Jefferson National Forest Forest Road 848 Burke’s Garden Perimeter

Forest Road 848 traces the rim of Burke’s Garden, a 10-square-mile valley sitting at 3,000 feet that locals call ‘God’s Thumbprint.’ This gravel perimeter road offers sweeping views into the valley where Daniel Boone allegedly carved his name on a beech tree, and where Civil War cavalry skirmishes played out across the pastoral landscape. The route connects historic Bearwallow Gap with Garden Mountain, passing remnants of old homesteads and the valley’s unique geological bowl formation created by ancient erosion patterns.

The 15-mile loop rates as moderate difficulty, suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles with decent ground clearance. Gravel surfaces can get muddy and slick during spring thaw and heavy rains, but summer and fall provide excellent conditions. No permits required, and dispersed camping is available along the ridge with permission from adjacent landowners. The route provides access to some of Virginia’s most pristine mountain scenery, with the valley floor’s checkerboard farms visible 500 feet below the rim.