We rode Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park in Taylorsville, North Carolina, during Yamaha’s 2017 Wolverine X4 introduction. Park access and rules can change; check the park’s current information before visiting.
By Jon Crowley
Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park makes a compelling case for riding a side-by-side in western North Carolina. The wooded trails climb and descend through the Brushy Mountains, and the turns leave little room for an oversized machine. We experienced the park from the driver’s and passenger seats of a four-seat Yamaha Wolverine X4 during its 2017 media introduction. The setting showed why a nimble trail UTV can be more enjoyable here than a wide desert-focused machine.
What Is Riding Brushy Mountain Like?
On our visit, the trails were tight, technical and full of elevation changes. We climbed hills in four-wheel drive with the differential locked, then relied on predictable engine braking for the descents. Trees close to the trail kept the pace deliberate. It was engaging riding without needing high speeds, and the scenery made the drive feel like an exploration of the North Carolina foothills.
The park describes more than 1,700 acres and over 100 miles of trails across its network. That total includes motorcycle routes: side-by-sides use the designated double-track trails, so consult the park’s trail information and map for the SXS routes available on your visit.
Choosing a Side-by-Side for Brushy Mountain
The park states a maximum SXS width of 64 inches for bridge clearance. Our Wolverine X4’s 82.7-inch wheelbase and compact four-seat layout suited the narrow trails. I fit in the rear seat at 6 feet 1 inch, and the machine remained comfortable with four adults aboard. Its self-leveling rear shocks handled the changing passenger load, while the quiet 847cc twin let us talk at trail speeds.
Those observations explain why the X4 worked at this park; the detailed machine assessment belongs in our separate 2018 Yamaha Wolverine X4 review.
Planning a SXS Visit
Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park is in Taylorsville, North Carolina. The park lists its entrance at 2491 Lambert Fork Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681. It offers day passes and on-site camping, including primitive and RV options; confirm current availability and fees directly with the park.
Before hauling a side-by-side there, read the current park rules, especially the 64-inch width limit, one-way trail markings, protective gear requirements and SXS driver and passenger rules. The published SXS policy includes a minimum age and driver’s-license requirement, so families should check eligibility before planning a ride with younger passengers. The park also prohibits coolers beyond the parking area. Check trail status and hours and passes shortly before departure; weather and events can affect access.
For camping details, see the park’s lodging page. Its main website is BMMSPark.com.
From Our 2017 Ride
Our original Instagram post and ten-image Wolverine X4 gallery preserve a look at the vehicles and terrain from that trip.
View UTV Guide’s original Brushy Mountain ride post on Instagram
