Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Big Spring, Maryland

This is a scenic gravel/dirt drive along the Potomac River! This is one road you'd truly never know existed if you didn't find it on a map. The route begins paralleling the C&O Canal trail, but briefly diverts as it winds up and over some of the gnarly topography of this region. At one point, the ro...
Learn more about Pearre Road

Moss road or T-318 cuts through the southern Game lands. Reaching elevations of 1166 Ft traversing the forest and meadows. There is no public camping allowed on this route. Several parking locations are along the trail. If coming from the south look for a sharp turn heading up a gravel road.
Learn more about Moss Road - T-318

This is an out and back trail on the outskirts of Green Ridge State Forest, leading to a wildlife management area. The trail is generally one vehicle wide, but not tight enough for pinstripes. There are mild washouts as well as steep inclines/ declines which could be an issue if running this in wint...
Learn more about Alleghany Line Road

A short connecting route on the outskirts of Green Ridge State Forest. You will encounter some dirt sections , sections of golfball sized rocks, and minor ruts. There are a few steep sections that could cause issues with 2wd vehicles if snow or ice is present. There are 2 dispersed camp sites on the...
Learn more about Hoop Pole

This forest road in the southwest corner of Michaux State Forest is notable for the Valley View Vista that offers a good view towards the town of Mont Alto to the west. It runs north/south between Quincy Mountain to the south and the area on the western slope of Oak Knob to the north. It's generally...
Learn more about Oak Road

This trail consists of a few overlooks as well as an observation tower. You can begin the trail at Town Hill overlook, and down the mountain until you reach the intersection of Mountain and Cat Point Road. This is an extension of the already existing trail, “MD Green Ridge to Gorge”. Four-wheel driv...
Learn more about Tower Road

This is a short but fun side trail located off of Wirt Road. The entire trail is made up of small rocks, ruts, inclines/declines, and loose gravel. The trail is wide enough to avoid pinstripes but not wide enough to pass another vehicle. Expect downed trees any time of year on this trail. 4WD and hi...
Learn more about Biesecker Gap

This route features one of the more beautiful and nicely landscaped vistas in all of the Pennsylvania state forests. It's a nice scenic drive that runs along the southern part of Sideling Hill. It's the primary a north/south unpaved route through this forest tract south of US 30. It's an easy and en...
Learn more about Bark Road

Wirt Road is a scenic gravel route running from Staley Road to Old Forge Road, cutting through the quiet woodlands of Michaux State Forest. Along the way, it crosses Biesecker Run and Vineyard Run, which offer peaceful streamside views. The road also passes several trailheads popular with hikers, mo...
Learn more about Wirt Road

This is an unmaintained forest road running along the Potomac River in a loop, with access to numerous camp sites. It passes through Bonds Landing, which is an access road to the C&O Canal bike trail, as well as the Potomac River. The trail itself is a mix of small rocks and dirt, and 4WD is recomme...
Learn more about Kasecamp Loop

This is an unmaintained forest road running through Michaux State Forest, and can be accessed from Route 233 as well as Old Forge Road. There is a plethora of hiking and mountain bike trail access points, making it a popular spot for all outdoor enthusiasts. There are a few inclines and declines tha...
Learn more about Staley Road

This is a short but fun out-and-back trail off of Dug Hill Road, ending at a gated off field. The trail is all dirt, with numerous ruts and washouts. There are a few very secluded campsites along this trail. During the wet season, there are many mud holes and deep ruts. 4WD is recommended for this t...
Learn more about Howards Trail

This is an easy cruise through the Frederick Watershed which is an unmaintained mostly gravel road. It can be done in just about any vehicle however I recommend an off-road oriented vehicle due to persistent bumps and ruts. There are a variety of activities in the watershed including hiking, mountai...
Learn more about Frederick Watershed

Broad Mountain Road runs along the ridge of Broad Mountain in the Bear Valley Tract of Buchanan State Forest. It offers several views of the valley to the west, including a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-designated vista, a short, rocky hike up from the north end of the trail. The ...
Learn more about Broad Mountain Road

