---
title: "Virginia Ridges EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads"
description: "Use nine Shenandoah Valley routes to build forest-road skills. Start on simple access roads. Add Peters Mill Run before deeper ruts and larger obstacles."
canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/flagpole-knob-confidence-loop"
last_updated: "2026-08-09"
---

![Flagpole Knob in Virginia](/media/photos-ai/49-flagpole-knob.webp?v=20260808)

![Virginia Ridges route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/virginia.svg)

ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · VIRGINIA

# Virginia Ridges: First Trail Skills Day

Use nine Shenandoah Valley routes to build forest-road skills. Start on simple access roads. Add Peters Mill Run before deeper ruts and larger obstacles.

QUICK READ

Route stages

9

Plan length

3–5 days

High point

4,392 ft

Typical season

Check each route

Base area

38.4972, -79.1991

Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready VIRGINIA COLLECTION 9 stages, in order
- [01 Hone Quarry easy](#stage-1)
- [02 Union Springs easy](#stage-2)
- [03 Peters Mill Run moderate](#stage-3)
- [04 Flagpole Knob moderate](#stage-4)
- [05 Skidmore Fork/Dunkle Hollow Road moderate](#stage-5)
- [06 Reddish Knob moderate](#stage-6)
- [07 Long Run Road moderate](#stage-7)
- [08 Stone Camp difficult](#stage-8)
- [09 Bald Mountain Jeep Trail aka Big Levels difficult](#stage-9)

WHY IT FITS

## Why this progression can fit your trip.

The routes are close enough for one base area. Each stage adds rougher ground, longer ridge travel, or more demanding tire placement.

WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER

Rain can turn firm forest road into deep mud and ruts. Seasonal rules and erosion can also change the legal route.

ROUTE PROGRESSION

## Add one skill at a time.

Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish.

01 easy

### Hone Quarry

Route distance

2.7 mi

Allow

1–2 hours

Start with a short forest-road drive. Use the first firm pullout to check tires, maps, and the return reserve.

SKILL ADDED

Build a calm baseline before the ridge routes.

Access note: Source snapshot: Seasonal Closure. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.48376&lng=-79.15998&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/scout-routes/1705-hone-quarry)

![Topographic route map for Hone Quarry](/media/adventures/regions/maps/hone-quarry.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Hone Quarry, from start to finish

Climb

+557 ft

Descent

−124 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

02 easy

### Union Springs

Route distance

8.7 mi

Allow

2–3 hours

Add uneven forest road and more route choices. Stay on the legal track and avoid wet damage.

SKILL ADDED

Add line choice without a difficult obstacle.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.50051&lng=-79.08855&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/7694-union-springs)

![Topographic route map for Union Springs](/media/adventures/regions/maps/union-springs.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Union Springs, from start to finish

Climb

+2,562 ft

Descent

−325 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

03 moderate

### Peters Mill Run

Route distance

8.4 mi

Allow

2–4 hours

Use this well-known valley route to practice a steady pace over rock and uneven ground. Check the permit and current access rules before you enter.

SKILL ADDED

Add sustained rock and obstacle choices on a defined route.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.83792&lng=-78.47830&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/2318-peters-mill-run)

![Topographic route map for Peters Mill Run](/media/adventures/regions/maps/peters-mill-run.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Peters Mill Run, from start to finish

Climb

+902 ft

Descent

−1,091 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

![Flagpole Knob in Virginia](/media/photos-ai/49-flagpole-knob.webp?v=20260808)

ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 04 moderate

### Flagpole Knob

Route distance

4 mi

Allow

2–4 hours

Drive Flagpole Knob at a controlled speed. Stop before each uncertain rut or muddy climb. Use only a line that leaves a safe return.

SKILL ADDED

Apply slow driving, line choice, and turnaround discipline on a complete trail.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.49716&lng=-79.19905&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/2349-flagpole-knob)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/virginia/flagpole-knob)

![Topographic route map for Flagpole Knob](/media/maps/49-flagpole-knob.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Flagpole Knob, from start to finish

Climb

+252 ft

Descent

−741 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

05 moderate

### Skidmore Fork/Dunkle Hollow Road

Route distance

8.2 mi

Allow

2–4 hours

Add a longer forest connection with rougher sections. Keep the speed low where sightlines are short.

