Barton Gap

Trail Overview

Barton Gap Trail connects Forest Road 643 (Bartons Gap) to the north and Forest Road 84 (Hurricane) to the south, running through Jefferson National Forest in southwest Virginia. The trail is best suited for dirt bikes due to its tight width and technical terrain, but expect to share the trail with hikers as this is a multi-use corridor within the National Forest. The southern end is marked by a Forest Service sign and is where the rocky stream crossing is located. The creek bed is lined with rounded boulders and flat stones, and the water depth is moderate under normal conditions but can rise significantly after rainfall. The crossing is about 6 feet and requires good momentum management and a solid line choice. From there, the trail climbs north through dense corridors of rhododendron that press in tightly from both sides, requiring precise steering and slow, deliberate movement through the turns. Moss-covered boulders line the edges as the trail navigates rolling terrain through mixed hardwood forest, with mountain views visible through the trees on the upper sections. The northern end at FR 643 is marked by a pair of orange and black hazard posts. No permits are required. Expect limited cell service on the trail.

Photos of Barton Gap

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Difficulty

Barton Gap sits at an intermediate difficulty level. The trail is narrow throughout with tight rhododendron pressing in from both sides and an off-camber ridgeline stretch that keeps you honest. Rocks are embedded and scattered across the surface in sections, and the ruts can grab a front wheel if you lose focus. The stream crossing at the southern end is the hardest obstacle -- a wide, rocky creek bed with large boulders and pooling water that can get deep after any significant rainfall.

Technical Rating

Barton Gap can be accessed by the following ride types:

• Dirt Bike