Smoke Hole Road

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.