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Destination Detours: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails Worth the Side Trip

The road less traveled beckons. Get ready for an unforgettable detour.
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A detour is where some of the best stories begin. Veer off-course in the best way possible with the all-new Detour-Worthy Trail Collection brought to you in partnership with Toyota Trucks. Built for the desert dwellers, beachcombers, and mountain folk, this carefully curated list of trails is intended to satisfy your adventurous spirit, no matter where you like to roam.

You won’t find hundreds of detailed online reviews or crowds at the trailhead of these rarely visited routes. Instead, these lesser-known gems invite you to step into unexplored territory and embrace spontaneity. 

With Toyota Trucks as your adventure partner, you can wander beyond the end of the asphalt. Summit faraway mountains, discover secret hideaways on the coast, or travel deep into the desert on five featured trails from the collection below, or head to AllTrails to see the full list.

Beachfront Backpacking Trail

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia

Set out to discover a rare, undeveloped part of the Atlantic shoreline on the Beachfront Backpacking Trail at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Home to wild ponies, marine birds, and pods of dolphins, this 15.7-mile stretch of Assateague Island offers hikers a magical coastal experience.

Trail Details

  • AllTrails Rating: 4.6 stars
  • Level: Hard
  • Length: 15.7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 68 feet

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota’s most capable 4Runner yet is your advantage on the most ambitious treks. With up to 326 net combined horsepower beneath the hood and an available Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that offers extra suspension articulation for wild trails, 4Runner is up for the challenge. 

  • Drive system: Available part-time or full-time 4-wheel drive
  • Capability: Available Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), CRAWL Control, Electronic Locking Rear Differential
  • Fuel economy: Up to est. 23 combined mpg
  • Seating capacity: Up to 7 passengers
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Desert View Loop

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Designed for mountain biking, the Desert View Loop gives riders an up-close look at the region’s unique rock formations. Pedal along the valley floor past sandstone hoodoos on 7.1 miles of mellow, beginner-friendly terrain. Because this trail is fully exposed, start your ride early to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun.

Trail Details

  • AllTrails rating: 4.8 stars
  • Level: Easy
  • Length: 7.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 541 feet

Toyota Tacoma

Tacoma is built to take on what’s in front of you with a range of purpose-built suspension options, and available trail-conquering features like electronically controlled locking rear differential, Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), and Crawl Control. It never met a challenge it didn’t like.

  • i-FORCE powertrain: Up to 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque
  • i-FORCE MAX: Available hybrid powertrain with up to 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Transmission: Standard 8-speed automatic or available 6-speed manual
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Mount Coe via OJI Trail

Baxter State Park, Maine

Hike to the summit of Mount Coe via the OJI Trail for stunning views of the famous Katahdin — the highest peak in Maine at 5,269 feet and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This 10.3-mile route starts at Foster Field, traveling about a mile over flat, boggy terrain. Then, the trail ascends to Mount Oji before the final scramble to the top of Mount Coe. This final stretch of trail is very exposed, which makes for great views of the park.

Trail Details

  • AllTrails Rating: 4.7 stars
  • Level: Hard
  • Length: 10.3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 3,375 feet

Land Cruiser

  • Performance: Standard Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive
  • Towing capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs.
  • Powertrain: 2.4L 4 Cylinder i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
  • Capability: Crawl Control (CRAWL) and available Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)
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The Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route

Harbor Springs, Michigan

Best explored by bike or car, the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route offers a unique take on the road less traveled on the shore of Lake Michigan. Along this 20.4-mile section of M-119, the roadway narrows to less than two lanes as it winds through dense trees arching over the pavement like a living tunnel. Be sure to leave time to stop at historical markers and scenic overlooks of the lake along the way.

Trail Details

  • AllTrails Rating: 4.4 stars
  • Level: Easy
  • Length: 20.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 790 feet

Toyota Sequoia

Sequoia’s body and frame are made of lightweight and high-strength materials, which make it strong enough for adventures on and off the road. With the available TRD Off-Road Package, you’ve got the strength and balance all built into one smooth and confident drive.

  • Powertrain: i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid with 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Towing capacity: Up to 9,500 lbs.
  • Seating capacity: Up to 8 passengers
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Hungry Joe Overlook via Gunners Ridge Trail

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Head to Makoshika State Park, the largest state park in Montana, to explore the region’s badlands on the Gunners Ridge Trail to Hungry Joe Overlook. The 4.4-mile trail starts in the coulee — a box-shaped valley with a flat floor. About half a mile in, you’ll begin your ascent to the ridge. From this vantage, you’ll have views of the park’s unique geological features.

Trail Details

  • AllTrails Rating: 4.6 stars
  • Level: Moderate
  • Length: 4.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 738 feet

Toyota Tundra

Tundra is more than a hardworking pickup — it’s a weekend warrior built for taking you on far-out adventures that leave you with unforgettable memories.

  • Transmission: 10-Speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence
  • Towing capacity: Up to 12,000 lbs.
  • Safety: Available blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
Explore the Tundra

This post was sponsored by Toyota Trucks. With the rugged capabilities of Toyota Trucks, adventure is more accessible than ever. Check out the brand’s lineup of off-road–ready trucks that can help make your own detours possible.

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