Our son was a little over 9 months when he went on his first organized ride - a poker run. Mostly pavement with fire roads. He was rear facing at the time. If you prepare properly and have your child in a good car seat, buckled in correctly, and some added support, and you don't go full on special, then you should be fine. If you are taking it easy, there are worse public roads then there are some of these "off road" areas. Some people think off roading as soon as your tires leave the pavement, others think that all off roading is bouncing off rocks or climbing hills at 88mph. End of the day, you will know your child and your comfort level.