Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Stephens City, Virginia

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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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...
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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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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 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 a scenic route through Green Ridge State Forest. It features steep inclines and declines as well as mild ruts. At the top of this trail, you can find Banner Overlook with beautiful views, as well as group campsite seven. Four-wheel drive is recommended during the winter months as the incline...
Learn more about Mertens Mainline

Named for the Merten family who owned orchards in this region during the late 19th and early 20th century, the majority of Mertens Avenue is a rough but generally well-maintained gravel road. The road surface is primarily rough rock in almost a cobblestone orientation, which can give a washboard-lik...
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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 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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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 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

This is a fun rutted dirt climb with lots of puddles (none very mucky). This beautiful trail can be enjoyed by any vehicle with good tires and ground clearance, though the climb at the beginning could be very slick after a recent rain or snow! There are no real obstacles to speak of, other than pote...
Learn more about Have a Piclic

This gravel and dirt trail connects Wallitzer Road to Mertens Avenue and features tight switchbacks along with overgrown vegetation during the spring and summer months. Wider vehicles may experience pinstriping. Four-wheel drive is recommended due to the inclines and declines, which can become slick...
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This gravel and dirt road connects Frank Davis Road with Carpenter Road on the northern side of Green Ridge State Forest. Dispersed camping sites are located along the route, and a swimming hole can be found at the intersection of Carpenter Road and 15 Mile Creek Road. Four-wheel drive is not needed...
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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...
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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

The Parking lot road is a green trail located within the Potomac River Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. This is the main trail into the primary parking area for the Potomac River Riding Area. Potomac River is the southernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. Potomac River has a goo...
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Trail 2104 is a green trail located within the Potomac River Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. The Potomac River is the southernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. Potomac River has a good mix of green and blue, and black trails. It also has a slag pile playground. There are also a...
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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

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 route will take you along the side of the mountain with beautiful views of Appalachia. This trail feels like an East Coast shelf road since it is mainly single track with only a few places to pass oncoming vehicles. This road follows the WV-VA border and is only accessible 10/01-01/15.
Learn more about FSR #85-2 Hall Spring Road

The Parking lot road is a green trail located within the Potomac River Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. This is the main trail into the primary parking area for the Potomac River Riding Area. Potomac River is the southernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. Potomac River has a goo...
Learn more about Parking Road