Broad Run

This popular road in Craig County, VA follows Craig creek and weaves in and out of the mountains. It’s also a trail that Virignia Off-Road has adopted through the VDOT Adopt-a-Highway program.

Broad Run Trail is a 10-mile off-road route located in Craig County, Virginia, within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The trail is known for its scenic beauty, featuring multiple water crossings and a variety of terrains.

(While technically not a trail, it’s partly VDOT and partly forest service road, with some challenges, many find it to be a great trip through the woods with some water crossings and places to try out your 4WD. It’s perfect for newbies to the community and those just wanting a day off pavement. Being that, we call it a trail here at VAOffroad.)

They have slightly changed the end route some and have added a lot of larger river style rock towards the Cairg County side of the trail which honestly is more refreshing than just a gravel/dirt road on the Botetourt end.

Key Details:

• Open: Year Round
• Time to Complete: Approximately 1 hour
• Distance: 10 miles
• Highest Elevation: 2,161 feet
• Fuel Availability: Gas stations are accessible in nearby towns such as Roanoke and New Castle, Virginia
• Camping: Dispersed camping is available along the route. Travelers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and check for any required permits or fees

Trail Characteristics:

The trail begins as a county or state road and transitions into a forest service road, closely following Broad Run for the first half. There are ten water crossings along this section, which can become deep and challenging during periods of heavy rain, potentially making the road impassable for some vehicles.

During normal water conditions, these creek crossings are considered moderately challenging.

The trail is generally stock-friendly, suitable for vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive and appropriate ground clearance to Ford over various parts of the creek, the deepest can upwards of 36″.

Preparation and Safety:

• Vehicle Requirements: A four-wheel-drive vehicle with adequate ground clearance is recommended.
• Weather Considerations: Check weather forecasts before your trip, as water levels in the crossings can rise significantly after rainfall.
• Navigation: Carry a detailed map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area.
• Camping: If planning to camp, ensure you are familiar with dispersed camping regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Private Property: Note, there is a section of the trail that looks like its open and available to wheel, it’s not. The section is where you see large power lines and a couple of entry ways with water/mud. We have mapped this section for your knowledge. The owner DOES have video cameras up in the section and they do prosecute. Stay on the fire road and you’ll be fine. 🙂

Also for the ‘Hill” just off Broad Run on Wildfire Rd:

Our members reached out to several offices and was eventually able to speak with the appropriate contact regarding the hill area. While it’s not explicitly illegal to access the hill, officials have expressed a strong preference that people avoid it. That said, if individuals do choose to go up there, they must treat it with the same care and responsibility as they would any public road.

In short, respectful use is key—it’s fine to explore the area, drive around features like the “fish bowl,” and take photos, but any behavior that causes damage to the hill—such as spinning tires or aggressive driving—could be considered reckless driving and may result in a ticket. The area should be treated with care and respect at all times.

For a visual overview of the trail, you might find the following video helpful:

Member Photos of Broad Run:

Want to contribute to this page?

If you have images, information or insights to this trail, email us and let us know. We will update the page with your media or information, even if you are not a member.

We’ve pulled together some videos worth watching should you want to do this trail, it’s Josh’s personal fav (the Director of the org).