Middle Tennessee Back Country Side by Side Off-Road Driving

Four hours of water crossings, cave stops and historic ghost town roads

A 4-hour guided Side by Side off-road drive through middle Tennessee back country on county roads and dirt trails, with creek crossings, caves, waterfalls and a ghost town stop. The vehicle holds up to four people and comes equipped with a full windshield; helmets and goggles are provided. Drivers must be at least 18 and hold a valid license. Each Side by Side carries one bottle of water per person and all fees are included in the quoted price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided back country SXS tour

• Receive safety instructions
• Operate Side by Side vehicle
• Drive through Middle TN back country
• Cross several creeks and water crossings
• Visit caves and waterfalls
• Explore old ghost town

The Experience

You drive a Side by Side — a four-seater off-road vehicle — through middle Tennessee back country on routes that are 80% dirt. The guide leads you through several water crossings and stops at caves and waterfalls along the way. The vehicle is street-legal on Tennessee county roads because it carries a Class I Off-Highway Vehicle Tag, so the route mixes paved county roads with backcountry trails that take you past places most people never find. Before you start, the guide walks through how to operate the machine safely and what the rules are for the road and trails.

Each Side by Side holds one driver and up to three passengers. Drivers must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license; passengers can be any age. The vehicle has a full windshield, so helmets are optional — but helmets and goggles are provided if you want them. Everyone wears a seat belt while the machine is moving. You get one bottle of water per person for the ride, and all fees and taxes are built into the price quoted to you.

The stops along the way include a ghost town, so you're not just driving through scenery — you're pulling over to explore. The whole experience runs four hours, which gives the guide time to move at a pace that lets you take in the terrain and actually see what you're passing through rather than just covering distance.

What’s included

• Use of a four-seater Side by Side with full windshield and legal Tennessee Off-Highway Vehicle Tag.
• helmets and goggles for each passenger.
• one bottle of water per person.
• live guide leading the route through middle Tennessee back country.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Fisher's Off-Road Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups and families work well here since the Side by Side holds up to four people and the guide sets the pace through water crossings and cave stops — you're not racing, so older adults and people new to off-road driving can take in the terrain without pressure.

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Top questions

What are the water crossings like on this middle Tennessee back country drive?

The route includes several creek crossings where you drive through flowing water as part of the backcountry trail system. The guide leads you through them and the Side by Side is built for that terrain, so it's part of what makes the ride through the hills different from a paved tour.

Do I have to wear a helmet on the Side by Side?

No — the vehicle has a full windshield, so helmets are not required by Tennessee law. Helmets and goggles are provided if you choose to wear them, and everyone must wear a seat belt while the machine is moving.

Can passengers ride along, or do I have to drive the whole time?

The Side by Side holds one driver and up to three passengers, so you can have people ride with you. Only the driver needs to be at least 18 with a valid license; passengers can be younger or older, and the guide leads the route so you're not navigating on your own.

What's included in the price for this four-hour drive?

The price includes use of the Side by Side, helmets and goggles, one bottle of water per person, and all fees and taxes. You pay per person, and the guide is with you for the entire route.

Is this ride suitable for older adults or families?

Yes — the description notes it's great for families and older couples looking to explore the back country. The ride works in all seasons and suits all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What happens at the ghost town stop?

The route includes a historic ghost town where you pull over and explore. The guide takes you through some of the most scenic middle Tennessee back country roads to get there, and you never know who you might meet in these remote spots.