The Trails

From mellow fire roads to full-send rock crawls — Barnwell Mountain has terrain for every skill level and every build.

1,850

Acres of Park

27+

Miles of Trail

5

Difficulty Levels

Endless

Adventure & Fun

Built for Every
Skill Level

Barnwell Mountain's trail system spans the full 1,850-acre property with over 27 miles of mapped, rated, and volunteer-maintained trails. Every trailhead is clearly signed — a system so well designed it's been adopted as a model by other parks nationwide.

Trails are rated using a diamond system from 1 (Beginner) to 5 (Extreme), so you always know what you're getting into before you drop the transfer case. Whether you're running a stock Tacoma or a built-out 80 Series, there's a trail with your name on it.

The 16-mile Adventure Trail offers a less demanding route across the property — perfect for overlanders, passengers, and anyone wanting to take in the scenery without the adrenaline.

Trail Tips

  • Know your rig — pick trails rated for your build
  • Never wheel alone; buddy up or join a trail group
  • Carry a recovery kit: tow strap, shackles, Hi-Lift
  • A winch is your best friend on 4 and 5 diamond trails
  • All trails are clearly signed — follow the markers
  • Respect other riders and yield to uphill traffic
  • Pack out what you pack in — keep BMRA clean

Know Before You Go

All trails at BMRA are rated using the diamond system. Match your build and experience to the right level — and know your limits before you hit the trail.

Beginner

1 Diamond

"4WD needed occasionally. Relaxing ride with few tough spots."

Stock 4WD vehicles with low range and reasonable clearance are all you need. Expect sand, shallow water, small-to-medium rocks, light mud, and rolling hills.

Requirements

  • Stock 4WD with low range
  • Reasonable ground clearance
  • Good for first-timers

Intermediate

2 Diamonds

"4WD needed a lot. Stock vehicles and tires OK."

Larger tires and a limited slip differential will help. A transfer case ratio of 2.5:1 or higher and 50/50 locked transfer cases improve performance noticeably.

Requirements

  • Stock tires OK, larger helps
  • Limited slip differential recommended
  • Transfer case 2.5:1+

Advanced

3 Diamonds

"Large, aggressive tires needed. Rear locker recommended."

Solid front axles, sway bar disconnects, and real driving skill become critical here. Expect bigger rocks, steeper grades, and tighter lines.

Requirements

  • Large aggressive tires
  • Rear locker recommended
  • Solid front axle
  • Sway bar disconnect helps

Expert

4 Diamonds

"Rear locker needed. Front locker & winch recommended."

Requires 31"+ tires (33"+ preferred), a rear locker, winch, and experience tackling steep climbs and side-hill traversing. Not for the unprepared.

Requirements

  • 31"+ tires (33"+ preferred)
  • Rear locker required
  • Winch strongly recommended
  • Front locker / LSD recommended

Extreme

5 Diamonds

"Front & rear lockers, winch, and experience required."

The toughest BMRA has to offer. Demands 33"+ tires, dual lockers, a winch, and extensive off-road experience. Vehicle damage is a real possibility — come ready.

Requirements

  • 33"+ tires minimum
  • Front AND rear lockers
  • Winch required
  • Extensive experience needed
  • Vehicle damage possible

Toyota Vehicles Only

The Toyota Jamboree is a Toyota-only wheeling event. All wheeling vehicles must be Toyota brand. Passengers and spectators are welcome in any vehicle. Check our Vehicle Restrictions page for full details on what's permitted on the trails.

Vehicle Restrictions

Ready to Wheel?

April 30 – May 3, 2026 · Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area · Gilmer, Texas