Smoke Hole Road
Limestone gorge route through moonshine country
Smoke Hole Road (County Route 2) drops into one of West Virginia’s most dramatic limestone canyons, following South Branch Potomac River through a gorge so narrow it was used by moonshiners to hide their stills in the smoke-filled hollows. The 24-mile gravel road winds from Petersburg down to the North Fork Mountain crossing, passing Eagle Rock—a 900-foot limestone cliff that juts from the canyon wall like a ship’s prow. The old moonshine cave at Cave Mountain is accessible via a short scramble at mile 12.
This easy to moderate route suits most high-clearance vehicles, though spring freshets can create washouts and the final descent to North Fork requires careful tire placement on loose limestone. Best driven March through November when water levels are manageable. No permits needed, but inform someone of your plans—cell service vanishes once you drop into the gorge. Several primitive camping areas exist along the river, and the swimming holes are legendary. Stock up in Petersburg; once you’re in the Smoke Hole, you’re committed until North Fork.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Petersburg, West Virginia |
| Land manager | Monongahela National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Smoke Hole Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 2WD truck or SUV is the minimum and will get through under normal conditions. 4WD helps if the gravel is wet or after heavy rain, but it's not required for most of the route.
When does Smoke Hole Road close, and is it passable in early spring?
The road is generally open March through November. Early spring can bring soft shoulders and high water at crossings from snowmelt — call the Monongahela National Forest Potomac Ranger District before heading out if you're going before May.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive Smoke Hole Road?
No permit required to drive the road. Dispersed camping in Monongahela National Forest is free and requires no reservation, but follow standard national forest dispersed camping rules — 14-day limit, 150 feet from water.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The water crossings are the variable that'll get you — they're shallow in dry season but can rise fast after rain and become legitimately impassable. The gravel road itself is moderate with some rutting and loose rock, nothing technical, but don't let the 'scenic drive' label make you complacent if the weather's been ugly.
Is there any place to get gas or supplies near the trail, and does cell service exist anywhere on the route?
Cell service is dead for the entire 24 miles — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave. Petersburg is your last stop for fuel and supplies; don't count on anything once you turn off Route 28.
Trail track
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