Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Whitmer, West Virginia

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 the summit at Spruce Knob is fully paved. Spruce Knob is the highest point in ...
Learn more about Osceola Spruce Knob

Starting at Laurel Fork Campground, the route heads north along gravel roads, passing scenic areas and wildlife habitats. The trail proceeds toward the Laurel Fork Overlook, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Continuing along the gravel roads, hikers or travelers ...
Learn more about Laurel Fork Overlook

A county dirt track running primarily along the Shavers Fork River in Randolph and Tucker counties. The majority of the track lies in Monongahela NF. Careful attention should be paid to private property boundaries along the river. The track is a mix of gravel and dirt easily traversed by most vehicl...
Learn more about River Road

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 short route ensures reliable seasonal access when other roads are restricted, improvi...
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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, forested areas, offering a peaceful, nature-rich experience. The trail's g...
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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 up this trail, you will come across many side trails that look like something that could be fun to explore. Th...
Learn more about Spruce Mountain Trail

Fire Road 19 connects Route 28 to FR75, the Road Across the Sky. FR19 is a tame gravel road that most cars could easily travel. The road is one-way for the majority of the drive, but there are numerous pull-offs along the route to allow for passing or stopping. No primitive campsites are located alo...
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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 views of nature while you work your way down, but overall is very easy in terms of difficulty. At the end, you have a place...
Learn more about Owl Knob Hollow

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 come across a beautiful area to have a picnic and enjoy time with your family. It also has an outdoor bathroom for one person and picnic...
Learn more about Locust Spring

This out-and-back trail is mostly gravel with some dirt mixed in at times. With the recent snow and ice was a beautiful drive. There are good views of the surrounding mountains and the windmills. Very relaxed ride which works well for those who want to take it easy, enjoy the view, and hit the hikin...
Learn more about McGowen Mountain

A dirt/gravel track with mild elevation gain, no real obstacles. Pay attention to logging, private property signs, etc. With the recent snow and rain, there was a decent amount of mud. This is a good trail for anyone testing out the River Road trail and wanting to mix it up. Additionally, it leads t...
Learn more about Sugar Camp

Parsons to Stone Lake Run is an easy, scenic gravel route ideal for beginners, overland travelers, and scenic drivers looking to experience the lush forests and river valleys of West Virginia. Spanning approximately 4.3 miles, this trail runs from the town of Parsons toward Stone Lake Run, ultimatel...
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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 of seasonal foliage. In autumn, the vibrant leaves create a colorful backdrop for the jo...
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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 access to the Locust Springs area, making it a valuable route...
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Canaan Loop is a 2 way trail passing through the Monongahela National Forest entering or exiting from either WV 32 or Black Water Falls State Park. A mix of dense rhododendron, evergreen, and hardwood foliage encroaches on the trail throughout the section closest to the state park. There are several...
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Westside Road travels along the western slope of Shenandoah mountain in WV. Be respectful while travelling through private property, from WV Co Route 34 to the National Forest boundary. The route is generally dirt with crushed stone in high erosion areas with some exposed natural rock. The route inc...
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This route travels from just outside Thomas, WV connecting back to WV 48. The route is not well maintained and has varying terrain. Mud and natural rock make up the base with some small washes and ledges throughout. Several small stream crossings with flow dependent on recent weather. Multiple sceni...
Learn more about Canyon Rim Road

This is a maintained gravel Forest Service route that travels from the Cheat Bridge area to US 250. This section was once a large strip. It passes along the Cheat River and then up in elevation with scenic views. The road is mostly maintained gravel with some mud and rocky areas. Several sediment po...
Learn more about Old Mine

This trail offers climbs and descents, scenic views of the mountains and valleys, and several switchbacks. In the lower West Virginia area of the trail, there are multiple stream crossings that offer breathtaking scenery of the forest, rocky streams, and natural mossy growth. There is one good-sized...
Learn more about Fort Seybert Trail

The Road Across The Sky is an incredibly scenic, high-altitude drive perfect for overlanders, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels looking to explore the windswept plains of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. Spanning approximately 15.3 miles across the Monongahela National Forest, this well...
Learn more about The Road Across The Sky

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 up this trail, you will come across many side trails that look like something that could be fun to explore. Th...
Learn more about Spruce Mountain Trail

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 come across a beautiful area to have a picnic and enjoy time with your family. It also has an outdoor bathroom for one person and picnic...
Learn more about Locust Spring

This out-and-back trail is mostly gravel with some dirt mixed in at times. With the recent snow and ice was a beautiful drive. There are good views of the surrounding mountains and the windmills. Very relaxed ride which works well for those who want to take it easy, enjoy the view, and hit the hikin...
Learn more about McGowen Mountain

A dirt/gravel track with mild elevation gain, no real obstacles. Pay attention to logging, private property signs, etc. With the recent snow and rain, there was a decent amount of mud. This is a good trail for anyone testing out the River Road trail and wanting to mix it up. Additionally, it leads t...
Learn more about Sugar Camp

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 up this trail, you will come across many side trails that look like something that could be fun to explore. Th...
Learn more about Spruce Mountain Trail

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 come across a beautiful area to have a picnic and enjoy time with your family. It also has an outdoor bathroom for one person and picnic...
Learn more about Locust Spring

This out-and-back trail is mostly gravel with some dirt mixed in at times. With the recent snow and ice was a beautiful drive. There are good views of the surrounding mountains and the windmills. Very relaxed ride which works well for those who want to take it easy, enjoy the view, and hit the hikin...
Learn more about McGowen Mountain

A dirt/gravel track with mild elevation gain, no real obstacles. Pay attention to logging, private property signs, etc. With the recent snow and rain, there was a decent amount of mud. This is a good trail for anyone testing out the River Road trail and wanting to mix it up. Additionally, it leads t...
Learn more about Sugar Camp