6. Brick's 4x4 Farm
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Info: 573/718-7388, www.bricks4x4farm.com
Dirty facts: This is what happens when the family farm land is passed down to the 4x4 enthusiast of the family. Essentially, Jay Brickell took his family's farm and turned it into a giant 4x4 playground. The rolling hills in which the venue is situated features creeks and wavy fields saturated by nearby fresh water springs. Truly a mud-boggers paradise, the park is open to all types of vehicles and primitive camping is available for $20 per night per vehicle. Currently the park is only open on the first full weekend of every month.
Hot setup: The proper way to do Bricks is with a big-block full-size on 40-inch or larger mud tires. Be sure to seal up those electronics and always bring a friend to help tow you out. ATVs and side-by-side riders can also have fun on the rocky hill climbs in the densely wooded areas.
When stuck, call: Jay Brickell's Tractor Extraction Service, 573/718-7388
7. Truck Night at Yankee Lake
Brookfield, Ohio
Info: 330/448-8361, www.trucknight.com
Dirty facts: The Yankee Lake Truck Night features some of the most challenging mud bogs in the nation. Among other 4x4-related attractions, the location is home to the Truck Night season opener and an event called Trucks Gone Wild. Each event features trail rides, mud pits and a circular mud track where participants can rack up some serious miles in the mud.
Hot setup: The Yankee Lake events attract huge crowds looking to watch high-horsepower mud trucks compete for supremacy. Bring big meats and a beefy drivetrain.
8. Puddin' Creek Mud Bog
Perry, Florida
Info: 850/371-2525, www.puddingcreekmudbog.com
Dirty facts: Thanks to significant development of the grounds at Puddin' Creek, the small town of Perry, Florida enjoys a steady flow of mud bogger traffic year-round. Every skill level from beginner to expert is covered in the variety of holes at Puddin' Creek. A do-it-yourself truck wash is available to remove the muck before you head home.
Hot setup: The bigger, the better. Puddin' Creek challenges any rig from factory Jeeps all the way up to monster trucks. Though larger tires cover more ground, visitors in stock SUVs and pickups typically have fun, too. We recommend a big-block and 44-inch-or-larger tires for serious bog fun.
9. The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park
Marseilles, Illinois
Info: 815/795-5200, www.thecliffsinsaneterrain.com
Dirty facts: The Cliffs has many miles of trails, created for the beginner all the way to the advanced enthusiast. Heavily wooded areas, fields, creeks and one very treacherous mud hole (ask park personnel where it is) offer plenty of challenges for a full day of muddy fun. 4x4 vehicles pay $22 per day and no camping is available on site.
Hot setup: Any high-clearance 4x4 with decent approach and departure angles should have no problem negotiating the densely wooded backcountry of The Cliffs Insane Terrain Park. Watch out for deep holes disguised as easy mud puddles.
10. J-N Entertainment Off-Road Park
Bloomsdale, Missouri
Info: 573/483-3373, www.custom-differentials.com
Dirty facts: Owned by former TTC Competitor Jeremy Naeger, this venue features three acres of mud pits ranging in difficulty, and an assortment of fast mud jumps surrounded by rolling hills that make for great spectator parking lots. The venue is not open to the public year-round but can be rented out for club parties and special events. Three or four mud-bogging events are held each year to satisfy the cravings of those with dirt on the mind. (To see one, turn to page 22.)
Hot setup: Typically, any truck sporting 46-inch rubber or less can be stopped quite easily by the bottomless bogs at J-N Entertainment Off-Road Park. A supple suspension will aid those who choose to attempt any of the successive jumps arranged by grounds keepers. Wicked horsepower and solid attachment points are highly recommended.
More Places To Wheel
Looking for public mud (or rocks, or sand) in your area? Here are the phone numbers of BLM and Forest Service field offices around the country. You can also get a lot of good information about wheeling opportunities at each agency's Website, and each office can keep you apprised on any trail openings, and seasonal restrictions or closures, too.
Bureau of Land Management
http:///www.blm.gov
Alaska
907/271-5960
Arizona
602/650-0528
California
916/979-2800
Colorado
303/239-3600
Eastern States
703/440-1600
Idaho
208/373-4000
Montana/Dakotas
406/255-2885
Nevada
702/785-6500
New Mexico/Oklahoma/Kansas/Texas
505/438-7400
Oregon/Washington
503/280-7001
Utah
801/539-4001
Wyoming/Nebraska
307/775-6256
U.S. Forest Service
http://fs.fed.us
Northern region
406/329-3511
Rocky Mountain region
303/275-5350
Southwestern region
505/842-3292
Intermountain region
801/625-5306
Pacific Southwest region
707/562-8737
Pacific Northwest region
503/808-2468
Southern region
404/347-4177
Eastern region
414/297-3600
Alaska region
907/586-8806