Virginia sits at the heart of Appalachian overlanding. With two massive National Forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and ties into the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (MABDR), the state offers a mix of technical forest service roads, scenic ridge drives, and river valley camping. If you’re planning an expedition here, these are the three best overlanding routes in Virginia, each with the key info you need to make it happen.
Links to Route & Maps
- Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (MABDR) – Virginia Section // Free, official GPX from ridebdr.com
- Flagpole Knob (FR 85/85A Loop) // GPX via TrailsofRoad
- Blue Ridge Parkway FS Spurs // OnX Off Road Listed Trails
Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (MABDR) – Virginia Section
The MABDR is the East Coast’s flagship overland route, and Virginia’s section is one of the best. Winding through the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, it combines long stretches of gravel forest roads, ridge-top views, and historic valley towns.
Route Details
- Length: ~560 miles of the total route runs through VA/WV
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (weather can add mud & washouts)
- Terrain: Gravel, dirt FS roads, water crossings, some rocky climbs
- Highlights: Blue Ridge vistas, Potomac Highlands, historic Civil War sites
Best Time to Go
Spring through fall. Winter brings closures and ice at elevation.
Camping
Dispersed camping allowed in GW & Jefferson NFs; several developed campgrounds along the route (North Creek, Cave Mountain Lake).
Expedition Tips
- Download the official BDR GPX tracks.
- Travel with recovery gear; remote sections can get slick fast.
- Stop in small towns like Damascus and Covington for resupply and fuel.
George Washington National Forest – Flagpole Knob & Reddish Knob
Flagpole Knob is a classic Virginia Jeep trail—rocky climbs, tight forest roads, and 360° views from the summit. Linking it with nearby Reddish Knob creates one of the best short overland loops in the state.
Route Details
- Length: 30–40 miles depending on loop
- Difficulty: Moderate (rocky sections, steep grades, mud after rain)
- Terrain: Rocky FS roads, ridge tracks, steep descents
- Highlights: Flagpole Knob summit camp, Reddish Knob overlook, North River Gorge
Best Time to Go
Late spring through fall. Winter snow and ice can close access roads.
Camping
Primitive summit camping at Flagpole; North River Campground for amenities.
Expedition Tips
- High-clearance 4×4 required.
- Trails can get busy on weekends—arrive early for summit camping spots.
- Combine with MABDR tracks for a bigger loop.
Blue Ridge Parkway FS Connectors
The Blue Ridge Parkway itself is paved and scenic, but dozens of Forest Service spurs connect down into valleys and ridge roads. Linking them into a multi-day trip gives you the best of both worlds: big views from the Parkway, then rugged dirt roads back into the forest.
Route Details
- Length: ~200 miles of mixed pavement & FS roads
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Terrain: Scenic paved Parkway + gravel FS spurs
- Highlights: Peaks of Otter, Crabtree Falls, Appalachian Trail crossings, Shenandoah Valley views
Best Time to Go
Fall is king for leaf season. Summer can bring traffic, but FS spurs are quieter.
camping
- Parkway campgrounds (Sherando Lake, Otter Creek).
- Dispersed sites in GWNF spurs.
Expedition Tips
- Plan fuel stops—no gas on the Parkway itself.
- Offline maps recommended; cell service drops on spurs.
- Build a loop: Skyline Drive → Blue Ridge Parkway → FS spurs → return north.
Revised: Aug. 20, 2025