✅ SECTION 7: Virginia-Specific OHV Areas
Virginia might not be a state people immediately associate with off-road adventure, but it offers a surprising range of legal, scenic, and challenging OHV destinations. From the rocky ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains to the remote valleys of Southwest Virginia, there are designated areas for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly trails, long-distance loops, or serious terrain for technical driving, Virginia has you covered—as long as you know where to look and follow local rules.
Here are several of the top OHV areas across the Commonwealth, each offering unique terrain, access requirements, and experiences for off-road enthusiasts.
🌲 Peters Mill Run & Taskers Gap (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests)
Location: Fort Valley, VA – Shenandoah County
Permit Required: Yes – George Washington National Forest OHV Permit
Open To: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes (no full-size vehicles)
Seasonal Access: Typically open mid-spring through mid-January
This is one of the most popular and accessible OHV systems in Northern Virginia. Located in the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest, this dual-system trail network offers over 36 miles of designated OHV trails across mountainous, forested terrain. Peters Mill Run is the longer of the two systems and provides an out-and-back trail that offers moderate difficulty with occasional rock gardens, water bars, and switchbacks. It’s suitable for beginners with some experience, but technical enough to keep it interesting.
Taskers Gap, on the other hand, is a denser network of loops with tighter turns and more elevation changes, better suited for smaller machines like dirt bikes and nimble ATVs. These trails are well-marked and maintained by the Forest Service with the help of local volunteer groups. A daily or annual permit is required and must be purchased through the Forest Service or participating vendors. There are no camping opportunities directly on the trail, but the nearby Elizabeth Furnace Campground is a great basecamp.
🏞️ Spearhead Trails (Southwest Virginia Trail System)
Location: Various towns in Buchanan, Tazewell, Wise, and Russell Counties
Permit Required: Yes – Spearhead Trail Permit (Annual Required)
Open To: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and in some cases, full-size 4x4s
Seasonal Access: Open year-round, weather permitting
The Spearhead Trails system is one of Virginia’s crown jewels for OHV recreation. Developed by the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority, this expansive, multi-county network offers over 600 miles of interlinked OHV trails. Each trail system is based around a specific community and provides easy access to fuel, food, and lodging, which makes it ideal for weekend trips and multi-day adventures.
Systems include:
Original Pocahontas Trail System (Buchanan County): Offers beginner to moderate trails and connects to West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy network. Great for family rides and scenic backwoods travel.
Mountain View Trail System (St. Paul): Designed for more experienced riders, with technical sections and high-elevation viewpoints. The trail offers loops and ridge runs that challenge both man and machine.
Coal Canyon (Grundy area): Open to full-size vehicles in designated areas and provides deep-woods riding with longer distance routes.
Ridgeview and Haysi Ridge Trails: More recent additions to the system that offer steep ascents and descents with rugged terrain.
All riders must purchase an annual Spearhead permit, and helmets are required regardless of age or vehicle. These trails are well-mapped, and signage is consistent throughout. Towns like St. Paul, Haysi, and Grundy welcome OHV tourism and have developed lodging and dining options to accommodate riders.
🌳 South Pedlar ATV Trail System (George Washington National Forest – Glenwood District)
Location: Near Big Island, VA (Bedford County)
Permit Required: Yes – George Washington National Forest OHV Permit
Open To: ATVs, dirt bikes (no UTVs or full-size vehicles)
Seasonal Access: Usually mid-April through early January
This smaller, loop-style system is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers a remote, forested riding experience. With 19 miles of designated trails, South Pedlar is a great destination for riders who want a quieter, more isolated outing. While it doesn’t feature extreme difficulty, the terrain includes narrow paths, shallow creek crossings, and several hilly climbs that challenge beginners and intermediates alike.
One highlight of this system is the surrounding landscape—riders are treated to hardwood forest canopies, wildlife sightings, and peaceful mountain scenery. Because of its location inside a National Forest, rules are strictly enforced. UTVs are not permitted due to trail width limitations. Riders must have a Forest Service permit, and the trail may close during wet or hazardous conditions. The nearby Otter Creek Campground and Blue Ridge Parkway recreation areas offer camping options for overnight trips.
🏕️ Private OHV Parks: Kairos Resort & Good Evening Ranch
Kairos Wilderness Resort
Location: Glen Lyn, VA (Giles County)
Permit Required: Day Pass or Camping Reservation
Open To: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, full-size 4x4s
Kairos is a private adventure resort located on over 1,500 acres along the Virginia-West Virginia border. The trail system here includes over 40 miles of OHV trails varying from easy forest roads to steep and technical mountain tracks. In addition to off-roading, Kairos offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, and riverfront access to the New River. It’s a family-friendly destination that hosts events and welcomes large groups. Trail use is limited to guests with reservations or daily access passes, so be sure to plan ahead.
Good Evening Ranch
Location: Canvas, WV – just across the state line
Permit Required: Yes – Trail Pass or Camping Reservation
Open To: UTVs, ATVs, dirt bikes, full-size rock crawlers
Though technically in West Virginia, Good Evening Ranch is a short drive from many southwest Virginia riders and offers a thrilling experience. This park is a favorite among rock crawlers and technical drivers, with steep hill climbs, rocky outcrops, and obstacles suited for lifted rigs and expert-level riders. The park also includes camping, zip lines, and a restaurant, making it a great destination for group trips or club meetups.
🧭 Plan Before You Ride
Each of these areas offers something unique, but they also come with different rules, permit systems, and terrain expectations. Always check the current trail status, weather conditions, and closures before heading out. Many trail systems close temporarily during wet weather or hunting seasons to preserve the environment or ensure safety.
Lastly, make sure your machine is trail-legal where you’re going—some systems restrict trail width, vehicle type, or tire size. Respect those rules to avoid citations, injuries, or closures that impact everyone in the riding community.