Help Finding Spots near Blacksburg, VA

As the title says, I’m looking for spots near Blacksburg, VA to do basic off-roading/adventuring. I’m very new to everything and just want something basic to just go out and see the world a bit more.

I’m a 19 year old from New Jersey and attending Virginia Tech. There isn’t much do in terms of off-roading near me in NJ but want to give my truck the love it deserves and think that there may be places around (within like an hour or two in VA) that could give me a nice introduction. If you know any places/groups or anything that could get me more involved in that area let me know because I want to learn as much as possible and do as much as my truck lets me.

My build is pretty simple and barebones right now. Just a 4x4 SR5 sitting on a 2 inch lift and 275/70/r17 Discoverer AT3 and an upgraded suspension. I know it’s not much but I believe it’s enough to get me through some basic trials.

If any of you have some suggestions or any knowledge you’d be willing to share that’d be great. I’m open to hearing about any locations or even what I could do to make my truck perform better and gain knowledge about off-roading. Thanks!

 

Go Hokies!

 

Welcome!

I couldn't tell ya on what's down that way to play on/at. But will offer up a couple resources that you can dig into, so you can research and check out. I also cross reference all maps I look at with Google maps so I can see what else is in the area. but that's me.

1. This link is for MVUM's (Motor Vehicle Use Maps) for the National forest. Click the states forest area and dig into them. They are a very basic map/s. Some are better than others. https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml

2. Gravel maps. I was introduced to this last year. Kinda cool to see what gravel roads are out there. These roads can be as basic as all get out or a bit rougher.. You can click on said road to see what info has been uploaded for it. https://gravelmap.com/#10.66/37.2526/-80.4498

3. Next one.. Another good one to research for forest roads/trails in the Forest system. Open the link, Click the little jeep for roads/trails wider than 50 inches. Let it populate then zoom in to where you want to see whats out there. Also, this kinda corresponds to the first link for better visibility. You can click on the road on the map and it will tell you what kinda road it is and what can be on it. as well if it is a seasonal road with dates that it's open/closed, or year around. https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/

I think this should give you a good start on what is down that way. Have fun with them. Also... don't run them alone unless you know the area. A simple forest road/trail can go from easy to hard in no time.

~Bill

 

Little Meadow Rd. Route 714 ( off Doe Creek Rd. ) in Pembroke will take you to the old fire tower. I know a few off road clubs have videos on Youtube. I am local to that area, so growing up we always just said " Lets ride through the mountains". I moved to the Front Royal area 10 yrs ago, but was down in August and decided to take my son up to show what we used to do for fun. We had no issues even with it pouring down, but being solo and not driving thru there for years, I avoided what I could. There are a few different roads, once past the tower, that can be challenging depending on your vehicle, but there are by-passes for most of the "mudholes". I would suggest going at it with another vehicle, since it would be new to you, its not a trail nor is it maintained. But you can spend all day on top of Mountain Lake riding on the old logging roads. Or I can reach out to you next time I am down that way, always up for a ride through there.

 

Thanks so much for the information! I’d be more than happy to get out there with someone who has experience like you. If you ever get the chance and are up that way just let me know! Really means a lot as I really want to get into off-roading from seeing everything on this forum. I really appreciate it!

 

Thanks for the tips! Means a lot coming from people who have experience and are willing to share all the knowledge they have! This is something I’ve wanted to get into for a while and knowing there are people like you who are willing to help is amazing! Thank you so much. I’ll definitely look into everything!

 

Hey dude, I'm also at VT as a Junior in MechE! Currently doing a Co-op in Maryland, but would love to meet up with some fellow Toyota owners when I get back there. I expect to be in blacksburg a few weekends this semester. I've got a 2005 4runner, that I'm slowly working on to be more off road capable. I've got a driveway and a fair amount of tools if you ever want to wrench, and I and would be happy to help with anything you want to work on.

I also somehow dumbed my way into a small VT Toyota discord, so I can try and get you in there if you would like. I don't know of any tacomas in there, but theres a guy with a manual FJ, a few 4runners, and a few land cruisers

School is wack and I wish you the best of luck this semester!

 

Hey man, I'd be happy to meet up whenever you're down here. I really wanted to get involved and hoped there'd be something with the school. Let me know whenever you come down. Also let me know about this discord as it seems like something I'd want to get into.

I'm a freshman right now in engineering and trying to get into the MechE program as well so I'll definitely be reaching out in the future for some help and guidance. Good luck to you as well with everything that you've got going on!

 

Good deal, I sent you a PM/Conversation with the Discord Link. Hopefully sometime we can get something together

Also don't hesitate to reach out about school, internships/co-ops, wrenching, etc. I'd be happy to help.

 

Potts Mountain is relatively close but you'll need armor for that one.

 

OP, hope you found some trails, since there are plenty down there. I’m a 2008 Civil Engineering grad, but wasn’t into trucks back then. Go Hokies.

 

I’m just over an hour from Blacksburg but I have a buddy in pearisburg I visit pretty often so I’d be down to meet up. We haven the done any off roading up there but we’re at least familiar with the area.