Kairos

Kairos is a private resort of about 1,515 acres on the Virginia and West Virginia line, running from the New River up and over the Appalachian ridges. The resort says it has more than 60 miles of singletrack for motorcycles and more than 40 miles of dual-track for ATVs and UTVs, so a dirt bike rider can string together a full day without repeating much. Full-size vehicles are also welcome, which means you will share some of the wider trails. The resort does not publish a trail-by-trail difficulty guide, so expect to pick up a map at check-in and ask staff which routes fit your skill level.

The place is a full camping and lodging resort as well as a riding park. It also has a river-access area, hiking, mountain biking, and a shooting sports course, which makes it an easy weekend for a mixed group where not everyone rides. It hosts occasional organized events, including a night ride listed on the resort's own calendar.

Getting there

The resort sits on Shumate Falls Road (SR 649) outside Glen Lyn in Giles County, about 30 miles west of Blacksburg. From Blacksburg, take US 460 west to Glen Lyn and turn right onto Elgood Mountain Road, the last turn before the West Virginia line. After about a mile, turn right onto Shumate Falls Road and go 2.1 miles to the Kairos entrance on the left. Follow the driveway about a mile to check in at Ed's Place, the campground store. Coming from Princeton, West Virginia, take the first left after crossing into Virginia onto Elgood Mountain Road and follow the same directions.

Fees, permits, and rules

A trail pass is $25 per day, or $15 per day for campers. Annual passes are sold at Ed's Place. Every visitor must stop at Ed's Place on arrival to check in and pick up a map, and a waiver can be completed online ahead of time. Day riders do not need a reservation during operating hours. The resort says it now offers onX trail mapping for most of its trails.

Camping is on site: 42 full hookup RV sites at $45, primitive sites at $25, and field camping at $25 with no hookups, tables, or fires. Four yurts are also available. Call the front desk at (540) 235-2777 for reservations and questions about what your machine needs to be legal to ride here.

When to ride

The trails are open on the same schedule as the office. From April 1 through November 30 the hours are 9 am to 6 pm every day. From December 1 through March 31 they are 9 am to 5 pm Thursday through Sunday, and Monday through Wednesday are by reservation only. Check the events calendar before you go, as organized rides and night rides change access and check-in.