A fun "drivable trail" for high clearance 4x4 vehicles in the southern part of the Sideling Hill Tract of Buchanan State Forest. Not technical unless weather is a factor, but loose rock and about 750 feet of elevation change make for an enjoyable diversion. Best enjoyed along with West Pittman Road ...
Learn more about Betsy Road

This is a wide, freshly graded gravel road with massive incline changes. Portions of the trail can be steep at times. As you follow the gorge, you will pass the camp spots along the river. There are beautiful overlooks and multiple creekside camp spots. It is not recommended doing this trail in wint...
Learn more about MD Green Ridge to Gorge Trail

A short but scenic gravel byway, Snowy Mountain Road connects Swamp Road to Swift Run Road, winding through dense hardwoods to a network of multi-use trails. It offers easy access to the Snowy Mountain Vista, where sweeping views of South Mountain and the Cumberland Valley open up. Along its 1.5-mil...
Learn more about Snowy Mountain Road

Traveling between Old Forge Road and Snowy Mountain Road, Swift Run Road offers a scenic backwoods route through Michaux's rugged heart. This gravel forest road passes key trailheads, including the Climbing Rock Trail, and provides access to the well-known climbing destination Shaffer Rocks--a popul...
Learn more about Swift Run Road

This is one of the first trails you'll hit if you enter Michaux from the south end. It is an unmaintained gravel road with multiple inclines and declines. There are many hiking trail options surrounding this trail, with Appalachian Trail access points. During the winter months, 4-wheel drive is sugg...
Learn more about Rattlesnake Run

A fun "drivable trail" for high clearance 4x4 vehicles in the southern part of the Sideling Hill Tract of Buchanan State Forest. Not technical unless weather is a factor, but loose rock and about 750 feet of elevation change make for an enjoyable diversion. Best enjoyed along with Betsy Road and som...
Learn more about West Pittman Road

Moss road or T-318 cuts through the southern Game lands. Reaching elevations of 1166 Ft traversing the forest and meadows. There is no public camping allowed on this route. Several parking locations are along the trail. If coming from the south look for a sharp turn heading up a gravel road.
Learn more about Moss Road - T-318

A scenic single-lane stone and rock road winds gently through (Buchanan State Forest) Pennsylvania parkland, following a clear mountain stream beneath a canopy of hardwood forest. The route offers a relaxing drive, scattered rock features, and peaceful woodland views, making it ideal for stock 4x4s,...
Learn more about Howsare Road

This is a relaxing route in the panhandle of Maryland with good proximity to many Western Maryland parks and sites. When entering the trail from the north you will come across a campground about one mile in. You will need to reserve these campsites online ahead of time if you want to stay. At the re...
Learn more about St. Johs Rock

Devils Hole Road, or RT 691 Gravel Road, is an adventure weaving through the heart of the George Washington National Forest. Rocky in sections, with winding forest roads, leads to breathtaking mountain overlooks. Surrounded by towering hardwoods and remote wilderness, the trail delivers a perfect mi...
Learn more about Devils Hole Road

Moss road or T-318 cuts through the southern Game lands. Reaching elevations of 1166 Ft traversing the forest and meadows. There is no public camping allowed on this route. Several parking locations are along the trail. If coming from the south look for a sharp turn heading up a gravel road.
Learn more about Moss Road - T-318

A scenic single-lane stone and rock road winds gently through (Buchanan State Forest) Pennsylvania parkland, following a clear mountain stream beneath a canopy of hardwood forest. The route offers a relaxing drive, scattered rock features, and peaceful woodland views, making it ideal for stock 4x4s,...
Learn more about Howsare Road

This scenic single-lane forest road meanders alongside a peaceful mountain stream through the heart of (Bedford County) Buchanan State Forest. Towering hardwoods provide a shaded canopy as the route follows the natural contours of the valley, offering a relaxing drive with beautiful woodland scenery...
Learn more about Reddinger Road

This is a relaxing route in the panhandle of Maryland with good proximity to many Western Maryland parks and sites. When entering the trail from the north you will come across a campground about one mile in. You will need to reserve these campsites online ahead of time if you want to stay. At the re...
Learn more about St. Johs Rock