Potts Mountain Jeep Trail Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

This is a great spot to combine mountain biking with camping, trout fishing, and hiking. Potts Mountain Jeep Road is near the Pines Campground, Barbours Creek, and Lipes Branch Trail. Consider having someone drop you off at the top of FS 176 to avoid a long and arduous forest service road climb.

Start at the Pines Campground and pedal west. Turn right on FS 176 and climb the steep and steady doubletrack. Stay right at Cove Rd and then look for a clearing on your right. This is the start to Potts Mountain Jeep Trail.

The jeep trail is a technical yet scenic challenge. The upper end of the route is quite rocky with some large boulders. There are also a few steep drops with quick transitions.

Watch for viewpoints along the way - you'll be able to look into West "by golly" Virginia to the west.

As the route approaches the north end of the ridge, it goes through "The Valley", a very technical section with plenty of large rocks and boulders embedded in the tread.

From there, you'll encounter a few sections of smoother trail as the trail descends steeply to Barbours Creek. The final stretches includes a creek crossing (watch for deep holes!) before reaching Potts Mountain Jeep Trail lower trailhead along Hwy 617.

Turn right onto the highway and ride back to the start at Pines Campground.