TrailMarker

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George Washington and Jefferson National Forests —Virginia

Part of the Appalachian Hardwood Forest, these c o n t i g u o u s f o r e s t s compr ise a lmost 1.8 mill ion acres, making them one of the East Coast’s largest blocks of public land. Located in western Virginia, this area is near to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and an easy drive from Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to OHV trails, the forests have hiking trails, hunting lands and shooting ranges available to visitors free of charge.

Of the trails available, there are a couple of 4WD trails of particular interest—Tasker’s Gap and Peters Mill Run in the Jefferson National Forest. These trails are quite popular and attract a variety of 4WD vehicles, ATVs and dirt bikes. They are closed annually from the fourth Monday in January through the third Monday in March to prevent erosion while the trails thaw and dry out. Tasker’s Gap and Peters Mill Run feature lots of rocks, low-water bridges and ruts. A few water crossings will remain until the National Forest Service (NFS) completes building low-water bridges to prevent damage to these water sources. Ruts may be as deep as two to three feet, which adds to the excitement.

At this writing, there are no fees to enter these trails. Sometime in the next year, however, the NFS will be instituting per-operator fees (one fee per vehicle), the cost of which is yet to be determined.

Vehicle noise has become an issue for residents who live near these trails. Forest officials request that OHV drivers refrain from gunning their engines and to travel slowly.

Several campgrounds are nearby, including Camp Roosevelt (with running water, but no showers), Little Fort Camp at the north end of Peters Mill Run, and Camp Roosevelt, which is essentially a parking lot but still provides space to pitch your tent.

TRAIL RATINGConsidered easy and suitable for novice drivers

DIRECTIONSTake Exit 279 off I-81. Turn east on State Road 675. In the center

of Edinburg (T intersection), turn left onto U.S. 11. At the north end of Edinburg, turn right onto State Road 675 to the top of Massanutten Mountain to Edinburg Gap. Tasker’s Gap OHV Road is 0.8 miles further down State Road 675 on the east side of the mountain.

CONTACTGeorge Washington and Jefferson National ForestsEdinburg, VALee Ranger District(540) 984-4101

Our public lands offer an almost endless array of outdoor recreational opportunities and a surprising number of roads open to Jeep travel. To help you find new adventures in your neck of the woods,

we’ve selected a few locations across the U.S. that welcome responsible four-wheeling…

by Lisa Godfrey

In our conversations with public land managers, we consistently

hear two mantras. First, trail activity of all kinds has exploded in the

last decade, making etiquette more important than ever. Second,

despite environmentalists’ complaints about damage caused by OHV

use (some real, some alleged) and the escalation of trail closures,

responsible four-wheeling is not only acceptable but encouraged on

many federal and state lands. Managers expect and want us to enjoy

our public lands in ways that help negate the rhetoric of blame placed

on OHV use. The logical place to start is in acquainting yourself with

the rules and regulations of the areas in which you want to ride. For

example, it is illegal to leave designated trails in the National Forests.

Spending a little time getting to know the area before arriving helps

ensure outings that are fun and promote our sport in positive ways.

Another thing to be aware of is that conditions on the ground may

not be accurately reflected on maps, even those provided by the

ranger districts. Weather conditions, for example, can significantly

change the lay of the land without warning. Before embarking,

telephone the local ranger district or management office to inquire

about any possible closings due to weather, fire hazards, and

commercial or trail reclamation activity. When you arrive, visit the

local ranger district office for current conditions so you can enjoy

adventures that are safe and present no unpleasant surprises.

TaSker’S GaP & PeTerS Mill rUN

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Umpqua National Forest—Oregon

Lying along the west side of the Cascade Mountains in south-we ster n Oregon , Umpqua National Forest is characterized by the astounding geological events that have shaped the area. The name Umpqua translates as “thundering waters,” “across the waters” and “satisfied,” which speak to the area’s mountain lakes, tranquil ponds and thrilling rapids. The region also is favored with an abundance of wildlife.

Noonday Trail, a.k.a. Noonday Wagon Road, began life in 1896 as a hand-built wagon road that served the Bohemia gold mine operation. Today, the OHV trail runs for about four miles and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It is rocky and narrow, with steep climbs and descents, and 180-degree switchbacks on the approach to Champion Creek at the bottom. The best-preserved section is on the last 3.5 miles, between the Noonday Hotel and Champion Creek.

Nearby Fairview Peak Lookout, with an elevation of 5,933 feet, offers breathtaking views. Its most notable feature is the 53-foot tower, which has served as a fire lookout, Air Force radar station and host to private radio towers. Fairview Peak is located within the Slide Patented Mining Claim, however, the tower-side of the summit is NFS property. The area is also home to several abandoned mine shafts. You can look, but don’t explore, as they are dangerous and located on private property. The old Champion mine is at the bottom of the deepest descent and provides a cooling respite on hot summer days.

