I brushed on this a little bit in the scouting thread but wanted to further talk about it so all of us could be looking for good places to go and further deepen our trails we can go on.
The best way to find out about trail systems is to hear it by word of mouth. I cannot tell you how many times I've asked someone in a gas station where there is a good place to go wheeling, mudding or a really cool road. You have to make your own decision on how to approach them and what to ask but usually the condition of the store and the gender of the person will give you a good idea on if they know anything.
Second best way which has worked for me is to search on the internet. There are usually other clubs in the area that know some good places. While I don't think this is the best way to find places it has worked for us in the past. I do try to shy away from it because those clubs have done all the leg work in finding that area. We are a big enough club to where we should be doing this on our own.
Finding the places on the internet is not as hard as you may think. I use Web browser and Live Maps are incompatible as well as US Photo Maps ( JDMCOX [Free Windows] Software ). The Maps live will give you a good idea of the trail conditions. I look for dirt trails. This usually means the trail is still in use while a trail that is not is usually overgrown.
Once you have located some potential spots use the free US Photo Maps software to get to that spot. It's very handy since it uses USGS maps and with a small GPS receiver you can plot out the trails. You can also use this software exclusively since most of the trails that are still in use are labeled Jeep Trail. JP and myself went scouting one day in an area about 20 square miles and found probably a half dozen potential trails that were not blocked.
Legal trails. I would not recommend going down a trail that has been either blocked, gated, or posted with signs. As a club we cannot use these areas unless we have a piece of paper from the owner stating UC can be on their property. Plus here in SC, GA, NC you don't want to be caught trespassing. You could get shot. So do your research. Local, State and National Forest are usually the best place to start looking. Start there and work you way out.
The only way to actually find the trail though is to get in your cruiser or car and go look at it. Also be prepared to hike. It's not wise to scout on your own. Getting stuck in the middle of know where is not fun. You best to walk any hard spots.
Most of all plot the trail. Get a good GPS locations so it can be used for further exploration.
The best way to find out about trail systems is to hear it by word of mouth. I cannot tell you how many times I've asked someone in a gas station where there is a good place to go wheeling, mudding or a really cool road. You have to make your own decision on how to approach them and what to ask but usually the condition of the store and the gender of the person will give you a good idea on if they know anything.
Second best way which has worked for me is to search on the internet. There are usually other clubs in the area that know some good places. While I don't think this is the best way to find places it has worked for us in the past. I do try to shy away from it because those clubs have done all the leg work in finding that area. We are a big enough club to where we should be doing this on our own.
Finding the places on the internet is not as hard as you may think. I use Web browser and Live Maps are incompatible as well as US Photo Maps ( JDMCOX [Free Windows] Software ). The Maps live will give you a good idea of the trail conditions. I look for dirt trails. This usually means the trail is still in use while a trail that is not is usually overgrown.
Once you have located some potential spots use the free US Photo Maps software to get to that spot. It's very handy since it uses USGS maps and with a small GPS receiver you can plot out the trails. You can also use this software exclusively since most of the trails that are still in use are labeled Jeep Trail. JP and myself went scouting one day in an area about 20 square miles and found probably a half dozen potential trails that were not blocked.
Legal trails. I would not recommend going down a trail that has been either blocked, gated, or posted with signs. As a club we cannot use these areas unless we have a piece of paper from the owner stating UC can be on their property. Plus here in SC, GA, NC you don't want to be caught trespassing. You could get shot. So do your research. Local, State and National Forest are usually the best place to start looking. Start there and work you way out.
The only way to actually find the trail though is to get in your cruiser or car and go look at it. Also be prepared to hike. It's not wise to scout on your own. Getting stuck in the middle of know where is not fun. You best to walk any hard spots.
Most of all plot the trail. Get a good GPS locations so it can be used for further exploration.