SKILL ADDED

Add route length and changing surface conditions.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.53577&lng=-79.16161&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/2350-skidmore-forkdunkle-hollow-road)

![Topographic route map for Skidmore Fork/Dunkle Hollow Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/skidmore-fork-dunkle-hollow-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Skidmore Fork/Dunkle Hollow Road, from start to finish

Climb

+1,946 ft

Descent

−477 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

06 moderate

### Reddish Knob

Route distance

7.4 mi

Allow

Half day

Use the ridge climb to practice energy checks and weather decisions. Turn back before cloud or snow hides the road edge.

SKILL ADDED

Add elevation and exposed ridge weather.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.43059&lng=-79.27162&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/scout-routes/1654-reddish-knob)

![Topographic route map for Reddish Knob](/media/adventures/regions/maps/reddish-knob.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Reddish Knob, from start to finish

Climb

+205 ft

Descent

−1,610 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

07 moderate

### Long Run Road

Route distance

16.3 mi

Allow

Half day

Add a longer road day. Check the battery, tires, and daylight at the midpoint before you continue.

SKILL ADDED

Add a sustained drive away from services.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.57874&lng=-79.03836&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/8653-long-run-road)

![Topographic route map for Long Run Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/long-run-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Long Run Road, from start to finish

Climb

+2,661 ft

Descent

−869 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

08 difficult

### Stone Camp

Route distance

3 mi

Allow

2–4 hours

Use this stage only after the moderate routes feel controlled. Walk the larger rocks and protect the route surface.

SKILL ADDED

Add larger obstacles and exact tire placement.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=38.51248&lng=-79.15020&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/7695-stone-camp)

![Topographic route map for Stone Camp](/media/adventures/regions/maps/stone-camp.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Stone Camp, from start to finish

Climb

+799 ft

Descent

−496 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

09 difficult

### Bald Mountain Jeep Trail aka Big Levels

Route distance

10 mi

Allow

Full day

Keep Big Levels as the final Virginia stage. Use a capable vehicle, current access information, and a complete recovery plan.

SKILL ADDED

Combine rough ground, distance, and a full-day commitment.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=37.94501&lng=-79.05944&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/7525-bald-mountain-jeep-trail-aka-big-levels)

![Topographic route map for Bald Mountain Jeep Trail aka Big Levels](/media/adventures/regions/maps/bald-mountain-big-levels.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Bald Mountain Jeep Trail aka Big Levels, from start to finish

Climb

+1,913 ft

Descent

−571 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

ROUTE READINESS

## Do seven checks before you leave pavement.

01

### surface

Forest road with rock, ruts, and condition-dependent mud

02

### clearance

Extra clearance and durable tires

03

### remoteness

The routes are compact, but recovery can still take time

04

### charging

Start with enough reserve to return without an unverified stop

05

### cell Coverage

Treat ridge coverage as intermittent

06

### weather

Use this pack in dry conditions

07

### turnaround

Stop at the last wide, firm section before deep mud or a washed climb

BEFORE YOU GO

## Make these decisions while you have a signal.

- Check forest access and recent rain
- Inspect tires and recovery points at the trailhead
- Share the route and check-in time

TURN AROUND WHEN

## Follow the limits that you set.

- Ruts are deeper than the vehicle can straddle
- Tires spin and damage the road
- The planned return reserve is reached

CARRY

## Prepare for common problems.

- Tire repair kit and compressor
- Traction boards and shovel
- Work gloves and offline map

![Topographic route plate for Virginia Ridges: First Trail Skills Day](/media/maps/49-flagpole-knob.webp)

FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager.

OPEN THE LIVE MAP

## Check the drive home.

See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage.

[Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=flagpole-knob-confidence-loop)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=38.49716&lng=-79.19905&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/virginia/trails/2349-flagpole-knob)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/virginia/flagpole-knob)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=flagpole-knob-confidence-loop)

## Sitemap

See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.