Virginia Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides
A side-by-side can look perfectly suited to a Virginia trail and still be turned away at the entrance because it is too wide, the wrong vehicle class, or missing the right permit. The key is to check the specific trail system—not just whether it welcomes off-road vehicles. This guide explains where to start, what to confirm, and how to avoid a wasted mountain drive.
Where to look for Virginia trails that allow side-by-sides
Virginia’s most familiar riding options are not all interchangeable. Some trail networks are designed around off-highway vehicles and include routes for side-by-sides, while others have narrower trails or rules that allow only certain machine types. Even within one trail system, access can vary by route, width, season, and permit.
Start with the Spearhead trail systems
The Spearhead Trails network in southwest Virginia is a practical starting point for riders looking for off-road routes that may accommodate side-by-sides. Systems in the region include Coal Canyon, Mountain View, Original Pocahontas, Ridgeview, Stone Mountain, and others. Their routes and riding conditions differ, so do not assume a rule you heard about one system applies to every other one.
Before you load up, check the specific system’s current vehicle requirements and trail information. Pay attention to the machine’s width, passenger capacity, seatbelts, roll cage, and whether the route is open to your vehicle category. Spearhead requirements are not necessarily the same as those at a national forest trailhead or a private riding park. A machine that is accepted on one network may not be suitable for a different one.
It also helps to separate “the system allows side-by-sides” from “every trail in the system is open to my side-by-side.” Some routes may have different limits or conditions. If you are planning a family ride, a group outing, or a trip with a larger UTV, check the details before choosing the trailhead. [Virginia Trails That Allow Full-Size Rigs] and [Spearhead Trails in Virginia Explained] offer useful starting points for comparing the larger riding options.
Check the vehicle category, not just the trail name
Trail listings may use terms such as ATV, UTV, OHV, four-wheel-drive vehicle, or side-by-side. Those terms are not always used consistently in casual conversation. A side-by-side might be called a UTV by one operator and grouped under a broader off-highway vehicle category by another. Confirm how the land manager or trail operator defines the machines it accepts.
This matters especially if you ride a full-size, four-seat side-by-side. Width, wheelbase, turning room, ground clearance, and passenger configuration can all affect access. A route that works well for a compact two-seat UTV may be a poor fit—or prohibited—for a wider machine. If the rules list a maximum width, measure your vehicle as it is actually equipped, including accessories that extend beyond the tires.
When a trail description is vague, contact the operator or managing office and ask direct questions: “Is my side-by-side class allowed?” “Is there a width limit?” “Does the rule apply to the entire system or only some trails?” “Are there any seasonal closures?” Those details are more useful than relying on an old forum post or a friend’s memory.
How to compare trail options before you go
A trail map can help you understand where routes are, but a map alone does not establish that your machine is allowed or that a route is open. Treat the map as one part of a pre-trip check. The best plan combines the machine’s measurements, the operator’s rules, permit requirements, and a realistic assessment of the terrain.
Compare the major questions side by side
Use this checklist to narrow down your options before planning the drive:
| What to check | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | “ATV” and “UTV” access may not mean the same thing | Whether side-by-sides are allowed on the specific system |
| Width limit | A wider machine may not fit a trail or may be excluded | Maximum permitted width and how the operator measures it |
| Route-level rules | Restrictions can differ within a system | Which trails are open to your vehicle class |
| Permit | A permit may be required even when the vehicle is otherwise eligible | Permit type, validity, and whether it is separate from another network’s permit |
| Seasonal access | Weather, maintenance, or winter closures can affect riding | Current closures and expected reopening information |
| Required equipment | Operators may set safety or vehicle-condition rules | Seatbelts, roll cage, helmet, lighting, or other requirements |
| Trail difficulty | A legal route can still exceed a rider’s comfort or vehicle capability | Ratings, surface conditions, steep grades, and obstacles |
If you want to compare two options, write down the answers for each trail system instead of trying to remember them. A quick note such as “UTV allowed; verify width; separate permit; call about route closure” can prevent a frustrating surprise at a gate.
Digital mapping tools can help with trip planning, and some riders use onX Offroad to review route information and plan where they intend to ride. Still, treat any map app—including onX Offroad—as a planning aid rather than the final authority on access. Confirm rules and closures with the trail operator, especially when a trip involves a long haul or a wide side-by-side.
Be careful with Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap
Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap are often discussed together because they form a well-known riding area in George Washington National Forest. But their limits are not identical. Taskers Gap has a 50-inch width restriction, which makes it unsuitable for many side-by-sides. Peters Mill Run is not governed by that same width limit, but that does not mean every UTV is automatically permitted or that every route is right for every machine.
Check the current forest requirements for vehicle eligibility, permits, equipment, and seasonal closures before setting out. National forest riding also has its own rules and operating conditions, which may differ from those on the Spearhead network. [Virginia's Taskers Gap Width Limit] and [Virginia's 36-Mile Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap System] can help you understand why it is important to distinguish between the two areas.
