Jawbone’s 100 Miles in Virginia
Jawbone’s reputation for roughly 100 miles of riding near Richlands can make it sound like one enormous loop, but the mileage is spread across a trail network with different routes, surfaces, and vehicle considerations. This guide explains how to plan a ride, choose suitable trails, prepare for mountain conditions, and avoid the common mistake of arriving without checking access and permit rules.
Understanding the Jawbone Trail System
What the 100 miles really means
Jawbone is part of the Spearhead Trails network in Southwest Virginia, near Richlands in Tazewell County. The often-mentioned mileage describes trails across the system, not a single continuous route that every rider can cover in one outing. Routes connect and branch, and your actual ride depends on your machine, your group’s experience, trail conditions, and the routes open when you visit.
That distinction matters when you are estimating ride time. A map may show a long connected network, but distance alone does not tell you how quickly you will travel. Rocky climbs, narrow turns, stops to regroup, and changes in elevation can all make a comparatively short section feel like a full day’s outing.
It also helps to decide what kind of day you want before you arrive. A relaxed ride with a few scenic stops calls for a different route plan than a long day of technical riding. If this is your first visit, it is sensible to choose a shorter route and leave room to turn back rather than try to cover as much of the system as possible.
Where Jawbone fits in the Spearhead network
Jawbone is one of several riding areas associated with Spearhead Trails, a regional trail network in Virginia’s coalfield communities. Riders sometimes assume that one permit, map, or set of conditions automatically covers every nearby riding area. Do not rely on that assumption. Check which trail system you intend to ride and confirm the rules that apply there before leaving home.
The distinction is useful if your group is planning a longer trip through the region. Someone may suggest adding another Spearhead area or crossing into a neighboring network, but trail access, permits, and vehicle rules do not necessarily carry over. For a broader overview, see [Spearhead Trails in Virginia Explained] and [Virginia Trail Mileage Totals].
Richlands is a practical place to orient your trip, but do not treat a town name as a trail-access point or assume that every road outside town is open to off-highway vehicles. Follow the designated route to the trail area, use official parking and staging information, and avoid riding on public roads unless the route is specifically authorized. For general context on the nearby riding communities, [Riding Out of Richlands] covers the local starting point.
Why maps and trail status matter
A trail map is more than a way to keep from getting turned around. It helps you understand where a route branches, where you can shorten a ride, and whether the terrain matches your group’s ability. Download or obtain the most relevant map before you lose cell service. A map that relies entirely on a live connection may be unhelpful once you are in a mountain hollow.
Digital tools such as onX Offroad can help riders review routes and keep track of their position, but use them as planning aids rather than proof that a trail is open or legal to ride. App data can differ from current signs, closures, or official trail information. Compare what you see in the app with the trail operator’s latest guidance and posted notices.
Carry a backup plan as well. A paper map or saved offline map is useful if a phone battery drains, a device overheats, or your group gets separated. Agree on a regrouping point before starting, and make sure every rider knows how to identify it on the map. That simple conversation can prevent a small navigation mistake from turning into a stressful search across several branches.
Choosing a Route for Your Machine and Group
Match the route to the least experienced rider
A group should choose a route based on the rider who is most likely to need extra time, not the most confident person in the group. A trail that feels straightforward to an experienced local may be intimidating for a new rider, especially when it includes steep grades, loose rock, ruts, or blind corners. Leave enough room for everyone to ride at a comfortable pace.
Before you set out, talk about what “easy” means to each person. One rider may be comfortable with narrow paths but nervous on steep descents. Another may handle climbs well but struggle with sharp turns in a wider side-by-side. If you are uncertain, start with a conservative route and reassess at a junction rather than committing the whole group to a difficult section.
The same principle applies when children or first-time riders are coming along. Keep the group together, set clear expectations about following distance and stopping, and do not pressure anyone to ride an obstacle they are unsure about. Review [Best Virginia ATV Trails for Beginners] for more guidance on planning a first trail outing.
ATVs, UTVs, and Jeeps need different planning
An ATV and a side-by-side may both be off-road machines, but they are not interchangeable on every trail. Width, turning space, ground clearance, seating, and the experience of the driver all affect which routes are sensible. A wide UTV may require more room to maneuver than a single-rider quad, while a smaller machine may be easier to position on a tight, uneven path.
Jawbone is also associated with routes that allow Jeeps, but that does not mean every route is open to every vehicle. Vehicle access can vary by trail or section. Check the current system rules and trail signs rather than assuming that a route suitable for an ATV is suitable for a full-size four-wheel-drive vehicle, or vice versa. The distinction is especially important when riding with a mixed group.
