đźš™ Introduction: A Rugged Playground in Southwest Virginia
Tucked into the western edge of Tazewell County, near Richlands, the Jawbone Trail is a standout gem in the expansive Spearhead Trails network. Spanning roughly 100 miles of interconnected terrain—and covering about 10,000 acres including four scenic overlooks—it’s one of the only trail systems in Virginia built specifically for street-legal 4×4 vehicles, alongside ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and dual-sport motorcycles
The JawBone/Coal Canyon Trail at Jewell Valley has two names because the trails are cut in half by the county line of Tazwell and Buchanan County. The trail covers over 10,000 acres and has four breathtaking overlooks. JawBone is unique because it allows 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, side by sides and dirt bikes access. This trail is designed for many machines which allows beginners the ability to access all trails.
Trail Experience
🌄 Terrain and Trail Structure
- A blend of gravel roads, dirt trails, and a few asphalt sections, especially on the Jewel Valley side.
- Designed grading: Riders will find green, blue, and black-rated segments, plus ATV-only yellow trails, similar to what you’d find on other Spearhead systems—but with a less intense vibe since it’s built to accommodate Jeeps and full-size UTVs.
🎯 Who It’s For
- Perfect for off-roaders in Jeeps, Broncos, Toyota’s, side-by-sides, and UTVs who want a technical but not overly demanding trail.
- The classification scheme makes it family-friendly, accessible to beginners, yet fun for experienced riders, too.
System Connections & Highlights
- Connected to Coal Canyon, allowing adventurous riders to explore both trails in one epic trip
- Trail hubs: The Jawbone trailhead is located off Mudlick or Big Creek Road in Richlands
- Four overlooks provide panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian ridges—ideal for a rest stop or photo op.
Permits & Regulations
- You must purchase a permit for every rider and passenger—even passengers in Jeeps and UTVs
- Helmets are mandatory for ATV, UTV, and dirt-bike riders
- Trails are open sunrise to sunset—no night riding
- Speed limit: 25 mph; build fires and off-trail riding are strictly prohibited; trail rangers enforce regulations and can issue citations .
Rider Experience & Local Tips
- Mixed grading offers everything from easy gravel cruising to tight muddy curves—great for mixed-skill groups.
- The Jeep-accessible design makes Jawbone less technically demanding than some ATV-only systems, yet still entertaining .
- Popular with club groups and ride events, like Jeep and UTV outings held there in summer–fall
- Local riders appreciate the community and infrastructure: local ATV resorts, fuel, and lodging are often just a short ride away in nearby towns like Richlands, Grundy, and St Paul.
Planning Your Jawbone Adventure
- Secure permits in advance—available for 3 days, annual access, or youths ($21–$33+ range)
- Download GPS maps or ride ON‑site; Spearhead offers PDF/KML/KMZ/Avenza maps for each trail system
- Pack responsibly—helmet required, pack out what you bring, no open fires.
- Watch trail advisories—heavy rain or fire risk may cause trail closures; rangers and social media are your best info channels
- Combine Jawbone with Coal Canyon to craft a full weekend ride with diverse terrain and scenic variety.
Final Thoughts
The Jawbone Trail in Southwest Virginia offers a unique mix of adventure and accessibility. With its mountainous beauty, multi-vehicle friendliness, and manageable yet engaging trails, it’s a prime option for families, friends, and off-road clubs looking to experience Appalachia together. Whether you’re throwing your Jeep into the mix or ripping through in an ATV, Jawbone delivers memorable rides through Virginia’s rugged landscape.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Richlands, Tazewell County, SW Virginia |
| Trail Length | ~100 miles, 10,000 acres |
| Vehicle Types | Jeeps/4Ă—4 street-legal, ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes |
| Trail Grades | Green, Blue, Black (+ ATV-only Yellow) |
| Permits | Required for all riders/passengers |
| Hours | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Helmet & Speed | Helmet required, max 25 mph |
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