Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Haymarket, Virginia

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...
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Peters Mill Run is an easy point-to-point trail near Fort Valley, Virginia. The trail is stock-friendly and is a great spot for those new to off-roading. The trail can be entered from either the north or south end, with the southernmost two miles being the most challenging. Woodstock Tower near the ...
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This is a steep, windy road leading up to the Woodstock Observation Tower. This tower offers amazing views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. This road is mainly loose gravel with switchbacks and steep inclines. This can be driven in 2WD, but use caution if snow or ice is present. Peters Mill...
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Hawk Run is a meandering forest road that crosses through some private property as it climbs Spring Mountain along the border of Virginia and West Virginia. The road is mostly gravel with some dirt and clay in good condition with a few potholes and washouts. It crests at an elevation of over 2,000ft...
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Vances Cove trail is a meandering gravel road starting at Cold Spring Gap. Descending into the valley along cold spring creek. The road can become washed out in some areas after heavy rain, as the trail so closely follows it. Tight and narrow, the trail winds down to an intersection at Vances Cove, ...
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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...
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Dry Gap is a short step, out and back trail climbing along a ridge leading to a cell tower. The beginning climb is the most challenging part due to its steep nature; 4WD is recommended. The sweeping views from the ridge are incredible when no leaves are on the trees following the border of Virginia ...
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Edinburg Gap is a minimally maintained Forest Service Road located in the George Washington National Forest. The road is one vehicle wide with plenty of space to pass and can be accessed by either end. The road passes through one shallow stream and an area of rockier terrain but is still accessible ...
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Hornet descends out the back forest of George Washington National Forest to Hawk Campground. Many dispersed campsites can also be found past the Hawk Recreation and Picnic area. The road down is mostly gravel with many washouts of clay and mud exposing ruts and rocks. This is a scenic and secluded a...
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The Chrisman Hollow Trail, also known as FS 274, connects US 211 at the south end and State Road 674 at the north end of the trail. It takes you to several trailheads, including the Lion's Tale Trail, which offers an ADA-accessible, half-mile trail along the Passage Creek. There are several primitiv...
Learn more about Chrisman Hollow - FS 274

This is a gravel road with many primitive camping spots and beautiful views of the mountains around you. It's not technical, but it's a great trail to be out in nature and even find time to camp along the trail. There is a small creek that you'll see in the beginning.
Learn more about Squirrel Gap Road

Dead end route to a mountain pond. This route gradually climbs the mountain and ends at multiple locked gates. The route has some exposed base stone and muddy sections but generally maintained gravel forest service route. The route follows a creek with several dispersed camping areas along the creek...
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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

Maintained gravel forest service road. This route includes numerous hiking trailheads. The southern portion of the route has very spotty cell service, which improves in the northern portion. The northern portion includes many dispersed camping areas located along a small creek. The route is well-tra...
Learn more about Cub Run

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

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

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 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...
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Browns Gap Turnpike, also known as Route 629, is a dead‑end route that terminates at Shenandoah National Park. The route begins as a maintained gravel driveway for roughly the first 10 percent of the trail, with difficulty increasing to about 2/10 due to washouts and channels approximately 6 inches ...
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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

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