Off-Road Trails
Near Merrifield, 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...
Learn more about Whites Ferry

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...
Learn more about Frederick Watershed

This is an unmaintained forest road consisting of a mix of gravel, loose rocks and dirt. There are a few small ruts and washouts, as well as steep inclines and declines that could require 4wd when snow or ice is present. There are numerous camp sites along this route, and cell service is spotty.
Learn more about Strasburg Reservoir

This is a maintained gravel road consisting of a few potholes and rough sections, as well as steep inclines and declines, which could require 4wd when snow or ice is present. No camping along this route, and cell service is spotty. Woodstock Tower and Peters Mill Run OHV area can both be accessed at...
Learn more about Mine Mountain

This is a maintained gravel road leading to a few very secluded campsites right on the edge of the Shenandoah River. The trail is mostly 2 vehicles wide, but gets tight at times. Views are fantastic at the end of this trail, and there is little to no cell service in the area.
Learn more about Riverwater Lane

This is a single width road leading to a dead end field with many hike in camping options in the surrounding area. The trail is very narrow, with little to no room to pass another vehicle. Expect pinstripes throughout most of this trail. Cell service is spotty in the area.
Learn more about Whiting Tract

Peters Mill Run is a beginner-friendly, 8.4-mile point-to-point offroad trail near Fort Valley, Virginia, offering stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and ATVs an accessible mountain driving experience. As a designated Jeep Badge of Honor trail within the George Washington and Jefferson National ...
Learn more about Peters Mill Run OHV Trail

This is an access road to Bealers pond, consisting mainly of gravel with a few potholes. At the end of the trail, you will find Bealer's Pond, with many fishing options. This is a great spot to relax, cast a line out, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. Cell service i...
Learn more about Bealers Pond

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...
Learn more about Woodstock Tower Road

This is an access road to a boat launch on the Shenandoah River. This trail consists mostly of dirt with a few small ruts as well as loose rocks. There are a few camping options in the area, and cell service is spotty. Great place to have a picnic and take in the beautiful views of the Shenandoah Ri...
Learn more about Shenandoah Boat Launch

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 one of the 4 trails that is accessible by full-sized rigs within the Peters Mill OHV area. The trail is about a mile long and consists of a few hill climbs and a few very long rock gardens ranging in size from a few inches to no taller than a foot. One offshoot/optional obstacle does occur o...
Learn more about Walters Gap

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...
Learn more about Oak Road

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 South Mountain. It's notable for having three rustic, dispersed camp sites in a forest that does not have that man...
Learn more about High Rock Road

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, where sweeping views of South Mountain and the Cumberland Valley open up. Along its 1.5-mil...
Learn more about Snowy Mountain Road

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 access to the well-known climbing destination Shaffer Rocks--a popul...
Learn more about Swift Run Road

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 of High Rock Road, together covering the entire eastern side of South Mountain within the forest...
Learn more about Three Springs Road

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 offer peaceful streamside views. The road also passes several trailheads popular with hikers, mo...
Learn more about Wirt Road

This is the entrance road to the Taskers Gap OHV area. There are areas to park a trailer, as well as a few camp spots in the area as well. The road consists of small rocks, loose dirt and gravel, ruts, and steep inclines. Taskers Gap can be ridden with SxS, ATV, and dirt/adventure bikes, with high-c...
Learn more about Taskers Entrance

This is one of the 4 trails that is accessible by full-sized rigs within the Peters Mill OHV area. The trail is about a mile long and consists of a few hill climbs and a few very long rock gardens ranging in size from a few inches to no taller than a foot. One offshoot/optional obstacle does occur o...
Learn more about Walters Gap

This is the entrance road to the Taskers Gap OHV area. There are areas to park a trailer, as well as a few camp spots in the area as well. The road consists of small rocks, loose dirt and gravel, ruts, and steep inclines. Taskers Gap can be ridden with SxS, ATV, and dirt/adventure bikes, with high-c...
Learn more about Taskers Entrance

This is one of the 4 trails that is accessible by full-sized rigs within the Peters Mill OHV area. The trail is about a mile long and consists of a few hill climbs and a few very long rock gardens ranging in size from a few inches to no taller than a foot. One offshoot/optional obstacle does occur o...
Learn more about Walters Gap

This is the entrance road to the Taskers Gap OHV area. There are areas to park a trailer, as well as a few camp spots in the area as well. The road consists of small rocks, loose dirt and gravel, ruts, and steep inclines. Taskers Gap can be ridden with SxS, ATV, and dirt/adventure bikes, with high-c...
Learn more about Taskers Entrance