Situated above the Shenandoah Valley, Peters Mill Run is a delightful 4WD road providing a relaxing trip through the George Washington National Forest. Named after the nearby river this route generally follows, Peters Mill Run will entertain experienced and novice off-road drivers alike. Peters Mill Run is one of the cherished Jeep "Badge of Honor" trails making it one of the more desirable trails in the region. The trail starts off strong with some rocky sections but eventually eases into a smoother ride as it curves through the trees. The thick tree canopy provides cooler temperatures and defused sunlight for an enjoyable open-top excursion.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Recommended Vehicle:
Stock SUV with High Clearance and 4 Low
Concerns:
Summary:
Consistent rocks 8" to 12" tall throughout the trail give it is 3 rating.
Community Consensus
(Last reset on 07/31/2022)
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Mandatory
3 -
MODERATE
The hardest part of the trail that you
cannot bypass - you have to drive it.
Optional
3 -
MODERATE
The hardest part of the trail that is
purely optional - you can bypass it.
Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 12" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 12" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 24" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep.Read More about our Rating System
Peters Mill Run is a dirt and rock US Forest Service road that generally follows the forest ridge line east of Edinburg, VA. The trail is usually traveled from south to north. The trail's south end is a more rough and rocky uphill climb, while the north end is more smooth with the potential for water puddles on the trail. Although narrow in spots, there is generally room to allow for passing vehicles going the opposite direction. When wet, the trail can be muddy.
This area is also used by UTV, ATV, motorcycles, and horseback riders.
1. Southern Trailhead at Edinburg Gap Road (0
mi)
The trailhead is not well marked. The numbers "1702" are painted onto the stop sign post. Across the highway from the trailhead is a paved parking lot that works well to air down. The first portion of the trail is closely lined with vegetation with the chance for pin-stripping.
2. Switchback - Continue Straight (0.55
mi)
The first obstacle is at the trail's switchback. The surface is solid rock as the road ascends a short hill. Embedded and loose rocks will continue to be the road's main feature through the next few Waypoints.
3. Unknown Road - Continue Straight (1.42
mi)
An unknown named road is found on the east edge of the road. An official gate crossing this spur road says "road closed." Continue straight for Peters Mill Run.
An ATV trail heads to the east here. The various loose and embedded granite rocks persist on the trail. Continue straight for Peters mill Run.
5. Rocky Area - Continue Straight (2.16
mi)
A few more medium-sized rocks can be found on the trail. There's no going around them, and the trail will remain bumpy for a while longer.
6. Peters Mill Pond - Continue Straight (3.02
mi)
A small pond is found next to the trail. It's rumored that fish can be found in these here waters. Several rugged-looking ATV trails are also here on the right side. Continue straight
7. Open Gravel Area with ATV Trails - Continue Straight (3.47
mi)
Many ATVs and motorcycles visit Peters Mill Run. Some of the routes created here are not official ATV routes, but the area appears heavily used by these ORVs. Stay on the trail.
An ATV trail runs parallel to the Peters Mill Run main road. The is a connector trail leading to that trail. Continue straight.
9. ATV Road #474 - Veer Left (4.44
mi)
A posted sign calls this ATV Road #474. Keep left to avoid the ATV route.
10. Unknown Road - Continue Straight (5.4
mi)
An unknown road is on the right with a closed gate a few yards back with a sign that reads Road Closed" and a sign on tree posts "LZ2". The ATV trail to the east is on an old road, and this may be old access to that road. Continue straight. Either way, full-size vehicles need to stay on the main trail.
11. ATV Trail #457 - Continue Straight (7.04
mi)
Trail #457 intersects on the right. Continue straight for Peters Mill Run.
There are several unauthorized ATV tracks in this area. Right where the road narrows, the trail crosses the namesake for this trail, Peters Mill Run. It's a river that can be hard to see in the trees. The trail crosses over a 6' wide culvert buried below.
