Trail Overview

FS-394/Sugar Tree is a 19-mile-long two-way gravel and dirt trail located in Virginia's George Washington National Forest about an hour west of Staunton. The trail provides outstanding views of the surrounding areas and is easy enough that most SUVs and trucks should be able to complete without the use of 4WD. The trail's most recognizable feature is its almost unending switchbacks and plentiful campsites. The trail is wide enough that large vehicles should have little to no problem navigating it. Sugar Tree is a lesser-traveled trail and provides an excellent opportunity to explore and camp in areas that aren't overrun with others. Cell service along much of Sugar Tree is spotty to non-existent.

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Difficulty

Sugar Tree is a simple trail but could be more difficult in rain or snow. Most vehicles should have little to no problem completing it.

Technical Rating

Phillips Bill

Sep 06, 2026

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

Entered the trail from the south. Lots of areas with tall grass on the shoulders beyond the width of my truck. No concerns about pin striping. Three place where fallen trees were cut but not fully cleared by other. Would be wise to have brought the Husqvarna along just in case. Some ruts, washboards and minor cuts in the road; all were easy to go over or go around. All in all it is a nice road with numerous camping spots along the way. Bumped into a few guys running dogs as Bear Hound Chase training is in season. During deer season, this road is heavily used.

Sunny Marie

Sep 05, 2026

Open

Muddy/Wet

Easy to run with stock vehicle. Lots of camp sites along the trail. Three spots with trees that fell but they have been cut to allow access

nobody no one

Jun 23, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetNormal

Nice trail. A few small trees down but were easily managable.

Perry Weller

Mar 18, 2026

2025 Toyota Tundra

Open

Normal

No one else was out on the trail today. Beautiful views. A few small branches hanging low but no issues passing. Moved a few rocks off the trail.

Josh B

Nov 17, 2025

Open

Dusty

Well maintained gravel road. Lots of people camping along the road in designated spots.

Austin Angell

Aug 16, 2025

1993 Jeep Cherokee

Open

NormalDusty

Ran the whole length of the road in my XJ and it’s a very well maintained forest road. Ran into a couple bear guys running their dogs but other than them it was only us.

Jason Farmer

Jul 05, 2025

Open

Went the full length of Sugar Tree today. All was cleared, a few low hanging branches but otherwise easy drive.

Kat Tate

Jun 19, 2025

Obstructed

Went almost the full 19 miles. Beautiful trail. Got within half a mile of the other end, was blocked by very large tree that is wedged in tight on ether side

Ben Gugler

Mar 27, 2025

Open

Lots of downed trees in the road, but all are cut and passable without any issues.

Mike F

Sep 24, 2024

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Muddy/Wet

Nice, peaceful drive, road was a bit wet from rain but nothing serious, gray skies so views weren’t the best but still beautiful in a different way.

Darren Smith

Sep 22, 2024

Open

Normal

Super smooth gravel fire road. Passable in most any vehicle. Nice and wide trail with some scattered camping areas.

Earl Johnson

Jun 09, 2024

1979 Jeep CJ

Open

The road started out really nice with grass down the middle. After about a mile in it became very wide with fresh graded loose dirt the rest of the way. I'm guessing they're going to start logging this area. I was very disappointed because this was my most Southern destination of my trip.