South Pedlar ATV Trail System

Area Status: Open

This looping network of 19 miles is specifically designed for the recreational ATV rider. Advanced riders will find challenges in the narrow and twisting trails, while others will find trails that are wide and inviting. Visitors to the area enjoy panoramic vistas, spectacular mountain laurel blooms in season, and relief from the hot summer sun under the shady forest canopy.

Trail open to:

Trail Hiking Bicycle Riding Motorcycle icon

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	This site will open for the season on 4/1.
Permit Info:	All operators are required to have a permit. Permits are not sold on site; permits must be purchased from local vendors (see below for a list of vendors). Permits available include: $5 per day; $12 three-day consecutive pass; $30 annual permit. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass discounts do not apply. Permits are not transferable. Permits are valid only when trail user’s name and dates of use are written on the permit. Permits are not replaceable; if you lose your permit you must buy a new one. Use of this fee area is not included in the purchase of a National Forest Stamp or Virginia state hunting license.
Open Season:	early-April - late-November
Restrictions:	Vehicles must be less than 50 inches wide and weigh no more than 1,500 pounds (unloaded dry weight). No operators under age 12 allowed on any vehicle per Forest Supervisor’s Order. Only four wheel ATV's, motorcycles, bicycles and hikers permitted on designated trails. Operators between the age of 12 and 16 must be supervised by an adult, and on an appropriately sized vehicle per Virginia State Law. Only one rider/operator per vehicle at one time unless ATV is manufactured for multiple passengers. Operators and riders must wear a DOT approved protective motorcycle helmet. CAUTION: two-way traffic on the trail. All trail users on the South Pedlar ATV trail must carry a permit. By Forest Order, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the trails or at the trailheads, and camping is not permitted on the trails or at the trailheads or parking lots.
Closest Towns:	Big Island, VA
Water:	No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
Restroom:	A vault toilet is available at each trailhead.
Operated By:	Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts: 540-291-2188
Information Center:	For more information contact: Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts: 540-291-2188; 27 Ranger Lane, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579; Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 12:00 and 12:30 - 4:30 Current weather conditions: https://www.weather.gov/ When recreating on Forest Service Lands, follow the Forest Rules for Visitors and Forest Supervisor’s Orders. All visitors should follow Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace guidelines.

General Information

Directions:

Two trailheads provide access to the trail system, the Terrapin Trailhead and the Rattlesnake Trailhead.

From Lynchburg, VA: Follow VA 130 West towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just after crossing under the Blue Ridge Parkway, Turn right onto FR 319 to the Terrapin Trailhead parking lot. The Rattlesnake Trailhead Parking is another 1 mile west on VA Route 130, then right onto FR 564. Located at the intersection of Blue Ridge Parkway and Elon Road, Monroe, VA 24574

From Buena Vista, VA: Follow US 501 South. Continue on US 501 to the intersection with VA 130 East at the Snowden Power Plant on the James River. Approximately 2 miles ahead on VA 130 East on the left is FR 564. Turn left onto FR 564 to the Rattlesnake Trailhead Parking. Another 1 mile east on VA 130 East turn left onto FR 319 to the Terrapin Trailhead Parking.

General Notes:

Trail Etiquette

Read the Sharing the Trail & Trail Etiquette Brochure.

You share this area with people who live nearby and constant engine noise coming from the trail has become a problem. Be a good neighbor! For those folks riding on the Lawbreaker (553A) and Huckleberry (553B) trails, please take the curves at a slower speed thus reducing your engine noise.

Trail Map

It is recommended that all trail users always carry a reliable map. The South Pedlar ATV Trail System is shown on the Interactive Visitor Map and the National Geographic Trail Illustrated Map #789. Maps may be purchased at some local District Ranger Stations, at outdoor retail locations or by visiting the National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated website.

thumbnail image of trail system map South Pedlar ATV Trail System Map (pdf)

Seasonal Information

Each year, this ATV Trail System is closed to all motorized use beginning December 1 through March 31. This closure provides much needed resource protection on the trail during times of freezing and thawing.

Hunting is permitted in the area. All State hunting regulations apply.

Permits

Permits for use of the South Pedlar ATV Trail System may be purchased through the following vendors:

Country Corner Market, 2473 Elon Road, Madison Heights, VA 24572. Hours: MON - FRI 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. SAT 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. SUN 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
H & H Market, 11619 Lee Jackson Highway, Big Island, VA 24526. Hours: SUN - THURS 5:15 a.m. – 9 p.m., FRI – SAT 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Natural Bridge Country Store, 1575 Wert Faulkner Highway, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579. Hours: SUN – SAT 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Breaktime, 1770 Magnolia Ave, Buena Vista, VA 24416.
Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger District Office, 27 Ranger Lane, Natural Bridge Station, VA. 24579.
- or by mail:

Complete and return the Permit Order Form with your payment to 27 Ranger Lane, Natural Bridge Station, VA. 24579.For additional information phone the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts office at (540) 291-2188.

Parking: