Dipping toes

acts009

New Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2022
Location
NC
Ive been thinking about getting into 4x4ing. Ive never really done any, but thought I would start with Uwharrie. Are there any trails that you think a stock Mazda CX-5 could get through?
 
Pretty much all of it except Daniel, depending on how much you care about body damage. If you care about body damage, not much at all. Maybe slabpile and sawmill.
 
The CX-5 does not have a low range transfer case. Not to be mean, but your car won't get very far on the trails. Try messing around on some landscape berms or small ditches to see if it will even make it over them. If you do plan on going to Uwharrie, DEFINITELY have another vehicle with you that is an actual 4x4 in case you get stuck.
 
I'll tell you like I told my daughter's... "Stay off the D's"

Avoid Daniel, Dickey Bell, and Dutch John and you should be Ok
They paved URE a few years ago and I could do most of it in my suburban
 
Well it's def not "4x4ing" in a 2wd...fwd at that CAR. Just sayin.



And you've never wheeled I def wouldn't recommend starting in something that is in no way shape or form built for anything other than a paved road and parking lot.

Just looking out. Merry Christmas
 
Everyone is pretty much spot on. You're Mazda isn't really equipped for the trails, it would be ruined in the first 100 feet. There are some forest roads up in the mountains that you could drive on. Look for Forest service roads, however there are some that can get rough and aren't maintained as well. I'ts been some time but, there is a road that runs along the Linville Gorge that at one time would be passable in your vehicle. I haven't been on it in years but You would probably enjoy it.

Old North Carolina 105 I think is the name.

All of this is at your own risk, and I'd advise going with someone if you are inexperienced.
Hope it doesn't discourage you, and look into it more. Maybe if you have a friend with a Jeep you could ride passenger and see what we are talking about.
 
Welcome to the board! I’ll echo the others that URE isn’t well suited for low hanging vehicles. You CAN do it, but you will hold up traffic when you high center on the erosion berms. I’ve seen a couple of locals get a long bed 2wd Tacoma through Rocky Mountain Loop but it caused an hour long traffic jam. Don’t be that guy.

Old NC 105 and surrounding fire roads are a great start. We got a front wheel drive Chevy Equinox through old 105 with no issues, so I’d be confident a cx5 would be fine. But it’s up to you to decide if you’re comfortable. If you do go, go from the north end and head south as you will hit most of the steep areas in a downhill section. It’s great scenery and camping when weather is nice! Lots of hiking and rock climbing if you’re into that as well. Shoot me a message and I’d be happy to go with y’all this spring once weather warms up. It’s always wise to go with at least one other vehicle, especially since you’re new to off-roading.

Also make sure to look up and read Tread Lightly guidelines before you go on a trip. Public access trails are slowly dying off and it’s incredibly important to make sure you are “wheeling” responsibly.

Oh yeah, and have fun! :rockon:
 
iirc @Spence and I were testing the old #111 ECORS XJ one time down there and crossed paths with something car-ish on one of the trails.... i was thinking it was a CX-5 but it may have been a Jeep Compass or who knows.
 
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