Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts

Recreational Activities - OHV/ATV

Closed seasonally from December 1 through March 31.

The South Pedlar ATV Trail System (Terrapin and Rattlesnake Trails) is a looping network of approximately 19 miles of trails designed for the recreational all-terrain vehicle rider. The trail system is open to four-wheel ATVs, motorbikes, and mountain bikes. 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, groves of large trees, spectacular mountain laurel blooms in season, and relief from the hot summer sun under the shady forest canopy.

OHV VEHICLES PERMITTED

HOW TO GET THERE

Signs for the Terrapin and Rattlesnake Trailhead Parking Lots are posted along State Route 130.  Traveling west from Lynchburg, follow State Route 130 toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just after crossing through the Blue Ridge Parkway underpass, ahead to the right is Forest Development Road (FDR) 319. Turn right onto FDR 319 to the Terrapin Trailhead parking lot. The Rattlesnake Trailhead parking lot is another 3/4 miles west on State Route 130, then right onto FDR 564.

Traveling from Buena Vista, follow U.S. Highway 501 south. Continue on U.S. 501 to the intersection with State Route 130 at the Snowden power plant on the James River. Continue on State Route 130 another mile to the junction of FDR 564 on your left. Turn left onto FDR 564 to the Rattlesnake Trailhead parking lot. Another 3/4 miles east on State Route 130, turn left onto FDR 319 to the Terrapin Trailhead parking lot.

Traveling from I-81, take exit 175 or 180 to Natural Bridge. Once at Natural Bridge turn onto VA 130. Follow 130 through Natural Bridge Station and Glasgow. When the road forks bear right onto VA 130/501. Continue on 130/501 for 8 miles and turn left onto FDR 564 to the Rattlesnake trailhead parking lot. 

VEHICLE OPERATION

• All motor vehicles are to have operable brakes, muffler, and spark arrester.
• All operators must wear a protective helmet.
• No operarators allowed on any vehicle, under age 12.
• Child operators between the ages of twelve and sixteen must be supervised by an adult.
• Only one rider/operator on the vehicle at a time.

TRAIL USE

• Designated trails of the South Pedlar ATV Trail System are marked by orange diamonds with a reflective mountain symbol.
• Camping is permitted along the South Pedlar Trail System, except for within 500 feet around the trailhead parking lots. Off-roading is not permitted for camping.
• To allow for resource protection, the South Pedlar ATV Trail System will be closed seasonally from December 1 through March 31. Check with the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts for current trail information.
• Due to space limitations in the trailhead parking lots, trailers should not exceed 16 feet in length.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the trails or at the trailheads.
• Hunting is permitted in the area. State regulations for transportation of a weapon and for hunting near a road will be applicable in the South Pedlar area. (All trails are considered as roads under Virginia hunting regulations.)

FEES

• Parking at the trailhead is $5 per vehicle per day. Self-service pay stations are available at each trailhead parking lot. These collections will assist the Forest Service in managing and maintaining the trail system.

TRAIL NAMES AND MILEAGES

• South Pedlar (around the boundary ) - 11 miles
• Terrapin - 0.6 mile
• Rattlesnake - 0.6 mile
• Piney - 0.9 mile
• Otter - 1.1 miles
• Lone Mtn - 2.0 miles
• Lasso - 2.8 miles

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (OTHER THAN 911)

• Big Island Rescue Squad (434) 946-9300
• Amherst County Sheriff's Dept. (434) 946-9300
• State Police at Appomattox 1-800-552-0962
• Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts (M-F,8-4:30) (540) 291-2188

A SPECIAL THANKS!

The South Pedlar ATV Trail System has been made possible by the hard work and cooperative volunteer efforts of the Shenandoah OHV Association. For information on joining them in their efforts, contact:

The Shenandoah OHV Association
PO Box 1240
Verona, VA 24482

Questions regarding OHV opportunities, trails, current trail conditions, or OHV regulations should be directed to the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District office.