Chestnut Ridge Road/Auger Hole Road

Total Miles
6.4

Technical Rating

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

This out-and-back trail leads to a secluded camp spot on the Horsepasture River, which is a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. It is tight with many switchbacks along the way. It can be accomplished with any stock, high-clearance 4WD, although pinstriping is very likely. 4-low is recommended to keep brake temperatures down. Airing down at the parking lot is also recommended, as many of the climbs are scrabbly. Come and enjoy the more private area of Gorges State Park.

Photos of Chestnut Ridge Road/Auger Hole Road

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Difficulty

The trail leading out to the Horsepasture River is mostly downhill with 1 major climb and would be rated a 4 or so by itself. The climbs back out are long, some with sharp turns in the middle and some with more significant off-camber nature. The trail can still be done in a full-size pulling a camping trailer.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

Super long trail. Longer than the highlighted trail on the map. My dad and I still haven’t completed the entirety because the trail splits off into multiple different trails. The roads had gravel and rock hills. Had great elevation changes. There were multiple trees that have fallen to create tree canopies. One tree was super close to my roof. I definitely don’t recommend trying to go under that one in particular because the road is closed up ahead and is not worth it. There is also a really cool bridge that crosses over a river which is definitely a great place to get some cool pictures of your rig!

4H the whole way. Exciting trail with some switchbacks and shallow creek crossings. Hilly and bumpy, but overall not a difficult drive. Narrow at times, only wide enough for one vehicle. Some downed trees which have been cleared of the trail but remain close enough to make the trail more narrow. Several vehicles on trail, all 4WD with at least 8” clearance.

Trail was in good condition. Few old downed trees that made it tight in areas. River had a couple campers. Went across the bridge at the river until the closed gate at the state line. Easy turnout and enjoyed the trip back out. Doesn’t have the Mountain View’s some of the other trails nearby have. But an enjoyable trail through the woods with creeks and the river.

trail was more intense than was stated by others. it was wet when i went but having a rear locker was necessary. wasnt an issue in my bronco with front and rear lockers on 35s but not for lower or non built vehicles. a 4wd vehicle that didnt have skid plates was broken on the trail when i went. not sure what happened but the undercarriage was torn up so i can assume they didnt have the clearence they thought they had. i would say minimum 8-9 is necessary. one section is quite loose and a minimum 25% grade on it. was fun but if you dont have the right vehicle or driver i wouldnt try it.