Noonday Trail is not wide enough to recommend the use of full-sized Jeeps such as J trucks. The Umpqua National Forest also recommends that drivers travel from the top of Noonday Ridge to Champion Creek below.

TRAIL RATINGConsidered more difficult and suitable for drivers with well-

developed off-road driving skills who are seeking a reasonably challenging trail ride. This trail requires low-range.

DIRECTIONSTake I-5 to Exit 174 at Cottage Grove. Turn east on Row River Road

and travel 19 miles to the junction of Layng Creek Road (#17) and Brice Creek Road (#2470). Turn right on Brice Creek Road and travel 12 miles to Noonday Road (#2212). Follow 3.8 miles along Noonday Road until you come to Road #2212-438. Turn right. Noonday Trail starts at mile point 0.1 on the right.

CONTACTUmpqua National ForestRoseburg, ORCottage Grove Ranger District(541) 767-5000

Ozark National Forest—Arkansas

More than 1 million acres make up this national treasure in northwestern Arkansas. You’ l l f i nd e s t a b l i she d campgrounds and picnic sites, and enjoy hunting, swimming and boating, as well as crystal clear streams for fishing and wooded hillsides for hiking. If you’re in good phys ic a l condition, you can try your hand at spelunking at Blanchard Springs Caverns—an amazing spectacle of an underground living cave.

The Brock Creek trails in the Bayou Ranger District are the only designated trails within the forest open to Jeeps, however, forest officials welcome off-roaders to enjoy the hundreds of other open roads that wind throughout the area. All they ask is that your Jeep be equipped with a muffler in good working condition and to observe Tread Lightly! rules.

Brock Creek is a multi-use trail system open to ATVs, dirt and mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. Trails 42 and 51 are old woods roads designated for use by four-wheel drive vehicles. You can enter the Austin trailhead from the north, with access to trail 51 from Forest Service Road 1334 near Brock Creek Lake Dam.

Plan on spending four to six hours to complete these trails. You can expect a fairly easy ride punctuated with steep turns, tight areas, lead-off dips with mud holes and a single water crossing (during dry periods). The terrain is clay substrate, which becomes quite challenging when wet. The majestic oak and hickory forest is mixed with occasional pine stands and several small streams.

The Rules Of EngagementBe an ambassador for the Jeep hobby by following

these simple rules of etiquette.

• Don’t come to the trail underprepared• Do not drive off the trail• Follow the principles of Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace• Yield the trail to four-wheelers who are ascending• Come to a full stop and turn off your engine when approaching equestrians• Slow down when approaching hikers• Take care not to scare or disturb wildlife• Respect private property and do not trespass• Obey all trail markings and crossings, as well as gate closures• Pack out what you pack in• A smile and a wave foster good relations among all outdoor adventurers

NOONDaY Trail BrOCk Creek

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Riding The Multi-Use TrailThe increase of backcountry recreation of all sorts has

given rise to a growing number of multi-use trails. The rules of etiquette for these trails require a little more knowledge than those designated strictly for four-wheel drive. Equestrians and livestock always have the right of way. If you come upon horseback riders, make your presence known (if they haven’t already heard you coming), then cut your engine. If equestrians approach you, cut your engine and let them pass. Next are hikers and mountain bikers. Four-wheelers yield to these users as well, and mountain bikers are expected to yield to hikers.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and common sense usually dictates what they are. For instance, an equestrian who hears a vehicle approaching may elect to ride off the trail, then wait for the driver to pass. But if he doesn’t, you’ll know what to do.

It might sound a little complicated, but it’s not. Four-wheelers yield to all other outdoor enthusiasts on multi-use trails. Showing such respect helps bridge the gap of misunderstanding that too often divides the outdoor enthusiast community.

TRAIL RATINGConsidered easy and suitable for stock and mildly modified Jeeps.

Drivers should have at least basic off-road driving skills, as this trail requires 4WD in several spots. These trails can become more difficult after heavy or sustained rainfall due to muddy conditions.

DIRECTIONSTake I-40 to Exit 107. Take Highway 95 north past St. Vincent.

Turn left onto State Road 124 and follow to Jerusalem until you come to Conway County Road 32. Travel north on Conway County Road 32 and follow to Brock Creek. When Brock Creek forks, take the right fork to the Brock Creek Campground. A little further east will bring you to the southern end of trail 51. To reach the Austin trailhead in the north, take Conway County Road 32 north from Jerusalem for six miles. Turn right on Van Buren County Road 226 for one mile, then turn left on Van Buren County Road 423 for 1.5 miles. The Austin trailhead is on the left.

CONTACTOzark National ForestRussellville, ARBayou Ranger District(479) 284-3150

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