George Washington National Forest Forest Road 228 Three Ridges Circuit

Forest Road 228 climbs from the Tye River Valley through dense hardwood forest, threading a narrow corridor between the Three Ridges Wilderness boundary and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The route starts deceptively gentle before pitching upward through a series of tight switchbacks carved into the mountainside, with several technical rock ledges that demand careful line choice. At mile 4.2, the notorious ‘Chimney Rock Ledge’ presents a near-vertical granite step that separates casual visitors from serious wheelers, while the final approach to Reeds Gap offers sweeping views across the Shenandoah Valley.

This is legitimate technical terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD with aggressive tread and underbody protection. Late spring through early fall provides the best conditions, though sudden weather changes can make the upper elevations treacherous. No permits required, but respect Wilderness boundaries absolutely. Dispersed camping available at several cleared sites below 3,000 feet. Cell service is nonexistent above mile 3. The payoff is some of the finest mountain driving in central Virginia, with views that stretch from the Allegheny Mountains to the Piedmont.