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ModernJeeper Destinations: Hell’s Canyon, Duff, Tennessee [Updated!] ModernJeeper Destinations: Hell’s Canyon, Duff, Tennessee [Updated!]
Hell’s Canyon…A trail that will test every piece of equipment on your Jeep. A trail that can and will break your junk. Some say... ModernJeeper Destinations: Hell’s Canyon, Duff, Tennessee [Updated!]

Hell’s Canyon…A trail that will test every piece of equipment on your Jeep. A trail that can and will break your junk. Some say that it is cursed. Some say that it is not designed for Jeeps. And I say it is my nemesis.

UPDATE: We have been contacted by the owner of the tract of land that includes the beginning of the trail at Davis Creek road mentioned in this article. The trail remains on his property about halfway to Hang Over rock where it then continues on to his neighbor’s land for a few 100 feet and then on to the massive multi-state Ataya tract. Soon, the trailhead will be posted as private and motor vehicles prohibited (includes ATVs/ORVs). This should not prevent those wanting to reach Hell’s Canyon from doing so. The owner believes you can still reach the main ridge near Hell’s canyon from other points east, west, and south. Please respect private property owner’s rights to peace and privacy!

The trail head is located on Davis Creek Road in Duff, TN. The easiest way to find the trail is to follow your GPS directions to Woodson Gap Church. The trail head is just across the road from the churches parking lot.

The trail starts off mild with some muddy areas and some elevation incline. If there is one word that describes this trail, it would be “tight”. The trail is narrow and will give your rig some custom pin striping courtesy of mother nature.

You will get to drive under Hangover Rock through a small stream and then back up the mountain. Once up the hill you will hang a left to reach the first of many big challenges…. Hell’s Canyon. Hell’s Canyon is basically the gate keeper to the top of the mountain.

I have yet to see anyone in a Jeep make it up Hell’s Canyon. This is a bonified buggy hill. My rig on 42’s was no match for the undercut rocks. So I suggest you take the bypass and take it extremely slow as you will be off camber. Once you’re at the top of the obstacle you must squeeze your rig between a tree and a hard spot. Time to test the winch. This is just the beginning of what is to come, but its well worth the battle up the canyon. The view from the top is amazing and a great spot for photo’s and lunch.

After that, it continues with more tightness. Trees that are 65” apart from each other are tough to get full width axles through. These challenges last for what feels like hours, but the the mountain offers up one last photo opp under an arch with another great view of the valley.

If you are looking to challenge your rig and driving skills, then Hell’s Canyon is for you. But I must warn you, carnage is highly likely. I have broken an axle, mirror, dented doors, killed a steering pump, ripped a tire, blown a winch, and much more. On a scale of 1-10, I have got to rate this trail a 10.

Make sure to check out some incredible videos from the trail.

 

 

 

 

 

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Phillip Thorpe Contributing Writer

Philip has been an off-road fanatic every since he could crawl into his Grandpa's "monster truck." Over the years he has been a successful competitive fisherman and hunter. He is a connoisseur of Bourbon and BBQ. He also spends his time as a Moderator on Modern Jeeper Forum and a land use advocate for the Blue Ribbon Coalition.

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