13. Unknown Road - Continue Straight (7.47
mi)
An unknown road with a "road closed" gate is on the right, just off the trail. Once again, this is access to an obsolete road that has become today's ATV route.
14. Little Fort Campground ATV Trail - Continue Straight (7.72
mi)
This is an ATV route that goes to Little Fort Campground. Highway vehicles can access the campground by turning right on County Road 758 at the end of Peters Mill Run.
15. Parking Area - Continue Straight (8.21
mi)
A large gravel parking lot is located on the trail. This parking lot can be used to air up tires if finishing Peters Mill Run. Because the road can be run in either direction, you might run across others here airing down and just beginning their adventure.
16. Trail Ends at County Road 758 (8.39
mi)
Peters Mill Run ends at its intersection with the gravel County Road 758. A right turn can provide access to the Little Fort Campground and other mountain roads. A left turn here will lead you to Woodstock, VA. You will also drive past the Woodstock Fire Tower. You can climb the tower and have a nice view of the Shenandoah Valley.
Not allowed
Dispersed camping is not allowed along the Peters Mill Run trail. There are numerous US Forest Service campsites nearby, including Little Fort Camping Area on the north end of the trail. For more information on USFS campsites, visit the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests website.
Commercial campgrounds and hotels/motels are located in nearby towns of Edinburg, Woodstock, Luray, Strasburg, and Front Royal.
Starting Point
Edinburg, Virginia
Take Main Street (US Highway 11) to the north end of town. Turn east onto State Road 675. Follow State Road 675 for 3.9 miles to an area know as Edinburg Gap. Peters Mill Run is the dirt road heading north on your left. On your right is the paved Edinburg Gap parking lot. This parking lot is a great place to air down.
Nice lil trail awesome views pretty much any 4x4 can do the main trail and the optional sections are a sweet touch if your wanting a lil more excitement and while your there if you have time I highly recommend the taskers gap trails I did the straight thru middle trail to the end and then took the outside loop which is purple and blue trails I'm in a stock height rubicon and stock 33s just take your time and pick your lines over the rock sections (fyi there's a lot) I only touched my skids ect 3ish times lol. check the mud holes before entering there's a few decent hills to conquer as well but beware the purple and blue trails are pretty tight and lots of limbs sticking out so there will be some brushing down all sides of your jeep lol just go slow and maneuver accordingly
I have run Peters Mill multiple times now and I can say it's a really laid-back fun trail. I was surprised to see the Moderate rating, but after thinking about it, there are a few areas throughout with larger rocks that probably lead to this rating. Overall it's an easy drive, but can get really busy with ATV, side-by-sides, and other ORV traffic.
Ran this trail on the way from Denver to the Outer Banks of North Carolina because it is a Jeep Badge of Honor trail. Agree it's an easy trail but the trail is in good shape and it was a nicer drive through the woods. Not much scenery to see despite Shenandoah County being very beautiful. Perhaps off-season with less foliage you can see the surrounding mountains.
If your in Northern VA and have 2 hours or so to kill, Peters Mill Run is a fun trail to run. A five dollar pass can be acquired at a local convenient store, then a short ride out of the town of Edinburg and your on the dirt in no time. I chose to run the trail from North to South, starting from Woodstock Tower Road and ending at Edinburg Gap Road. This started off with a gradual ascent for about 7 miles then starts a switch back decent to the trails end.
This trail is definitely a beginner trail and being a Jeep Badge Of Honor Trail it is popular with group rides. There are a few spots to pull off and stretch your legs, I seen a few Primitive Camping sites and obstructed views of the surrounding mountains. All in all this was a enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Ill rate this trail 3 stars.
Just ran it again today. With all the rain its really fun, but if you’re alone stay out of the mud bog!!! We came along just in time to save a lone Jeep from one hell of a tow bill, not to mention a several mile walk to cell reception.
The trail closes in a week or two until late march, sometimes early to mid April. Call the Lee Ranger station before heading out, 540-984-4101, and be sure to have a permit.
