With Dana 60s, 46-inch Baja Claws, and a 454ci under the hood, Ronnie Reave’s ultraclean ’95 Chevy Z-71 was well built to handle the bigger pits. Since Reave had one of the taller trucks, he was usually the first to test the murky waters before the rest of the pack went through.With Dana 60s, 46-inch Baja Claws, and a 454ci under the hood, Ronnie Reave’s ultraclean ’ Whether it’s splashing through a puddle, gunning it through swampy ruts, or attempting a seemingly bottomless pit, mud tends to attract wheelers of all ages and types. Sure, it’s a big mess to clean up after, but few things are more enjoyable than bouncing off of the rev limiter as waves of mud and water explode around your rig. Nestled in Ash, North Carolina, near the border of South Carolina, is an off-road park built with mud enthusiasts in mind. Known as Carolina Backwoods, the 200-acre private park is designed as a family-friendly weekend wheeling getaway. With trails ranging from easy to extreme and a test area equipped with a rock garden and technical hillclimbs, the park has something for just about every level of wheeler and rig. Since warmer weather is finally pushing out the cold, the park has made the shift from being open weekends only to all week. Guiding our group through the mud-covered terra was Billy Hamilton and his ’91 Suzuki Samurai. Outfitted with Toyota mini-truck axles, custom cut 35-inch Boggers, and a four-cylinder engine from a Geo Tracker, the little ninja cut through some of the more difficult and narrow trails with ease.Guiding our group through the mud-covered terra was Billy Hamilton and his ’91 Suzuki Samu We recently got the chance to head down to Backwoods to check out a typical weekend of wheeling in the coastal plains. And while we now have a long date with the pressure washer, we did have a blast exploring the mud-lined forest. For more information on the park, check them out at www.carolinabackwoods.com. Al Hand was one of few off-road enthusiast who traveled a good distance to come spend the weekend wheeling with his family at the park. Putting the 34-inch TSLs to good use all weekend, Hand’s CJ-7 could usually be found with the pedal down and the mudslinging high.Al Hand was one of few off-road enthusiast who traveled a good distance to come spend the Matthew Vance’s XJ plays double duty as his daily driver and weekend trail machine. Equipped with a 41⁄2-inch Rough Country lift and 35-inch BFG A-Ts, the custom chopped Cherokee used momentum to keep from getting bogged down in the muddy ruts.Matthew Vance’s XJ plays double duty as his daily driver and weekend trail machine. Equipp At 12 years old, Samuel Hand was the youngest mud pilot on the day of our ride. Driving an ’83 Ramcharger, Sam did a great job shifting the NP435 transmission through some of the park’s toughest pits.At 12 years old, Samuel Hand was the youngest mud pilot on the day of our ride. Driving an The man responsible for the park’s existence is veteran Jeeper Larry Ray. When he isn’t busy cutting new trails or pulling guys out, he can usually be found taking to the trails in his well-worn CJ-5.The man responsible for the park’s existence is veteran Jeeper Larry Ray. When he isn’t bu Stacy Babb is a wheeler who is not scared to use the skinny pedal when the time is right. Though his ’87 Cherokee is only mildly built, that didn’t stop him from attempting (and usually conquering) most obstacles at the park.Stacy Babb is a wheeler who is not scared to use the skinny pedal when the time is right. When you’re ready to take a break from some of the mud, you can try your hand at the park’s rock garden. While it’s no Rubicon, it is a fun challenge suitable for all types of rigs.When you’re ready to take a break from some of the mud, you can try your hand at the park’ Jack Phillips and his ’78 Chevy are no strangers to the mud. Though he battled a few transfer case issues throughout the day, what he lacked in low range he made up for with a mean-sounding 383ci stroked engine.Jack Phillips and his ’78 Chevy are no strangers to the mud. Though he battled a few trans Many of the Carolina Backwoods trails have low and high sides to their mud pits. Don’t be surprised if you get swamped trying to figure out which side is right for you!Many of the Carolina Backwoods trails have low and high sides to their mud pits. Don’t be Camping at the park ranges from primitive tent and RV sites to plush cabins. And for those with more hobbies than one, the park is also open to horseback riders, ATVs, side-bys, dirt bikes, and even fishermen looking to cast a lure in the property’s stocked pond.Camping at the park ranges from primitive tent and RV sites to plush cabins. And for those SOURCES Carolina Backwoods N/A www.carolinabackwoods.com By Ali Mansour Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