Do not assume that a trail is open just because it appears on an app or an older map. Weather, maintenance, or seasonal restrictions can change access. If you use onX Offroad to preview the area, compare what you see with the forest’s official information before you load your machine. [Virginia National Forest OHV Permits] is also a useful topic to review when planning a forest ride.
Prepare your side-by-side for the trail
Finding a trail that allows your vehicle is only part of the job. A side-by-side that is legal to use on a route still needs to be in suitable condition, and riders should be prepared for the terrain, weather, and distance from services. A little preparation can make a major difference once you leave the highway.
Match the machine to the route
Start with the side-by-side’s width and overall setup. Aftermarket tires, wheel spacers, a plow, a roof, a spare tire carrier, or other accessories may change the machine’s dimensions or clearance. If a trail system has a width limit, use a careful measurement rather than relying on the manufacturer’s advertised figure. When the limit is close, ask the operator how it is applied before arriving.
Next, think about the type of riding the route involves. Appalachian trails can include steep grades, uneven rock, mud, ruts, tight turns, and changing weather. A broad trail on a map may still have technical sections. Consider whether the machine’s tires, suspension, ground clearance, and braking are appropriate for the conditions, and whether everyone in the vehicle is comfortable with the route’s difficulty.
Check the machine before every trip. Inspect tires and wheels, steering, brakes, belts, lights, fluid levels, and safety equipment. Make sure seatbelts work and that any required protective equipment is available for every rider. Carry basic recovery and repair supplies suited to your machine and the route, but avoid adding gear that makes the vehicle too wide or compromises safe handling.
Plan for permits, closures, and trail rules
Permit rules depend on where you ride. A permit for one network does not necessarily cover another, and forest permits are separate from permits for other trail systems. Confirm which permit applies, how it must be displayed or presented, and whether each rider or vehicle needs a separate authorization. For permit details, see [How to Buy a Virginia Trail Permit] and [Virginia Forest Permit Purchase Options].
Also check operating hours, speed restrictions, age rules, and passenger requirements. If you are bringing children, confirm the trail operator’s rules as well as the manufacturer’s age guidance for the machine. A side-by-side’s extra seats do not automatically mean every passenger is allowed to ride; seatbelts and seating designed for passengers matter. [Virginia Trail Rules for Riders Under 18] provides a useful place to start when younger riders are part of the group.
Have a backup plan if the trailhead is closed or the route is not appropriate for your vehicle. That may mean choosing another system, rescheduling, or switching to a narrower machine. Keep the operator’s contact details handy, and check access information close to departure rather than relying on what you saved months earlier.
A practical trip-planning routine for UTV riders
The most reliable way to choose Virginia side-by-side trails is to work from the machine outward: identify what you are riding, find systems that accept that kind of vehicle, and then confirm route-level details. This avoids the common mistake of picking a popular trail first and discovering that the machine does not meet its limits.
Use this step-by-step check before loading
- Record your machine’s details. Note the make and model, width, seating capacity, and any accessories that affect its dimensions.
- Choose a possible trail system. Start with options such as Spearhead or a national forest riding area, but do not treat a general system description as permission for every route.
- Verify vehicle eligibility. Check the operator’s official rules for side-by-sides, width limits, and any differences between vehicle classes.
- Check the route and conditions. Look for closures, seasonal limits, difficulty information, and equipment requirements.
- Confirm permits. Make sure you have the right permit for that network and understand how to show it at the trailhead.
- Call when anything is unclear. A direct answer from the managing office is worth more than guessing from a map label.
- Recheck before departure. Confirm that nothing has changed since you planned the trip.
A tool such as onX Offroad can be useful for organizing a planned route and reviewing the surrounding trail area. Use it alongside the operator’s own updates, not instead of them. Save relevant information before leaving home, especially if you expect unreliable cell service in the mountains, and bring a backup way to navigate.
Make the ride easier for everyone in your group
For a mixed group with ATVs and side-by-sides, choose a system where the vehicle rules and route options are clear for every machine. Agree on a meeting point, set a pace that keeps the group together, and discuss what to do if someone has a mechanical problem or needs to turn back. A route that is enjoyable for one experienced driver may feel intimidating to a new rider or passenger.
Before leaving, tell someone outside the group where you are riding and when you expect to return. Pack water, weather-appropriate layers, basic first aid supplies, and any essentials your group may need if a ride takes longer than planned. Do not assume a trailhead will have fuel, food, or reliable mobile service nearby.
Finally, respect posted boundaries and private property. Trail access depends on riders following the rules, staying on authorized routes, and leaving gates and signs as they find them. If a route is closed, do not try to bypass the closure. A different trail day is far better than damaging land, risking a citation, or putting your group in a situation that could have been avoided.
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.
