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Posted by: jaybeecon55
Royal Blue is divided into two main areas by interstate 75. The east side is more popular - from I-75 exit at #141 (Huntsville, Oneida). Take the road past the Perkins restaurant for about three miles, always taking the left hand fork in the road. This road will go from two lane blacktop to one lane blacktop to gravel and eventually becomes one of the access roads for RB. After three miles, look for three gravel parking lots on the left. Plenty of room for parking, some set up campers there, although on nice weekends it can get crowded.
Royal Blue west is accessed by old hwy 63. Easiest access is to go to the next exit below to the #134 exit (Caryville- LaFollette). Take old 63 past Shoneys. After passing the fire hall, 63 becomes a 1 1/2 lane wide paved road. Go about a mile until you pass Red Ash church, parking is on the second gravel road on the left after passing the church (about 1/10th a mile). Take the gravel road up over the RR tracks into a large gravel lot. You can also continue up 63 about another 4 miles to the Turley parking area. Look for a small bridge on the left to get over the creek. Turley is actually closer to the 141 exit.
The two sides of RB are connected by ATV trails but they are tricky to find. RB east has many interconnecting trails ranging from gravel fire roads to rocky technical trails. Most are moderate but require some care. You'll likely find more motorcycles and jeeps on the east side in addition to more ATV's. RB west is larger and has much longer more open trails. A new coal mine has opened up so many miles of the lower end trails are now wide gravel roads with occasional dump truck traffic. There are still many miles of ATV trails that also exit outside the RB area into other legal riding areas. The south side of RB west joins up with Coal Creeks riding system. I've been riding RB for six years and still manage to find new trails.
You need a permit to ride RB. They have a wierd fee system - For locals, TWRA will sell you an annual license to ride RB that will cost you $50, however - locals can also buy a regular state hunting/fishing license ($21) and add a Royal Blue game stamp ($12) and get not only hunting & fishing priviledges but also have the right to ride ATV's in RB. Out of state riding fees are $160 for a years pass and somewhere around $10 - 25 for a one day ticket. I'm not sure if there is any way for an out-of-stater to get a price break by using the hunting/fishing method. Licenses are available at any local sproting store (including Wal-Mart). The rangers do stop and check for permits so I would not advise running without them. If you wander into Coal Creek there is a $10 day or $50 year fee. The Coal Creek trails are clearly marked so there is no mistaking where you are.
There are several motels at both exits, a fair choice of restaurants and a campground at Cove Lake park off exit 134. A GPS is a good idea.
Jaybee
Posted by: jaybeecon55
Yes and Yes. I've seen more in-the-woods camps on the west side. On the east side, most set up a camper at the edge of one of the parking lots.
Jaybee
Posted by: DanW
Can you pack your gear on your atv's and camp inside Royal Blue? If so, can you have a campfire?
Posted by: BIGBLAZER
i am interested in riding at royal blue. has anybody ever ridden there and can anybody give me directions on how to get there. thanks for any help
Posted by: BIGBLAZER
the information you provided was excellent. with the directions you gave it should be no problem to find this place. thanks for all the help.
