17 Best Off Road Trails in VA: Virginia

If you have an insatiable appetite for the great outdoors, the off-road trails of Virginia should be on top of your adventure bucket list. These trails weave through the verdant forests and scenic views of the beautiful Virginia mountains.

Virginia’s mountains and forests are practically made for off-roading. There is a trail for everyone, from beginners to even the most seasoned riders. Spearhead trails and Potts Mountain Jeep Trail are just two of the many off-road parks that offer a fun yet challenging adventure for off-roaders.

If you’re planning to go on an adventure ride for a day or the weekend, check out some of the best off road trails in VA.

Here are the 17 best off-road trails in Virginia:

1. Mountain View Spearhead Trail
2. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail
3. Moto Cove ATV Trail
4. South Pedlar ATV Trail
5. Big Levels 4×4 Trail – Blue Ridge OHV Route
6. Chaos Off Road Park
7. Peter’s Mill Run & Tasker’s Gap OHV Loop Trail
8. Patterson Mountain OHV Trail
9. Flagpole Knob
10. Rocky Run ATV Trail
11. King Knob Motorsports Park
12. Hatfield-McCoy Trails
13. Catfish ATV Trails & Pond
14. Little Fort Campground
15. Big Boy’s Playground, LLC
16. Slades Park
17. Kairos Resort

For your next off-road ATV or Jeep adventure, check out what Virginia has to offer. Let’s look at each one of them.

17 Best Off Road Trails in VA

1. Mountain View Spearhead Trail

Often called “Virginia’s most exciting trail destination,” Mountain View Spearhead has a satisfying mix of trails for greenhorns and experienced riders. Nestled in the middle of the Appalachia Mountains, Spearhead offers a multi-use trail system with miles of ATV and dirt bike adventures. Mountain View boasts of 188 tree-lined miles of trails and 20 miles of single track. The number of mountain view trails by difficulty is 48 trails (hard), 12 trails (moderate), and 11 trails (easy).

The trailhead is located in St. Paul, an ATV-friendly town where you can ride your “off-highway vehicle” (OHV) just about anywhere – to the store, to get food, or even to your room.

The multi-trail system of Spearhead Trails offers unique and challenging off-road adventures not only for ATV and bikes. There are also hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that will take you through miles and miles of verdant forest trees and foliage.

Permits can only be purchased online at selected retailers. All riders and drivers are required to have a permit or day pass before entering the trail.

2. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail

Also referred to as Forest Service Road 5036, Potts Mountain Jeep Trail offers an adrenaline-pumping 4-wheel drive adventure along a narrow road with large boulders and a few steep drops. The scenic route is dotted with viewpoints offering spectacular views of West Virginia. This is not a trail for newbies as the road is filled with large, jagged rocks and steep slopes. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail is known for “The Valley.” It’s a very technical section approaching the north end of the ridge.

Standard 4×4 vehicles are not recommended as the jeep trails require high clearance suspension, all-terrain tires, and winching capabilities. For those searching for an even more challenging experience, look for the black arrows that mark these ultra-challenging obstacle routes.

For more information about Potts Mountain Jeep Trail, contact the USFS – George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.

3. Moto Cove ATV Trail

Moto Cove ATV Trail is a 60-mile off-road park composed of one-way trails with four separate loops. The forest trail will lead you through very rugged terrain filled with obstacles that range from boulders, steep hills, loose rocks, deep mud puddles, and deep trenches. If you’re a newbie, there’s a 2-mile beginner loop. The main trail system is really for experienced riders. The trails are open daily (9 am-5 pm) throughout the year. It’s open for motorcycles and dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV and SXS, SUVs, and Jeeps.

Moto Cove has a full-service campground with spacious sites, a beach for swimming, RV hookups, cabins, a boat ramp, and a convenience store. Check out more information here.

