Visit Nelson County: ATV Trails

ATV Trails

Closed seasonally from December 1 through March 31.

The South Pedlar ATV Trail System 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

Unlicensed four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes, and mountain bikes. The South Pedlar ATV Trail System is off-limits for saddle, pack, and draft animals. Vehicles must be 50" wide or less, be controlled by handle bars, not steering wheels, and have a seat that you straddle.

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. At the Y intersection, turn 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 approved for use by motorcycle operators.
No operators or riders allowed on any vehicle, under age 12.
Child operators between the ages of twelve and sixteen must be supervised by an adult and on an appropriately sized vehicle per Virginia State Law.
Only one rider/operator on the vehicle at a time, unless the ATV is manufactured for multiple passengers.
Trail Use

Designated trails of the South Pedlar ATV Trail System are marked by orange diamonds with a reflective mountain symbol.
Camping is permitted within the South Pedlar Trail System, only October 1 through November 30. Camping is not permitted within 500 feet around the trailhead parking lots and within 200 feet of any stream at any time. 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 firearm or bow 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

Fees beginning April 1, 2009 are $5.00 per day per operator, $12.00 per operator for a 3 consecutive day permit, and $30.00 per operator for an annual permit based on calendar year. These permits can be obtained at a number of local vendors and at the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts office at Natural Bridge Station. Permits will not be available on-site. These collections will assist the Forest Service in managing and maintaining the trail system.
How to Buy a Permit

Permits for use of the South Pedlar ATV Trail System may be purchased at the following locations:

H & H Market, 11619 Lee Jackson Highway, Big Island, VA 24526
Hours: SUN - THURS 5:15 am – 9 pm, FRI – SAT 5:15 am – 10 pm
Wildwood Campground Camp Store, 6252 Elon Road, Monroe, VA 24574
Hours: MON – THURS 9 am – 4 pm, FRI – SAT 8 am – 8 pm, SUN 8 am – 12 pm
Natural Bridge Country Store, 1575 Wert Faulkner Highway, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
Hours: SUN – SAT 6:30 am – 8:30 pm
Sheltman’s Gas and Grocery, 174 East 29th Street, Buena Vista, VA 24416
Hours: MON – THURS 5:30 am – 10 pm, FRI 5:30 am – 11 pm, SAT 6 am – 11 pm, SUN 8 am-10 PM
Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts Office, 27 Ranger Lane, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
Open Monday - Friday 8 am- 4:30 pm
Permits by mail are available by visiting www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/gwp. The Forest Service accepts cash, money orders, personal or cashier checks. No credit cards.
Permits to use the South Pedlar ATV Trail System may also be obtained by mail. Complete and return the order form with your payment to the address specified on the order form. For additional information phone the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts office at (540) 291-2188.
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
Questions regarding OHV opportunities, trails, current trail conditions, or OHV regulations should be directed to the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District office.