Peters Mill Run is a nice moderate OHV trail. Lots of mud after the rain. Beautiful scenery. Some tricky spots but is well suited for stock Jeeps with AT or MT tires.
Peters Mill is best travel North to South. The entrance has a gravel area to air down and disconnect. Then there is an area with a small posing rock. Further down the trail past the lake on the left is huge open area for a lunch break and then continue down the trail to the exit. If you are in this area, stop by the Meems Covered Bridge for a photo up and also is a good place to air up and reconnect (Located on RT11).
Great beginner trail. Stock vehicles will need 4wd in a few places, but if it's dry you can probably do it all in 2wd if you pick the right lines. Some rocky sections, but nothing too big and still very easy to navigate. Some decent views and a few ponds. Free camping just south of trailhead as well. Only took 1 start away due to how easy this trail was.
This was my first off road trail adventure. It was a lot of fun and not too hard, made it through with my stock jeep on all terrain tires, I did use my 4x4 because the trail was pretty rocky. I went on a Wednesday afternoon and I only encountered 2 other jeeps. This is really close to DC, only a bout an hour and a half drive ( including getting lost once) I will definetly be going back!
Group of 4 of us went down to run this Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. Extremely easy trail we did it in 2 wheel drive but dont let the ease of this trail discourage you though. We traveled 7 hours to do this trail and it was well worth it for the views through the forest. The tree leaves where changing so it made for great scenery. The trail head has changed it is no longer at the campgrounds you have to go past those and up the road to the top of the hill.
Enjoyable day with the family. Frustrating because the "easy" way to get there was closed so it resulted in quite the trip around. Quite a bit of traffic, but no issues passing or anyone acting foolish. Overall had a great time that Saturday afternoon.
I live in NOVA and this is my go to trail to clear my head. When you want to get out of the city and feel dirt under your tires this is the closest and place. From DC it’s less than an hour and a half.
Either direction it’s a fun run. There’s only a small stretch at the southern end that isn’t great for passing. In the summer you will get some pin striping from brush.
Little Fort Recreation Area is a clean, first come first serve, free campground.
Downers.
On weekends trail will be very busy. On holidays stay away. Seriously. It’s a day of waiting to go around people.
Camp ground can get rowdy on holiday weekends. It’s close to DC so there’s a lot more traffic through it.
On weekdays and nights it’s a 5 star. Because of the crowds and proximity to a major city I give it three at best. But I go all the time. It’s worth a shot. Especially on a Monday afternoon.
Completed the trail on Tuesday, April 16. It was a nice day and we were the only Jeep on the trail. Started from the South side of the trail. Completed trail within 2 hours with Stock 2017 Wrangler running Duratrac tires. 4x4 was used because is was very rocky in areas, but the scenery was great and the trail was just right for being my first trail towards my trail badge.
So we just got done with the trail. I made it through with a stock jeep cheroke on all season tires. It is a little washed out and very rocky. I would definitely be sure to bring a friend to help get through a couple spots. Also be sure to have 4x4 it is needed.
Did this trail on 7/29. Trail is in great shape as Scott mentioned below. Pretty easy for a stock vehicle.
Not a lot of traffic on Sunday, just a few ATV's and a group of 5 tacoma's. Its a perfect trail to gain confidence in off roading.
The trail is in great shape ! I saw several wheelers enjoying the great day, and everyone was polite. Passing was not a problem at all. The views were amazing as the trees are still leaf bare. I would recommend getting up there quickly to get these early season views.
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Todd
Founder
Todd is an avid wheeler who loves to explore new trails whenever and wherever possible. They say necessity is the mother of all invention, which is true for Todd. His want and desire to find passable trails and new nooks and crannies of the Great American west to explore were his reasons behind starting Trails Offroad. On any given day, you can find Todd on an obscure 4x4 trail, curating Trails Offroad guides, or using his legs to hike to an alpine lake.
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