4. South Pedlar ATV Trail

The 19-mile South Pedlar ATV Trail offers a great off-road adventure, especially for the recreational ATV rider. It’s a looping network that is composed of two main tails – the Terrapin and Rattlesnake Trails. There are challenging narrow and twisting trails for the more advanced riders, and wider, easier trails for the greenhorns. The route will take you through countless panoramic vistas and fields of mountain laurel blooms while enjoying the shady forest canopy.

South Pedlar ATV Trail opens early April through late November. It’s open to ATVs, motorbikes, and mountain bikes. A special recreation permit is required.

5. Big Levels 4×4 Trail – Blue Ridge OHV Route

A 27.4-kilometer 4×4 trail, the Blue Ridge OHV Route is a lightly-trafficked, point-to-point trail primarily used for mountain biking and OHV/off-road driving. The best time to explore the trail is from April to October. It’s closed during the winter months. Since it’s not a high-traffic trail, caution should be observed after heavy rains to avoid getting stuck.

Although it’s rated as “difficult,” many off-roaders say it’s a “gnarly and fun trail” that is “worth checking out.” It’s ideal to go when there has been little to no rain. With its very sharp turns, huge rocks, and very large puddle, a winch would surely come in handy.

6. Chaos Off Road Park

Chaos Off-Road Park has 400 acres of trails offering off-road challenges and adventures that will fit new drivers to seasoned trailblazers.

The park is only open on certain weekends. Make sure they’re open by checking their Facebook Page for upcoming events. You can purchase a day pass or a weekend pass. They also have a great camping site available.

7. Peter’s Mill Run & Tasker’s Gap OHV Loop Trail

Peter’s Mill Run OHV Trail & Tasker’s Gap OHV Loop Trail are two trail systems comprising the largest OHV complex in Virginia. They’re primarily for all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and OHV/off-road driving. It’s a 12.7-kilometer point-to-point trail with light traffic that is great for all skill levels. It’s a nice starter trail for beginners and those trying to get familiar with 4×4 features. The rugged trail system is filled with exciting twists and turns ranging from easy to moderate trail difficulty that you will surely enjoy.

Peters Mill Run has a moderately rocky linear trail dotted with some side spurs. Creek crossings may be part of the adventure, depending on the season. On the other hand, Tasker’s Gap has a dozen marked trails with varying degrees of difficulty.

From January to March, the trail system will be closed to ATVs and OHVs, so hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians may use the trails.

A permit must be secured before arrival, as there is no self-pay kiosk on site. There is a use fee for motorized users, while non-motorized users are usually free.

8. Patterson Mountain OHV Trail

The Patterson Mountain OHV Trail offers an exciting and challenging adventure for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. There are almost 15 miles of trail for different skill levels. The trail will be open from dawn till dusk during these months: June 16-September 30 and December 8-March 15.

9. Flagpole Knob

The summit of Flagpole Knob can be reached thru Forest Road 85. The trail stretches 3.6 miles along the Allegheny Mountains just past the border of Virginia and West Virginia. The rough and very steep trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, or off-road vehicles.

10. Rocky Run ATV Trail

The Rocky Run ATV Trail is a scenic 10-mile narrow and rocky 4×4 loop designated for all-terrain vehicles–motorcycles and dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV, and SXS, SUVs and Jeeps, dune buggy and sand rail 4×4. The trail is open year-round. There are portions along the trail where camping is allowed but not at the trailhead. A part of the trail that connects Second Mountain and Dictum Ridge has a narrow and twisting trail, but there are also wide and easy portions.

11. King Knob Motorsports Park

King Knob Motorsports Park in West Virginia offers more than 200 miles of trails. Also called Stewart’s Run, the park has 1300 acres of places to explore – trails, rock gardens, mud holes, and even play areas. Several swimming ponds are open, too. The park is open on select weekends. You can purchases day and weekend passes at the park or online.

12. Hatfield-McCoy Trails

The off-highway Hatfield-McCoy Trails are a popular multi-county trail system project. Trails include Bearwallow, Buffalo Mountain, Devil Anse, Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, Pocahontas, Rockhouse, and Warrior Trails. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails does live up to their reputation as one of the ‘largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world’ with more than 700 trails meandering through the scenic mountains of Southern West Virginia. They’re open throughout the year with trails for every skill level. Check out their website for more information.

13. Catfish ATV Trails & Pond

Also known as the ‘Catfish Pond,’ the 600-acre Catfish ATV Trails & Pond Park offer more than 60 miles of long-loop trails. Most of the terrain is rugged and muddy with moderate changes in the elevation of ATV trails and mud pits that can be quite deep. The trail is open to motorcycles and dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV, and SXS. Trail markers on the main trail connect to many side trails. Camping is allowed. There is also a stocked pond for occasional fishing tournaments.

The park is open during weekends, but hours depend on the season, so it’s a good idea to call first.

14. Little Fort Campground

Little Fort Campground is the largest OHV complex in the state of Virginia. In the past, the meadow near the campground was a rest stop for a stagecoach line. The complex has 11 trails, which is great if you’re up to tackling multiple OHV/ATV trails.

It’s open year-round, and users of OHV/ATV Trail need to secure special recreation permits, but the park’s entrance is free.

15. Big Boy’s Playground, LLC

Big Boys Playground opened in 2002. It’s a popular off-road park that offers trails for jeeps and motorcycles, a drag strip, and several mud pits, the most notorious of which is called “Hell Hole.” There’s also a motocross track and the hare scramble trail for dirt bikes. Motorbikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV, SXS, SUVs, dune buggy and sand rail 4×4 are all permitted. Camping is allowed in developed sites only.

Although a permit is not required and the park is open daily throughout the year, it’s recommended that visitors call in advance. For updated fees and passes, check out their website.

16. Slades Park

Slade’s Park offers a 6.3-kilometer loop trail in the middle of the forest. The trail rating is moderate and is mainly open for OHV/off-road driving. It’s is a mixture of woods and sandy trails, mud bogs, and lots of berms. There’s also a spacious play area for beginners, a drag strip, and a camping area. Only ATVs, UTV, SXS, motorcycles, and dirt bikes are allowed. Slades Park is open all year from dawn to dusk, but poor weather conditions may cause short notice closure. It’s best to call for more information.

17. Kairos Resort

The 1515 acres of Kairos Resort stretches from the New River to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. There are over 40 miles of challenge and adventure for ATV, UTV, or dirt bike riders.

It’s a family-friendly resort that offers a wide range of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also horseback riding trails, mountain biking, and hiking that will take you through beautiful scenery that the State of Virginia is well-known for. Only motorcycles, dirtbikes, ATVs, UTV, and SXS are permitted. UTV rentals are also offered.

For camping, guests can choose from primitive sites to full hook-up to luxury yurts.

Conclusion – 17 Best Off Road Trails in VA

So what are the best off-road trails in Virginia? In summary, here are the top picks again:

1. Mountain View Spearhead Trail
2. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail
3. Moto Cove ATV Trail
4. South Pedlar ATV Trail
5. Big Levels 4×4 Trail – Blue Ridge OHV Route
6. Chaos Off Road Park
7. Peter’s Mill Run & Tasker’s Gap OHV Loop Trail
8. Patterson Mountain OHV Trail
9. Flagpole Knob
10. Rocky Run ATV Trail
11. King Knob Motorsports Park
12. Hatfield-McCoy Trails
13. Catfish ATV Trails & Pond
14. Little Fort Campground
15. Big Boy’s Playground, LLC
16. Slades Park
17. Kairos Resort

There is always a thrilling escapade in Virginia waiting for anybody with a spirit of adventure and a love for the great outdoors. One way to discover and enjoy Virginia’s breathtaking panorama is the off road parks in VA through the state’s renowned mountains and forests. Whether you want a smooth ride through the 2-mile beginner’s loop at the Moto Cove ATV Trail or the more adrenaline-pumping adventure of The Valley in the Potts Mountain Jeep Trail, Virginia surely has something exciting waiting for you.