Before departure, compare your machine’s dimensions and equipment with the applicable requirements. For a side-by-side, check that the cage and seatbelts are in good working order and that everyone has a proper seat. If you are considering another riding area for a different machine, [Virginia Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides] can help frame the questions to ask before you haul.
Use a simple route-planning comparison
The table below is a planning aid, not a replacement for current trail rules or posted signs. Conditions can change, and the right choice depends on the riders as much as the machine.
| Ride plan | A good fit when | What to check before starting |
|---|---|---|
| Short familiarization ride | It is your first visit or the group has mixed experience | Route difficulty, a clear turnaround point, and a map saved offline |
| Longer day ride | Everyone is comfortable navigating and riding for extended periods | Fuel range, weather, daylight, water, and regrouping points |
| ATV-focused outing | The group is riding quads and wants to choose routes suited to their size | Width limits, surface conditions, and any ATV-specific restrictions |
| Side-by-side outing | The group has UTVs with properly working safety equipment | Vehicle access, width, seatbelts, roll-cage requirements, and passenger seating |
| Jeep outing | The route is specifically open to the vehicle being driven | Authorized routes, vehicle rules, trail condition, and space to turn around |
If you are building a route in onX Offroad, use it to identify possible options and organize your map before the trip. Then verify the route against the trail authority’s current information. Having a route line on a screen should not be treated as permission to ride a closed, private, or unauthorized section.
Permits, Access, and Responsible Riding
Confirm the permit before you travel
Spearhead riding areas have permit requirements, so confirm what is needed for the specific system and rider before you load the trailer. Do not assume that a permit from another riding network, a neighboring state, or a previous visit will work at Jawbone. Permit terms and purchase procedures can change, so check the trail operator’s current instructions before you head for Richlands.
If you are riding with friends, make sure each person understands what the permit covers and what information they may need to show. A group leader can help everyone check in advance, but each rider should still know where their permit confirmation is stored and how to access it. If the permit is digital, save the relevant confirmation where it can be reached without a strong mobile signal.
Do this before the morning of the ride. Discovering a permit issue at the trailhead can disrupt the group, especially if people have traveled from different towns or are sharing a truck and trailer. For background on what to verify, see [Virginia Spearhead Trail Permits] and [Virginia Permit Checks on the Trail].
Treat access as route-specific
An open trail is not the same thing as general permission to ride anywhere in the surrounding countryside. Stay within designated riding areas and follow posted signs, gates, and closures. Do not use an unmarked cut-through simply because it appears on a phone map or because tire tracks are visible. A track can be old, private, or closed for a reason.
This is particularly important around public roads and private property. Virginia generally restricts ATV use on public highways, with only specific exceptions. Do not assume you can ride from a parking area through town or use a connecting road unless the route is clearly authorized. If your ride involves a road section, check the local rules and the specific posted route before using it. [Virginia Bans ATVs on Public Highways] explains the broader issue.
For land that is not part of the designated trail system, get permission from the landowner before riding. Do not treat a nearby field, timber road, or open-looking gate as an invitation. A group can protect access for future riders by respecting boundaries, staying on marked routes, and turning around when a closure or unclear access point appears.
Ride with consideration for other people
Jawbone is a shared riding environment. You may encounter ATVs, side-by-sides, Jeeps, maintenance crews, and other trail users. Slow down where sight lines are short, approach corners with care, and leave space for a vehicle coming the other way. Dust can hide a rider or obstacle, so avoid charging into a blind bend simply because the trail looked clear a moment earlier.
Keep noise and trail damage in mind, too. Spinning tires on a wet or loose section can deepen ruts and make the route harder for everyone who follows. If you get stuck, avoid widening the trail while trying to recover. Use suitable recovery equipment and ask for help rather than repeatedly accelerating in a way that throws debris or damages the surface.
Pack out what you bring in, including food wrappers, broken straps, and other small items that are easy to overlook. Stop only where it is safe to do so, and do not block a narrow route while the group takes a break. Courteous habits help keep the riding area enjoyable and reduce the chance that avoidable behavior creates new restrictions.
Preparing for Mountain Conditions
Expect changing surfaces and weather
A route near Richlands can feel different from one visit to the next. Rain may leave mud, slick rock, and standing water; dry weather can create dust that makes it harder to see other riders. A sunny forecast in town does not guarantee the same conditions on higher or more exposed parts of the trail network.
Check the forecast for the riding area, not just the nearest town, and plan for conditions to shift during the day. Layered clothing and a waterproof outer layer can make a big difference when wind or rain arrives. Even in warm weather, a wet rider who stops for a long break can cool down quickly.
