One of the most common questions we receive is “where’s a good place to hit the dirt that isn’t a day long drive from DC?” So we’ve finally decided to compile a list of some of our favorite locations that are within a 2 hour drive from the DC area.
All of the locations listed below are stock vehicle friendly, but a lot of that can always be weather dependent. As always, we recommend you do a little homework before heading out, and always make sure you comply with local laws and regulations.
Trail Length: ~20 Miles
Time to Complete: 2 Hours
Long Run Road is located in the George Washington National Forest about 20 minutes outside of Harrisonburg. It’s a stock friendly trail with great views and numerous camp sites. There are also a few spur trails such as Second Mountain, Dictum Ridge, and Gauley Ridge. Our recommendation is to start on the Harrisonburg side and then take the trail all the way to Little Dry River Road, then you’ll end up in Fulks Run which is a short drive back to 81.
Trail Length: 12 Miles
Time to Complete: 2 Hours
Peters Mill Run is also located in the George Washington National Forest but is popular because of it’s close proximity to DC and for being stock vehicle friendly. The trail head is about an hour and a half’s drive and there are plenty of cool local attractions to see. Just be on the lookout for ATV’s and horseback riders, there are numerous blind turns so make sure to take your time. Our recommendation is to start in Edinburg and end in Woodstock, also make sure to check out the fire tower on Woodstock Tower Rd, it gives you a beautiful view of the valley. Finally, make sure you get a permit, don’t be that guy that rolls without one.
Trail Length: ~Varies
Time to Complete: 3-6 Hours
Green Ridge State Forest is our only location in Maryland on this list. It’s about a 2 hour drive from DC and is located off of interstate 68. Unfortunately the ORV portion of the trail has been closed for a few years now, but there is still plenty of beautiful camp sites, views of the river, and plenty of places to fish. Green Ridge is an ideal place to introduce your friends/family to camping since there are miles of mild dirt road to keep you busy. Our only recommendation is to get there early to reserve a campsite at the Ranger Station, this place fills up quick when the weather is nice.
Trail Length: ~21 Miles
Time to Complete: 2 Hours
Chances are if you’ve done any traveling in the region, you’ve either been to or at least heard of Flagpole Knob, and it’s probably the most famous local destination on our list. Flagpole Knob is another stock 4×4 friendly trail and the best part of the trail is the view. Our recommendation is to take Skidmore Fork Road off of 33 and then head out via Union Springs Road. There are numerous campsites along the trail for you to utilize, just make sure if you’re going in the winter to be careful. The trails can get icy very quickly and we speak from experience on this one.
5. St. Michaels
Trail Length: 100 Yards
Time to Complete: How much can you drink?
Road trips don’t always have to involve dirt roads, and keeping your significant other happy with a weekend getaway is always good when you need leverage for future trips. One of our favorite locations is in St. Michaels, MD, it’s a 2 hour drive from DC and is on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay. Our favorite spot is the “booze triangle” which includes the St. Michaels Winery, Lyon Distilling Co., and Eastern Shore Brewing all within 100 yards of each other. Our recommendation is to hit all 3 and stay at one of the numerous local B&B’s or hotels.
We hope you all find this list useful in helping plan your first or next DirtRoadTrip! If you have any questions feel free to give us a shout, we’re always happy to offer tips, advice, and let you know all about the mistakes we’ve made. Safe travels!
Love the Site. Spotted your Jeep in my office parking lot today and left my card. I would love to join you on your trips. I drive a Power Wagon and so far I have had a blast taking it out to Moab and up to Rausch Creek. My biggest problem is finding people to go out with. Most weekend are open and I always seem to end up with unused vacation time at the end of the years so it would be great to spend it on something I love to do.
Thanks Mike, you’ve got a good looking power wagon, who makes your sliders? My company is in the process of buying the office park, so you’ll see a lot of us around the area.
Hey guys! Just came across your website and started following. Really digging the work. I plan on taking my 100 series out and giving some of these a try. My wife and I frequently go out and camp with our dogs and are always looking for new places. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks Ryan, have fun out on the trails!
This is a trail that I’ve been working on. It’s about a 30/70ish mix of gravel/pavement and totals of about 90 miles. It took me about 8 hours to drive it the first time. Stock friendly but weather dependent.
Stop by Crozet Pizza.
Note: The Rapidan Camps spur has not been riven by me. It’s on my to-do list. All other roads have been.
Greg do you have anymore details? Feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
Thanks,
Alex
Definitely interested in more details!