Beginner Off-Road Trails Near McDowell, Virginia

FS-395/Liberty Trail is an in-and-out trail in Virginia's George Washington National Forest approximately an hour west of Staunton. The trail is seasonally closed, so check with the USFS before planning to go here. Liberty Trail…
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FS-394/Sugar Tree is a 19-mile-long two-way gravel and dirt trail located in Virginia's George Washington National Forest about an hour west of Staunton. The trail provides outstanding views of the surrounding areas and is easy…
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Shinault Shanty is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail with seasonal closures. The trail is in Virginia's George Washington National Forest off Route 250. It is a dirt and rock trail with a few deep ruts that…
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Hodges Draft, also known as State Route 81, is a well-maintained gravel road with no significant obstacles. The trail is generally uneventful, and the scenery is limited to the surrounding forest. The first portion of…
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Shaws Fork is an in-and-out trail located in the George Washington National Forest near the popular Flagpole Knob Trail. The trail primarily consists of a gravel road with many switchbacks. The trail begins at County…
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Jerkemtight, also known as State Route 399, is a short, simple trail on a gravel surface with several large dips and potholes. The entry climb is perhaps the only significant challenge. A low-water crossing sits…
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Hite Hollow is located in the George Washington National Forest, west of Staunton, VA. It's a basic trail that offers outstanding views of the surrounding area. The trail is mainly rock and dirt and has…
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Stoney Run (WV61) is a dirt and gravel road that more or less runs parallel to the trail to Reddish Knob. The trail is sufficiently wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other, and…
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This 20-plus miles of George Washington National Forest back roads stretches from Braley Pond to Briery Branch Gap. With the exception of the northern 2.5 miles of the route which is paved, the rest is…
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This trail is in the beautiful George Washington National Forest trail in Deerfield, Virginia connecting Old Parkersburg Turnpike and Hite Hollow Road. This trail has quite a few camping areas, some able to accommodate multiple…
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Hite Hollow is a well-maintained 9.5-mile gravel road located in the George Washington National Forest, west of Staunton, VA. It offers great views and alternates between rocky and smooth gravel as it climbs and switchbacks…
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Leading ridge track is a seasonal two way track from North River to Todd Lake Recreation Area. The track is natural dirt surface with minimal gravel maintenance in areas. Several hiking trails cross the area.…
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The Owl Knob Hollow Connector Trail follows the West Virginia-Virginia state line within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This trail not only highlights the rugged beauty of the borderlands but also provides important…
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The Long Run Trail connects State Highway 28 with Forest Road 106, offering a scenic and accessible route through the landscape. As it winds its way along marshy lowlands, travelers are treated to sweeping views…
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Archer Run is a basic trail in Virginia's George Washington National Forest. It is mainly a dirt road, with some areas of minor rockiness. It meanders through the mountains of western Virginia, offering good views…
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A dirt road off the Allegheny trail that goes down the mountain into a small ravine that comes to an end at a dry creek bed. The route has a few tight switchbacks and beautiful…
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White Oak Draft, also known as State Route 466, is a short gravel road that's generally well maintained. The surface includes several large potholes, though they're typically less than 6 inches deep. A shallow creek…
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This route is a dirt road that has very small potholes. At the end of the trail, you will find an area where you can get out of your vehicle and hang out. You will…
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This route is a decently maintained forest service road that runs through Monongahela National Forest. At least a dozen or more dispersed campaigning sites are along the route. You will also find a Paddy Knob…
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A dirt road with many beautiful views of the mountains, grassy fields, and wildlife while you climb the mountain on such a beautiful road. This road leads you to the Spruce Knob. On the way…
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Flagpole Knob is located in the George Washington National Forest, along the border of Virginia and West Virginia. Open year-round, access to Flagpole Knob can be from Switzer Lake Road, Union Springs, or Briery Branch…
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The Middle Mountain Trail provides a scenic and relatively easy route connecting the southern border of the Laurel Fork Wilderness to the intersection with Forest Road 17. Along the trail, travelers pass through several lush,…
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Little North Mountain WMA has a mix of seasonally open routes that all dead-end eventually. This route includes a scenic, lightly maintained state road to access the area. The roads are marginally maintained gravel with…
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Great views along the ridge off to the west. Rating 2 out of 10 is easily manageable with a high clearance 4x4 (examples: Colorado ATX, Trailboss, Rubicon). Some rough terrain, but nothing you can't manage…
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The route travels primarily through Monongahela National Forest on maintained Forest Service gravel roads. A section of the route passes through private land and rolling farmland on gravel road. The ascent from the FSR to…
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Tillman is a gravel Forest Service Road connecting several other Forest Service Roads to a State Highway. The area includes several reservoirs with fishing and kayaking opportunities. There are several well-traveled hiking trailheads along the…
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This out-and-back trail is a turn off of Briery Branch Road (paved) and is a rocky and often muddy drive along Briery Branch Creek. The majority of the trail is in a flood plain, so…
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Hone Quarry recreation area is a dead end trail passing by a reservoir. The trail starts paved from the state highway passing by day use picnic areas and a pay campground with amenities. The trail…
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The Little River Connector links the Elkins Road to River Road, bypassing Forest Service roads closed in summer. Just a 15-minute drive, it provides direct vehicle access to the southern border of Laurel Fork. This…
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Glady Durbin is a scenic access road that runs right along the West Fork Greenbriar River and offers stunning picnic, fishing, and camping opportunities along the trail. This trail connects the towns of Durbin and…
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