Uphill Both Ways: Conquering the NEW Jeep Badge of Honor Trail at Hawk Pride Off Road Park!
There’s something about the unknown that calls to us Jeepers. It’s the allure of a new challenge, the pull of fresh terrain, and the thrill of not knowing exactly what lies ahead. So when Jeep launched a brand-new Badge of Honor trail at Hawk Pride Off Road Park in Tuscumbia, Alabama, we couldn’t resist.
What followed was one of the wildest trail runs we’ve ever experienced—complete with soaked trails, slick boulders, flying winch lines, trail carnage, and a whole lot of grit. Here’s the full story of our adventure on “Uphill Both Ways”—a trail that lived up to its name… and then some.
The Setup: A Trail With No Map and No Mercy
When we heard that Hawk Pride had officially added “Uphill Both Ways” to the Jeep Badge of Honor system, we searched high and low for info—trail guides, videos, user tips. Nothing. This trail was a clean slate. A brand-new challenge. It’s rated a 6 out of 10 on Jeep’s difficulty scale, but as we would soon find out, that rating doesn’t factor in a massive thunderstorm rolling through the night before.
As we arrived at the park, everything was wet, thick, and slippery. The rocks were glistening with rain. The mud looked like light chocolate pudding, and the inclines ahead were nothing short of intimidating. But we were committed. No turning back now.
The Decision: Flip the Trail or Get Stuck
We started to scout the entrance to Uphill Both Ways, and immediately hit a wall—literally. The first major obstacle was a steep, technical climb covered in mud-slicked rock. After assessing the line and talking it over as a group, we made the call: we would run the trail backwards, starting from the exit and working our way to the entrance.
Why? Because the obstacles at the beginning looked gnarly enough that every rig in our group would need to winch just to get through the first section. Running it in reverse at least gave us the chance to get some momentum and possibly avoid winching every 100 feet.
It was a gamble. And it didn’t exactly make things easier.
The Trail: Mud, Winches, and Trail Carnage
Even in reverse, Uphill Both Ways threw everything it had at us. Tight switchbacks. Off-camber climbs. Snotty, slippery rock ledges. And because the trail was still fresh, the route was rough and not yet worn in. Every obstacle felt like a first ascent.
The mud was relentless. Every time we gained traction, we’d lose it just as fast. We saw tires spinning, axles twisting, and rigs sliding sideways down rocks. One by one, we had to pull winch lines to claw our way up the trail.
Several Jeeps in the group took on battle scars. One blew a front diff. Another lost a bumper mount. One of our guys had to get creative with trail repairs just to keep moving. But that’s off-roading. That’s the badge game.
The Vibe: Brotherhood and Bravery
What made this trip truly unforgettable wasn’t just the trail—it was the teamwork. Every driver in our group stepped up. Spotters were calling lines. Winch operators were moving fast and smart. We encouraged each other, joked in the downtime, and kept the stoke high even when things got tough.
We learned quickly: Uphill Both Ways isn’t just about your rig’s capability—it’s about your crew.
The Victory: Badge Earned, Respect Gained
Hours later, covered in mud, soaked in sweat, and absolutely exhausted—we made it through. We earned the Uphill Both Ways Badge of Honor, but more than that, we earned a new level of respect for what our Jeeps, and our team, could handle.
For anyone thinking of running this trail, here’s our advice:
- Be prepared to winch—a lot.
- Don’t go alone. This trail is best tackled with a group who knows how to recover safely.
- Expect trail conditions to vary wildly based on recent weather.
- Run it dry if you can—but if you catch it wet, buckle up.
Final Thoughts: Is Uphill Both Ways Worth It?
Absolutely. This trail embodies everything the Jeep Badge of Honor system is about—adventure, challenge, grit, and community. It’s raw and rugged. It’s not for the faint of heart. But if you’re looking for a trail that’ll test your limits and reward you with memories that last a lifetime, Uphill Both Ways delivers.
🔗 Watch the full video from our run right here
📍 Trail: Uphill Both Ways
📍 Park: Hawk Pride Off Road Park, Alabama
📛 Badge of Honor Trail # | Difficulty: 6/10 (or maybe higher when wet!)
🚙 Jeep models on the run: JKU, JL, Gladiator
More Jeep Adventures from Road Rash Off Road
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See you out there, and as always—
Keep the rubber down and the wheels turning.
