My Uwharrie Off-Road Adventure

Conquering the Unexpected! 

Uwharrie National Forest is a mecca for off-road enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of trails that challenge even the most experienced drivers. The forest boasts nearly 20 miles of trails sprawling across the Badin Lake Recreation Area, with difficulties ranging from easy to extremely challenging.

My Jeep on Dickey Bell Trail

Spring Invasion 2018: A Muddy Affair

During the Carolina Trails Off-Road Spring Invasion in 2018, I experienced firsthand how unpredictable off-roading can be. While my previous excursions on Uwharrie's notorious "Three D" trails (Dickey Bell, Dutch John, and Daniel) had been on dry, dusty terrain, this time was dramatically different.

Uwharrie Off-road Adventure 👉 Spring Invasion 2018

My Jeep on a muddy trail

When Easy Becomes Difficult

Recent rains had transformed the typically manageable trails into slick, treacherous paths of red clay. This unexpected condition turned what should have been an easy to moderate ride into a challenging test of skill and patience.

My Jeep trying to get traction on a muddy trail

Lessons in Traction

My Jeep, usually adept at crawling over rocks, struggled to find traction on the slippery mud. One particularly frustrating moment saw me needing a tow after my driver's side tire repeatedly slipped into a two-foot rut. My treads were caked with slick clay-like mud. It was a humbling experience watching other off-roaders navigate the same obstacle with precise throttle control.

My Jeep Off-road Fail 👉 Struggling in the Mud

Selfie with my muddy Jeep

Adapting to the Elements

As the day progressed, I learned to adjust my driving technique. The key was finding the right balance between caution and assertiveness with the throttle—a skill quite different from my usual rock-crawling approach. By the end of the event, I had noticeably improved my mud-driving abilities.

Takeaways for Off-Road Enthusiasts

Always Be Prepared: Weather can drastically change trail conditions.

Adapt Your Driving: Different terrains require different techniques.

Learn from Others: Observe how experienced drivers handle challenging situations.

Practice Makes Perfect: Each outing is an opportunity to improve your skills.

Read more about my Tips for First-time Off-roaders. 

Uwharrie National Forest offers an unparalleled off-road experience that can challenge and thrill drivers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, Uwharrie's trails promise adventure and the opportunity to expect—and conquer—the unexpected.

My new Jeep friends

Check out my videos from the event! 

👉Learning to Use Throttle 

👉 Slab Pile Trail 79 & Wolf Den Trail 89

👉 Rocky Mountain Loop

👉 Challenging Day on the Trails

My Journey with the Quadratec Q-Performance Stealth Winch

A Reliable Companion

Finally after five years of patiently waiting, I won a winch. I was hesitant to spend the money on a winch when the chances of me using it were slim to none. Little did I know, this winch would be used dozens of times over the years. My hope was to win one at a raffle at one of the many wheeling events I attend.

Recovery gear and tools are important if you take your Jeep on those trails off-road. 

Showing off my new Winch. 

My patience paid off. During the raffle at the Women's Wheeling Trail Guide Class with Off Road Consulting my number was called. This winch is solid! 

Quadratec Q-Performance Stealth Winch

My new winch installed on my bumper. 

My Experience with This Trusty Winch

Over the years, I've found myself relying on my winch countless times. Whether helping fellow Jeep enthusiasts out of tricky spots or tackling challenging terrains, this winch has proven its worth repeatedly.

I've used it on the renowned Rubicon Trail, pulled Jeeps out of ditches, and rescued vehicles from snowy mountain trails. It even came in handy to free a truck with a snow plow and to flip over a lake pontoon float at my sister's place.

In the past four years, this winch has been a steadfast companion, used dozens of times and still going strong. Its durability and reliability have made it an indispensable part of my off-roading adventures.  

One of the techs helping install my winch. 

Never having done a winch install I went to the guys at Adrenaline Off Road to show me the way. 

Jeep Momma's Winch Install