Coon Bridge Trail

Introduction

Nestled in the George Washington National Forest, the Coon Bridge Trail is a lower-profile but deeply rewarding route for off-road enthusiasts. It provides a refreshing mix of forest scenery, mild technical challenges, and a chance to ride in relative solitude. Whether you’re in a high-clearance 4×4, or you want a peaceful day trip, Coon Bridge is well worth considering.

Key Details

Thing	Info
Location	George Washington National Forest, near Lowsville, VA
Distance / Length	~ 8.2 miles
Technical Difficulty	Rated ~3/10 (“Moderate”) — some off-camber stretches, creek or wash crossings, rough / twisty double track.
Vehicle Needed	High-clearance 4×4 recommended. Stock off-road capable vehicle might do, depending on conditions.
Best Time to Go	Spring, Summer, Fall — avoid or be cautious in winter or after heavy rain because sections can wash out or be muddy.

Trail Features & What to Expect

Trail Type & Route
The trail begins from a State Road or forest access, including a portion through private property at the start (~1.5 miles) before entering National Forest lands.
Terrain & Conditions
Expect a mix: dirt and rock, off-camber (leaning) sections, creek or stream crossings that may be shallow or deeper depending on rainfall, occasional washouts. Some sections can be tight and twisty.
Scenery & Environment
Forested slopes, views in the lower elevations, especially nice in fall and winter when leaf cover is thinner. There are primitive campsites scattered along the trail. Cell service is often unavailable.
Challenges & Hazards
- A washout near the trail’s beginning (after entering the National Forest) can be a gatekeeper.
- Creek crossings may be difficult when water is high.
- Vegetation tends to get overgrown in parts. Branches, bushes may scratch.
- Off-camber sections require good driving technique; misjudge, and you could slide or scrape.
- No cell service in many parts — always assume you have none.

How to Prepare

Vehicle Prep: High ground clearance, good 4×4 system, solid tires with grip. Tools for recovery and possibly a winch if you want to play it extra safe.
Gear: Basic trail gear (shovel, recovery straps, first aid), extra fuel, plenty of water, GPS or maps (offline version), maybe saw/pruner for overgrown bits.
Clothing: Expect forest conditions — layers, moisture protection. Mud boots helpful if you’ll get out.
Navigation & Permits: Make sure you know the entry and exit points; respect any private property portion. Follow all National Forest regulations.
Timing: Start early in the day to allow time for slow progress. If you go after rain, it may take much longer or some spots may be impassable.

Suggested Itinerary

Morning: Depart early, reach trailhead, do basic checks (vehicle, weather).
Mid-morning to early afternoon: Ride through the trail, stopping for views, creek crossing, photography.
Afternoon: Camp at primitive spot if planning overnight, or finish loop back to trailhead.
Evening: Return home while there’s daylight, or if camping, enjoy the forest night.

Why Ride Coon Bridge?

You’ll likely avoid crowds — this trail is under the radar.
Great mix of challenge + scenery without needing hardcore modded rigs.
Opportunities for camping, nature photography, enjoying quiet.
It builds off-road skills (handling off-camber, small water/erosion obstacles) in a relatively forgiving environment.

Tips & Etiquette

Stay on the trail — avoid side paths or creating new ruts.
Pack out all trash.
Respect private property (especially in the first stretch).
If you see damage or dangerous conditions (washouts, fallen trees), report or post warnings for other riders.
Go with a buddy or group, especially if you’re unfamiliar with backcountry navigation.

Possible Improvements / What to Watch

Trail maintenance (removing overgrowth) could improve visibility and reduce damage to vehicles.
Some sections could be graded or drained for better erosion control.
More signage (at trailhead, creek crossings) would help people unfamiliar with the trail.
Public reports / trail status updates would be very useful (weather, washouts, closures).

Conclusion

Coon Bridge Trail is one of those routes that gives back more than it demands: nice scenery, moderate challenge, solitude, adventure — a solid choice for off-roaders who want more than a drive but less than a full-blown expedition. With the right prep, it can be a memorable trip.