Trail Overview

Petites Gap descends the northern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the parkway. After descending a few switchbacks, it parallels a fork of Elk Creek until leaving the National Forest. There are a couple of campsites along the way. Some are large enough for a vehicle, or possibly two. At least two sites have parking but require you to walk into the area with the firepit. If you're visiting in the summer, check out the creek for a couple of decent-sized swimming holes near the bottom. This area was affected by the Matt's Creek Fire of 2023.

Photos of Petites Gap

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Difficulty

This is a well-maintained and often-traveled forest road.

Technical Rating

Mike Farazitow

Oct 24, 2025

Open

Camped off this trail with my MDC XT16HR on September 26, 2025 while on my way to Overland Expo East to meet up with ROA Offroad and our family of ROAMERS. Tight towing into this site between the trees, had to disconnect my truck to level out. As mentioned here, there is a natural water source just of the trail, a great spot to fill up your fresh water tanks.

Will Garrett

Sep 06, 2025

Open

Extremely simple forest road that is very popular, so expect heavy traffic. Everything from old Ethel's sedan, to overland/offroad rigs.

Morgan Burns

Jul 06, 2025

Open

steve jolly

Jul 05, 2025

Open

We made a loop from the Blue Ridge Parkway through Parker’s gap and then to petit gap. We entered from the west. At the beginning of the trail there were lots of folks parked along the trail. Looks like folks were primarily fishing, but there was some dispersed camping. We also encountered lots of mountain bikers so have to be very careful on curves. Trail is very flat and well graded no need for four-wheel-drive.

Parker Forman

May 08, 2025

Open

Road Petites Gap from Blue Ridge down. This trail is almost gravel from start to finish, zero challenging obstacles this can be done in 2wd Stock vehicles. Took less than 30 minutes to complete and along the way there was beautiful foliage and Mountain View’s. Near the bottom of Petites Gap there is a few camping opportunities along with a natural water source! (your welcome)

Robert Tripp

Jun 21, 2024

Open

Easy trail but rough enough to warrant airing down at the trailhead. Passed hikers and other vehicles with plenty of room. If you like dust you will love this trail.