George Washington National Forest Forest Road 88 Reddish Knob
Virginia's second-highest driveable peak
Forest Road 88 winds 6.5 miles from Briery Branch Gap to Reddish Knob’s 4,397-foot summit, Virginia’s second-highest driveable peak. The route starts deceptively easy on maintained gravel before transitioning to loose rock and embedded stone that’ll test your line choice. Past the halfway mark, steep grades and washouts from mountain storms create technical sections where momentum and tire placement matter more than horsepower.
This is a moderate trail requiring high-clearance 4WD and decent ground clearance for the rock gardens near the summit. Late spring through fall offers the best conditions, though winter access depends on gate closures. No permits needed, but carry water and recovery gear. The payoff is a commanding view across the Shenandoah Valley that stretches from Massanutten Mountain to West Virginia’s ridgelines — worth every jarring mile of Virginia mountain stone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 13 mi / 20.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4397 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Staunton, Virginia |
| Land manager | George Washington National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle FR 88 without a lift?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4WD handles this fine — the gravel road has rocky sections but nothing requiring a lift. Low-clearance vehicles like sedans and crossovers will scrape and should stay home.
When does FR 88 to Reddish Knob typically close for winter?
The road usually closes or becomes impassable from November through April due to snow and ice at elevation. Stick to the May–October window for reliable access — even a light frost can turn that gravel into a skating rink up top.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive FR 88?
No permit and no fee required — it's a national forest road open to the public. Standard forest rules apply: pack out your trash, don't cut new roads, and don't block the route.
What's the hardest section of the drive and what should I actually expect?
The upper mile below the summit has loose rock, embedded boulders, and off-camber spots that get attention. It's not technically brutal, but it's narrow and there's exposure on the edge — take it slow and don't expect a quick turnaround if you meet oncoming traffic.
Is there any cell service on FR 88, and can I camp along the route?
Cell service is essentially nonexistent the entire length of the road — download your maps offline before you leave Staunton. Dispersed camping is allowed in George Washington National Forest; pull off on an existing spot, stay 200 feet from water sources, and don't expect a vault toilet anywhere near the summit.
Trail track
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