USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026
E-Bikes on George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Trails
In George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 39 trail segments (171 mi), Class 2 on 39, and Class 3 on 39. Conventional (non-motorized) mountain bikes are designated on 292 segments. On Forest Service land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, so it is allowed only where designated.
E-bike access by class
Where a trail is open to conventional bikes, check the e-bike columns separately — a non-motorized mountain bike being allowed does not by itself mean an e-bike is.
| E-bike class | Definition | Trail segments with access | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 designated | Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. | 39 | 171 mi |
| Class 2 designated | Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 39 | 171 mi |
| Class 3 designated | Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle. | 39 | 171 mi |
Trail-by-trail (largest bike trails)
Conventional-bike and Class 1 e-bike status with season windows, per USFS designation.
| Trail | Miles | Bike | Class 1 e-bike | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Highlands | 80.39 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Massanutten | 70.44 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Shenandoah Mountain | 36.1 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Iron Mountain | 34.38 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Wild Oak | 27.17 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| North Mountain | 17.66 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Virginia Creeper | 16.83 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| North Mountain | 15.21 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Fore Mountain | 14.63 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| North Mountain | 13.46 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Walker Mountain | 11.41 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Whetstone Ridge | 11.24 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Crawfish | 10.77 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Rocky Run | 10.76 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Price - Broad Mountain | 10.63 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Dry Run | 10.4 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| South Pedlar | 10.37 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Allegheny Trail | 9.4 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Long Mountain | 8.6 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| North Mountain | 8.57 | Allowed | Year-round | |
| Tuscarora - County Line | 8.51 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Mill Mountain | 8.44 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Beards Mountain | 7.97 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Shenandoah Mountain | 7.73 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Timber Ridge | 7.56 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Little Mare Mountain | 7.14 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Torry Ridge | 7.06 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Bogan Run | 6.79 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Piney Mountain | 6.64 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Laurel Fork | 6.54 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Dynamite | 6.47 | Accepted but discouraged | Allowed | — |
| Hawk Campground | 6.15 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Mill Mountain | 6.11 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| South Fork | 6.07 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Wolf Ridge | 5.95 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Hone Quarry Mountain | 5.83 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| White Rock Tower | 5.72 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Sherman Gap | 5.71 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Mcgraw | 5.66 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Laurel Run Spur | 5.66 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
Frequently asked questions
- Are e-bikes allowed in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest?
- On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 39 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 39 and 39 respectively.
- Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on George Washington and Jefferson National Forest trails?
- No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.
- When are bikes open in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest?
- Most bike-designated trails in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest carry a Year-round season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.
See also: George Washington and Jefferson National Forest trail data profile · E-bikes across Virginia
Where to stay near George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Planning an e-bike or mountain-bike trip to George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia? Compare cabins, lodges, and campgrounds near the forest.
Top-rated places to stay near George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Riding George Washington and Jefferson National Forest?
Trail-access and e-bike rule updates by email.