In Virginia’s far southwestern corner, you’ll find something rare: vast wilderness paired with the freedom to explore it on four wheels. Here, the Spearhead Trails open the door to more than 400 miles of bumpy, rugged exploring for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The system is subdivided into seven smaller, thoughtfully organized trail systems. Each is able to accommodate different skill levels and connect riders directly to nearby towns.
This story is part of our May Adventure Getaways issue. Check back as we explore weekend escapes that promise heart-stopping thrills and jaw-dropping scenery.
Drive Time from Dulles: Approximately 6.5 hours
Base yourself in St. Paul or Coeburn for access to the Mountain View Trails. Green routes ease you in on wide, packed-dirt paths beneath hardwood canopies, while more advanced trails climb ridgelines, cross shallow creeks, and reward riders with sweeping mountain views. Scenic pull-offs invite you to stop, take it in, and remind yourself why you came.
The Western Front Hotel on St. Paul’s Main Street offers ATV and UTV rentals, even if you’re not staying the night. Staff can recommend beginner-friendly routes and explain trail etiquette before you head out on your adventure. Hotel guests enjoy onsite OHV and trailer parking, plus the convenience of riding only about a mile from the hotel to the trailhead.
Conditions range from smooth gravel to rocky climbs, adding variety without becoming overwhelming. Wildlife sightings, including red fox and white-tailed deer, are common. Seasonal blooms brighten the forest in spring and summer.
Permits are required and easy to obtain online or in town. Four-wheelers let you cover significant distance quickly, reaching overlooks, meadows, and forest interiors that feel remote but remain well marked and maintained.
Where to Eat and Stay
St. Paul may be small, but it can take care of hungry riders. Start your morning at The Coffee Station, a relaxed café inside a historic bank building where fresh-brewed coffee and muffins fuel you up for an early departure. For lunch or dinner, Puerto Nuevo is a reliable pick, known for generous portions and fresh fish tacos. If you’re craving comfort food, Mamaw’s Café serves hearty, Appalachian-inspired favorites.
The Western Front Hotel offers comfortable rooms, outdoor-inspired décor, and OHV rentals, making it a convenient base in town. Stay-and-play packages bundle lodging and riding. Another option is Mountain View Lodge, which offers quiet studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites a stone’s throw from the trail.
Travel Tips
Before you go, pack sturdy boots, long pants, gloves, and eye protection. Dust and mud are part of the deal — even on beginner-friendly routes. Bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket, since temperatures can shift at elevation. Most importantly, come ready to get dirty.
Feature image courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation (Photo by Sam Dean)
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
