What To Do

Off-Road Trails

South Pedlar ATV Trail System (Terrapin & Rattlesnake Trails) is a loping network of approximately 19 miles of trails designed for the recreational all-terrain vehicle rider. It is open to four-wheel ATV's, 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 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.

Permitted Vehicles: Four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), motorbikes and mountain bikes. No saddle, pack or draft animals. Three-wheel ATV's and specialized vehicles exceeding 600 pounds or 50 inches in width are prohibited.

Directions: Signs for the Terrapin and Rattlesnack Trailhead parking lots are posted along State Route 130. From Bedford take Hwy 122 N to Rte. 501. Go left on 501 toward the Blue Ride Parkway. Just after crossing through the Parkway underpass, ahead on 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 _ miles west on State Route 130, then right onto FDR 564.

Vehicle Operation: Protective helmets must be worn and child operators between the ages of 12 and 16 must be supervised by an adult. Only one rider/operator on a vehicle at a time.

Use: Designated trials of the South Pedlar ATV Trail System are marked by orange diamonds with a reflective mountain symbol. Camping is permitted except within 500 feet around the trailhead parking lots. Trailers should not exceed 16 feet in length. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on trails or trailheads. Hunting is permitted in the area. State regulations for transportation of a weapon and for hunting near a road is applicable. Trails are considered 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. A seasonal parking permit is available from the Pedlar District Office.

Trails & Mileages:
South Pedlar (around the boundary - 11 miles
Terrapin - 0.6 miles
Rattlesnake - 0.6 miles
Piney - 0.9 miles
Otter - 1.2 miles
Lone Mountain - 2.0 miles
Lasso - 2.8 miles

For more information:
Glenwood/Pedlar Ranger District
PO Box 10
Natural Bridge Station, VA 24570
540-291-2189
www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj/ohvtrails.htm

Upcoming Events

  • Jul 4 - Independence Day Celebration - Bring the entire family to hear the Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence come alive on July 4th at Poplar Forest! A festive day of music, dance, historical interpretation and the spirit of patriotism. The celebration will culminate with the annual, stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch of Jefferson’s retreat. Admission charge for parking and house tours. Grounds activities free. - Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, 1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest - 434-525-1806 - www.poplarforest.org

  • Jul 11 - 5th annual “Horse and Hound” Wine Festival - 11:00am to 6:00pm - Enjoy wine from eight of Virginia’s finest wineries while listening to good music and visiting art, craft and food vendors. Virginia’s most unique wine festival has numerous events throughout the day with horses and dogs as the primary attractions such as the Parade of Horses, agility dogs and muskrat racing. Families will enjoy this festival because it appeals to both young and old. The event takes place on the spacious and gracious grounds of Johnson’s Orchards 2122 Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford Va 24523 with spectacular Blue Ridge mountain views. Part of the proceeds will go to Commonwealth Search and Rescue, The Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue, Inc and the Bedford Humane Society. Tasters $15.00 --Gen. Adm. $10.00 --Children & Dogs $5.00 - 540-586-3707 - www.bedfordwine.com
  • Jul 11 - The Sedalia Blues Festival - Blues Competition in the afternoon, followed by headliners and a blues workshop that evening. Definitely the hottest blues ticket in Virginia, this is a must on your summer calendar! - Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Bedford - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

 

These events and more can be found in our event calendar.

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