Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Sterling, Virginia

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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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This is a small section of Ridge Road running through Michaux State Forest. Foliage views are excellent on this trail, so it is best traveled during peak foliage season. There are Appalachian Trail access points…
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This is an unmaintained forest road connecting Baltimore Road with Ridge Road in Michaux State Forest. There are many opportunities for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing along this trail. This trail is mainly gravel, with a…
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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…
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This road is located in Michaux State Forest, Southeast of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The road's northern end contains the high point near Big Hill, then decreases in elevation until Dead Woman Hollow is reached. The famous…
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This forest road is probably best known for Buzzard Rocks Vista near its midpoint, which offers a nice view from the Sliding Rock Mountain across Hairy Springs Hollow to the west. The north end has…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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This road is generally well-maintained as it offers access to the popular Bear Valley Picnic Area, with restrooms available. At one time, the trail south of the picnic area was paved, but it is all…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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.…
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