This past weekend, Virginia Off Road hit the trails for an unforgettable ride through the rugged terrain of Butt Mountain (us locals call it Mountain Lake Trail), right past the iconic Mountain Lake Lodge. With around 20 rigs in attendance, it was one of our larger turnouts in recent months—and it didn’t disappoint.
We kicked off the run by heading up the trail just past the lodge, following Appalachian Trail Road all the way to the fire tower. The trail delivered everything we love about Southwest Virginia off-roading: deep mud crossings, challenging rock crawls, and sweeping mountain views that made every mile worth it.
One of the best parts? Welcoming a couple of new off-roaders into the group. For their first time out, they crushed it—navigating the muddy trenches and rocky climbs like seasoned vets. It’s always exciting to see new faces join the community, and even better when they leave with muddy tires and big smiles.
From start to finish, the camaraderie, trail chatter, and teamwork were top notch. Whether it was helping each other spot through tight sections or laughing around muddy rigs during breaks, this trip captured what Virginia Off Road is all about: community, challenge, and exploring the beauty of Virginia’s backcountry.
We wrapped up the day with a ride back down the mountain, tired but stoked for the next adventure.
If you missed this one, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty more trail runs on the horizon. Be sure to follow us on social and keep an eye on the event calendar. Until then, stay muddy and ride safe!
– Joshua Gabrielson
Founder, Virginia Off Road
PS- Donating members of our 501c3 get the Mountain Lake Trail Badge for completeing it at no charge.
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