If heavy rain has recently passed through, do not assume that a trail is safe or open just because it appears on a map. Check for closures and be ready to change plans. A cautious decision to shorten a ride is better than pushing into a muddy climb that could damage the trail or leave the group stranded.
Make a pre-ride equipment check
A short inspection before unloading can catch problems that are much harder to fix several miles from the staging area. Check tires for visible damage and suitable pressure, test the brakes, confirm that controls work properly, and look for loose cargo or straps. On a side-by-side, inspect seatbelts and the roll cage, and make sure every passenger has a designated seat.
Bring basic recovery and repair items that match your machine and your level of experience. A tire repair kit, tools for common fasteners, a tow strap, and a way to communicate with the group can be useful. Keep the load secured so it cannot shift during rough riding, and do not store loose objects where they could interfere with the controls or become a hazard in a sudden stop.
Fuel planning deserves attention, too. Do not start a long route assuming you can refuel somewhere on the trail. Estimate your machine’s range conservatively, allow for slower riding and detours, and turn back with enough fuel in reserve. For additional equipment ideas, [Virginia Trail Conditions Before You Haul] and [Packing for Mountain Weather] are useful planning reads.
Plan for limited connectivity and a slower pace
Cell service can be inconsistent in mountain terrain. Tell someone at home where you plan to ride and when you expect to check in. If your group changes its plan, let that person know when service is available. Do not rely on a phone call as your only emergency plan, especially if you are traveling in a small group or exploring less familiar routes.
Set a realistic pace that includes time for stops, navigation, and minor delays. A group that plans to ride until dusk may be surprised by how slowly it moves when the terrain is unfamiliar. Aim to finish with daylight to spare, and agree in advance that anyone can call for a break or a turnaround without being teased or hurried.
Keep your map accessible and your devices charged, but do not let a navigation screen distract you while riding. Stop in a safe place before checking a route. If riders become separated, follow the group’s agreed procedure instead of having everyone roam in different directions. A calm, predictable plan is more useful than a complicated one.
Building a Smooth Jawbone Day Trip
Organize the day before loading up
The easiest rides often begin with a little coordination the night before. Confirm who is bringing the trailer, who has the permits, what machines are coming, and whether the group has enough room for gear and fuel. Ask riders about experience and any physical limitations that may affect the route or pace. That conversation can prevent awkward surprises once everyone is at the trailhead.
Choose a meeting time that allows room for loading and a final equipment check. If the group is arriving in separate vehicles, share the intended staging location and a backup way to communicate. Make sure everyone knows the first route choice and the agreed point to stop if the group becomes separated.
It is also worth agreeing on a simple ride plan: start with a shorter section, pause to assess conditions, and continue only if the whole group is comfortable. This keeps a first visit flexible. A planned turnaround is not a failure; it is a way to make sure the ride ends safely rather than becoming a race against fading light or low fuel.
Use an honest go-or-no-go check
Before leaving the staging area, ask a few direct questions. Does every rider have the required permit? Is the intended route open to the machines in the group? Are the vehicles in safe working condition? Does everyone have a map, appropriate clothing, and enough water? If the answer to a key question is no, pause and solve the problem before setting out.
A change of plan may be the right choice if rain has made a route unsuitable, a machine has a mechanical issue, or a rider is uncomfortable. You can choose a shorter option, wait for conditions to improve, or call off the ride. That can feel disappointing after a long drive, but it is far less frustrating than trying to manage an avoidable breakdown or a difficult recovery in remote terrain.
Use onX Offroad or another navigation tool to keep the group oriented, but make decisions using all the information available: official trail guidance, signs, weather, and what riders can see on the ground. If a posted closure conflicts with a digital route, follow the closure. If access is unclear, stop and verify instead of pressing ahead.
Leave the area ready for your next visit
At the end of the ride, take a moment to look over the machine before loading it. Remove mud and debris that could hide damage, check for loose parts, and secure the vehicle properly for the drive home. If you noticed an issue during the day, write it down while it is fresh so you can address it before the next trip.
Leave the staging area clean, dispose of trash appropriately, and make sure no equipment has been left behind. If you encountered a closure, damaged sign, or hazardous condition, report it through the trail operator’s appropriate channel rather than trying to alter or bypass it yourself. Clear, useful observations can help managers respond to problems.
Finally, talk through what worked and what you would change next time. Maybe the group needed more water, a shorter first route, or a better offline map. Those small adjustments make a return visit smoother and help everyone arrive better prepared for the terrain around Richlands.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
