Unpaved roads are common in mountainous areas. This study examined the characteristics of surface runoff and sediment production from unpaved roads in Wangjiaqiao watershed of the Three Gorges Area of China using a simple portable rainfall simulator. 5 road segments were selected for rainfall simulation. Fifteen rainfall simulation experiments with an intensity of 1.0 mm min-1 were carried out on 5 road segments. Cumulative rainfall to runoff was recorded 1-3 mm. The runoff rate generally increased quickly and reached steady level in the first 7-10 min. The runoff coefficient was above 60%, with higher than 70% on the intensively used road segment. The average runoff rate and peak runoff rate were 0.69 mm min-1 and 0.84 mm min-1, respectively. The greatest erosion was found on the intensively used road, where sediment yield average was 14.38 g L-1 and soil loss rate was 12.22 g m-2 min-1. The sediment concentration increased in the first 1-4 min from the beginning of the rainfall and then decreased steadily due to the loss of fine soil surface particles and porosity changes. The soil loss rate of the intensively used road was 3 and 4 times higher than those from the infrequent traffic road. There is a relationship between sediment yield and the intensity of road usage, due to the creation of artificial rills by vehicles in the rainy periods. Statistical analysis shows that bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and dust on road surface have significant effects on runoff and soil loss. Stone cover may increase surface runoff, but vegetation cover is very effective in erosion control and runoff reduction.