Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Green Haven, Maryland

This is generally an easy gravel trail that winds along and through Fishing Creek. It's about 1.5 vehicles wide, but there are numerous pull-outs to allow opposing traffic to pass. Remote and scenic. There are three water crossings that have a concrete slab bottom, but after significant rain, these ...
Learn more about Fishing Creek to Hawk Point

This is an easy drive with many tranquil farm views near the Potomac River. The drive from West to East starts at Whites Ferry, which is a car ferry that is currently closed. When it re-opens, you will be able to start or end your adventure by crossing the Potomac in your car on a ferry. The Western...
Learn more about Whites Ferry

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

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 good way into the southern part of Michaux State Forest if coming from the east. This is a largely gravel/shale state forest road that meanders along the west side of the ridge of the South Mountain. It's notable for having three rustic, dispersed camp sites in a forest that does not have that man...
Learn more about High Rock Road

Three Springs Road is a short but scenic gravel route winding through the eastern edge of Michaux State Forest along the South Mountain ridge. While not long on its own, it’s best considered an extension of High Rock Road, together covering the entire eastern side of South Mountain within the forest...
Learn more about Three Springs Road

Meandering between Route 233 and Newman Road, District Road is a serene gravel forest byway through Michaux State Forest. Along the way, it provides prime access to the Carbaugh Reservoir, a tranquil fishing and wildlife-watching destination near the Carbaugh Run Natural Area, home to protected amph...
Learn more about District Road

Carbaugh Road is a short but significant connector between District Road and Newman Road, winding through a mix of public forest and private land--please be respectful of residents and any posted boundaries. Along this gravel byway, you'll find direct access to the Carbaugh Reservoir, a serene spot ...
Learn more about Carbaugh Road

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 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 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

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 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 trail is a section of Milesburn Road connecting Stillhouse Hollow Road to Route 233. It passes along the Long Pine reservoir, as well as the Burch run trail. There are many hiking trail access points, as well as the Michaux shooting range just off Burch run. The trail is wide enough to pass com...
Learn more about Milesburn Connector

Birch Run Road is located in Michaux State Forest, Southeast of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The road passes by beautiful scenery, such as Rocky Knob, East Big Flat Ridge, Ram, Strausbaugh, and Sierra Hills. This road connects Milesburg Road and Shippensburg Road. Birch Run has poor cell service, so ...
Learn more about Birch Run

This forest road features perhaps the best vista in Michaux State Forest. The Dark Hollow Vista is near the western end of this road. It is surprisingly quiet here, and on a recent visit, only 2 trucks and 6 bicycles passed by during 45 minutes while having lunch and taking in the view. This vista i...
Learn more about Stillhouse Hollow Road

Ridge Road is located in Michaux State Forest, Southeast of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. This is a pleasant and peaceful road that tours the northern half of the forest and includes views of the south and the Pinnacle Mountains. The road does cross Highway 233, but remains 95% gravel. Cell service is...
Learn more about Michaux Ridge Road

Ridge Road runs through much of Michaux State Forest. The northern end is known for its access to Hammond's Rocks and for being more challenging than most of the other forest roads here. Accessing Hammond's Rocks from the south is recommended unless you have high clearance, as north of there, the we...
Learn more about Ridge Road (North)