Horse Cove Gap

Total Miles 2.7
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

Horse Cove Gap is an out-and-back trail that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail winds through lush forests, gradually leading to several overlooks that provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The scenery is truly spectacular, with the rolling hills and mountain ridges stretching out as far as the eye can see. The trail is decently maintained, making it accessible for off-road enthusiasts of varying levels. That being said, use extra caution as there are steep drop-offs lateral to the trail. Cell phone service is available for most of the trail. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a casual explorer, Horse Cove Gap promises a memorable experience in nature.

Photos of Horse Cove Gap

Difficulty

The trail is decently maintained but there are a few mud holes and rutted areas that warrant a 3 rating. Most of the trail is 2WD friendly.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Parker Morgan
Dec 27, 2025
Open
Aiden Roller
Nov 28, 2025
Open
Hayden Vance
Nov 11, 2025
Open
Good trail but it does narrow a lot the farther in you get. If you have a full sized vehicle you would definitely leave with pen stripes on both sides, I got a few today from this trail on my Tacoma. There are many parts of this with larger rocks sticking up and mud holes, one mud hole had a hard bottom but it did come to the bottom of my front bumper. Overall it’s a good trail but I would not tempt this in anything without 4x4 or without decent clearance.
Joyce Osborn
Nov 01, 2025
Open
While it’s true this trail can be done in 2WD, I had the Jeep in 4-lo due to a fair bit of mud following a week of rain. Airing down isn’t necessary but would have made this trail a bit less bumpy. Also, while the description calls this a full-width road, it’s narrower than that description would suggest, especially toward the top—if I had met another Jeep, the one heading down would have had to back as the trail wound higher. The views are epic, especially during autumn color. In a vehicle Jeep-sized or larger, be aware that you may get a bit of pinstriping. Also, while there’s lots of vegetation that takes down the pucker factor, be aware that for much of this trail there’s a drop-off to one side. We really enjoyed this one!
Dillon Higgins
Oct 11, 2025
Open
Good trail some parts are grown up anything wider than a jeep isn’t going to fit. Some fallen trees that have been cleared but still hanging over there was only clearance of 5-6” between my roof and one of the overhanging trees so a lifted vehicle may have issues.
Kyle Whorten
Jun 05, 2025
Open
Fun, short trail with decreasing width as you get towards the end of the trail. One deeper mud hole and one rocky spot that warrants a decent amount of ground clearance. Shouldn't have any reason to get out of 2wd on this trail.
Ryan Beaton
May 16, 2025
Open
Trail was pretty muddy, had quite a few water/mud holes. But my truck is stock height and street tires. Had it in 4h the whole time without many issues.
Wesley Buccini
May 08, 2025
Open
I haven't been out offroading in a while so after getting off work a few hours early this was a lovely trail to go on. Great views, easy, moderate and technical sections made this road fun to drive and kept things exciting. It was a great time to unwind. With good line choices most stock vehicles can make this trail. Be mindful however there is a mud hole that looks shallow, I promise it's not, it also is home to small rocks that could be dangerous to your belly. Anyways great time great view and plenty of steep climbs.
Zach Wright
Apr 22, 2025
Open
Rainy day ride. There were a decent amount of puddles and mud holes of course. A few about 18-24 inches deep of water. Mud wasn’t super thick. Great views along the ridge. No one else out there besides one mountain biker. A few rocky hills and sections. Nothing very technical. Great short trail. I would rate it on the low end of 3 at the very most.
James Bridges
Mar 30, 2025
Open
Nice trail this time of year, able to see pretty far along the whole trail. There was a tree down across the trail near the top.
Trevor Merriott
Mar 22, 2025
Open
Parker Morgan
Feb 05, 2025
Open
The gate is closed and locked
Patrick FitzSimmons
Jan 11, 2025
Open
Got there with the snow on the ground and it was closed with nearby trails
larry childers
Dec 07, 2024
Open
Great easy trail. Was us and three other people on dirt bikes.

Horse Cove Gap Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Horse Cove Gap Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map