George Washington National Forest Forest Road 68 Wolf Ridge Technical Loop

Forest Road 68 cuts a gnarly path through Wolf Ridge, where granite outcroppings and seasonal creek crossings test your line choice and traction control. This technical loop starts near Sherando Lake and winds through second-growth forest scarred by decades of logging, with the infamous Wolf Creek ford demanding careful approach angles during spring runoff. The trail’s signature obstacle, Devil’s Staircase, presents a series of stepped granite ledges that’ll have you working your spotter and differential locks.

This is solid intermediate to advanced territory requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though summer’s low water makes the creek crossings more manageable for less experienced drivers. No permits needed, but dispersed camping along the ridge provides stellar sunrise views over the Shenandoah Valley. Expect to spend a half-day on the 8-mile loop, longer if you’re picking lines carefully through the rock gardens.