Bicycles are allowed on open forest roads, roads that are gated to prevent motor vehicle travel, and on more than 1,100 miles of trails on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Many trails are open to allow multiple non-motorized uses and are shared by hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists. Bicycles must remain on authorized roads and trails; off-trail travel is not permitted. Bicycles are a form of mechanical transport and are thus not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas. Information on allowed trail uses is available on trailhead signs and the National Geographic-Trails Illustrated map for the area, or by contacting the nearest Ranger District office. Please use trail etiquette by yielding to horses and hikers.
E-Biking
Electric bikes (e-bikes) can be used on Forest System lands only where motor vehicles are allowed.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer over 1,655 miles of roads and over 68 miles of trails open to motorized recreation.
In addition to open Forest System roads, e-bikes are allowed on the Potts Mountain Jeep Trail (Forest Road 177.1) on the Eastern Divide Ranger District in Craig County, and on three motorized trail systems on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests: the South Pedlar ATV Trail System on the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District in Amherst County, VA; the Rocky Run ATV Trail on the North River Ranger District in Rockingham County, VA; and the Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System on the Lee Ranger District in Shenandoah County, VA. Permit fees may apply.
Here are a few guidelines for riding e-bikes on the Forest:
E-bikes are prohibited on non-motorized trails, including trails open to bicycles.Vehicles, including e-bikes, are not allowed to travel beyond gates or barriers.E-bike travel in designated Wilderness, Recommended Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas is not allowed.Temporary and emergency closure orders may be implemented when road and trail conditions are considered unsafe (e.g., soft wet roads, washouts, fire).
For more information, contact your local district office.
The Forest Service Travel Management Rule defines motor vehicles as any vehicle that is self-propelled, with the exception of a vehicle that travels on rails or fits the vehicle criteria for “mobility use” for mobility impaired individuals. The Forest Service considers technologies that merge bicycles and motors (gas, batteries or electric powered) as motor vehicles. E-bikes, therefore, are considered motorized vehicles and are not allowed on non-motorized trails. For the latest information on e-bikes on Forest Service lands, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/e-bikes.
Mountain Biking
Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon ride or a challenging chain-breaking opportunity, tour national forests are the go-to place for mountain biking. Just remember, many of these trails are used by hikers and horseback riders so please make sure to think of your safety and the safety of others as you travel.
Wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes.Plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings.Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on your national forests. View the wildlife and the scenery.Keep in mind that the forests and meadows are fragile lands, so please practice low impact, tread lightly techniques.
Road Cycling
Cycling is a great way to travel through National Forest System lands. Our national forests offer remote, winding roads and mountain passes, ideal for slowly absorbing the natural beauty of the diverse landscapes.
Search for Biking Opportunities
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Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units.
This large, open field located at the base of Brush Mountain is good for day use and group camping that require few amenities. Poverty Creek flows adjacent to the field’s picnic area. Hikers and…
Braley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area for picnicking, fishing, or camping overnight in…
Located on the 10-acre Brandywine Lake, this wooded recreation area affords access to multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, a swimming beach, and a campground with an onsite host.
The Briery Branch Reservoir is the highlight of this day use area and is a popular fishing area.
Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area
Camp Roosevelt Campground is the site of the first Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in the Nation. Follow the path through the CCC camp and view the foundations where the actual buildings once stood.…
Located on top of Iron Mountain at 3800 feet, a small primitive campground and historic picnic area await the true outdoor enthusiast. The log picnic shelter with large stone fireplace was built by…
Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Site
A popular scenic viewing area for fall foliage, this winding 0.5 mile interpretive trail meanders along the top of Shenandoah Mountain. Relive the events of April 1862 through the letters of Captain…
Creek Junction Accessible Fishing Trail
A narrow gravel road provides visitors access to fishing in Whitetop Laurel Creek, hiking and biking access to the Virginia Creeper Trail, and views from underneath the longest trestle on the…
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers forested trails, campsites and open grassy picnic areas along the tranquil Passage Creek. Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal trail and learn how iron was…
