TORCH TRAIL REVIEW #003 | PANNELL RD (OZARK NATIONAL FOREST, AR)
For the third installment of our TORCH Trail Review series, we’re heading to the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. We’ve teamed up with our collaborator Zen Overland (@Zenoverlanding) to take you through Pannell Road, a technical 4x4 trail hidden deep within the forest.
While our previous reviews focused on high-altitude shelf roads and ridge driving, Pannell Road offers a different challenge: dense forest canopy, tight maneuvering, and 3-foot rock ledges that will put your rig to the test.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
Located east of Natural Dam, Arkansas, Pannell Road is a 5-mile trek that offers beautiful views of the Ozark greenery. The trail begins with scenic, winding roads, but transitions into a rocky climb with technical obstacles. As the elevation shifts, the forest draws closer, requiring a focused eye to navigate the route.
THE TERRAIN
The middle section of Pannell Road is a classic Ozark field test. The route is defined by rocky climbs that require precise tire placement and consistent traction. While the start of the trail is a smooth gravel drive, the terrain quickly transitions into a staircase of natural rock steps and boulders. Expect mud during wet conditions.
A Word of Caution: Some of the bypass lines on this trail are tighter and more technical than the main obstacles. If you’re out there testing a new suspension setup, we recommend scouting your lines on foot before committing, as the ruts can be deeper than they look.
THE EXPERIENCE
The trail runs through a dense, vibrant forest that makes for a spectacular drive, especially during the spring bloom or the peak fall foliage. Once you reach the southern end, the canopy opens up with incredible views overlooking Cove Creek.
If you’re looking to turn this into a weekend adventure, Pannell Road connects to other trails near the north end. While there are a few dispersed campsites, keep in mind there are no formal camping facilities.
SCOUT TIPS
Respect the Boundaries: The southern portion of this trail passes near private property. To keep these trails open for the community, please stay on the designated route and respect all property markers.
Tire Choice: Because of the vertical ledges and potential for mud in wet conditions, a dedicated All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain tire is highly recommended to grab onto those rock faces.
Rock Sliders: Even with a lift, the rutted nature of the middle section makes frame-to-rock contact a possibility. Ensure your rig is protected before tackling the main climb.
SUMMARY STATS
Location: Ozark National Forest (East of Natural Dam, AR)
Difficulty: Moderate (with optional obstacles)
Distance: ~5 Miles
Terrain: Rocky climbs, ruts, vertical ledges, dense forest
Rig requirement: High-clearance 4x4, 33” tires (minimum), rock sliders
THE VERDICT
Pannell Road is a quintessential Ozark trail. It’s a great test for anyone who has recently upgraded their suspension or tires and wants to see what their rig is capable of in mixed terrain types. It offers the good balance of scenic beauty and technical trail navigation.
Big thanks to Zen Overland for the footage and bringing us the third review in our series! Make sure to follow his channel for more trail runs in the Ozarks.
Are you trail-ready? If you’re planning any off-road adventures this season, make sure your rig is dialed in. Check out our Suspension Lift Kits to gear up.
Want to be featured in an upcoming review? Drop us a comment or message us @torchoffroad
Stay tuned for the next review, where we'll be showing off another trail in California! -TORCH
