under).

Two, three and four day permits are also available. Adults can buy annual permits for $88. Purchase permits at the Windrock Campground Office or General Store. 

Visiting this monstrous park for a weekend trip or vacation is easy. Windrock has a 259-acre campground full of eye-catching views. There are seven fully furnished cabins available and 10 smaller cabins with double bunk beds. RV's are welcome at 39 different sites with full sewer and electrical hook-ups. 

Jeepers navigate one of Windrock's many trails.

If you prefer tent camping, the campground also has over 100 clear sites perfect for it. These come complete with a fire ring and picnic table. There are two bathhouses, one by the RV sites and another by the clear sites. And, if you don't want to leave the modern world totally behind, the campground office has wifi. 

So how did this gigantic park and campground get started? Windrock Park is operated by the Coal Creek Company. Established in 1872, Coal Creek Company manages Windrock Park and Campground and is involved in the harvesting of natural resources like timber, coal and natural gas. 

"After we first began selling permits to access the trails in 2001, it took around four to five years to become really successful," said Kira Smith-Ludwig, Marketing Manager for Coal Creek. She noted that several off-road clubs helped the park become what it is today. 

A picturesque view from Windrock Park.

"Windrock Park is ever-growing and continues with new developments which we are really excited about," said Kira.

Windrock showcases a large number of events every year. Upcoming festivities include 4-Wheeling For a Cure and a Jeep Jamboree in April. 

For more information on Windrock Park visit: WindrockPark.com. To contact the General Store call: (865) 435-3492. To book your stay with the campground call: (865) 435-1251 or email: info@windrockpark.com.

A few Jeeps hanging out at Windrock.