Within the Nelson Mountain area lies a myriad of riding miles ranging from easy to very difficult. For those who have been here before you know it can be a mind-boggling maze of dirt roads. For those entering the first time be forewarned that it is easy to get lost. The only possible way to ride this area with any assur-ance of getting out on the same day is to have a recent BLM map. Fven with a map, you will be second guessing some turns. There are some abandoned logging roads that are richly overgrown, outrageously rutted and hilariously steep. And when it is muddy, the fun never stops. Don't let the fear of getting lost stop you. The area is great. Just remain aware of where you are, and bring a good map and a compass. The described rides provide a sampling of the variety found in this area.
Head west on Highway 126 towards Florence. Past the town of Walton is the Nelson Mountain Road at milepost 30. For those looking for a scenic and rewarding ride, this is a good place to start. The road, beginning at Highway 126, is paved for the first 1.5 miles. It is well-maintained and follows Chickahominy Creek through quiet rural neighborhoods. This road runs north to Highway 36. Highway 36 makes a good turn around point. This ride is easy: no turns, no second guessing, no getting lost. Up to this point you have ridden approximately 11 miles.
For those looking for a more challenging ride on Nelson Mountain Road, go right onto BLM Road 17-8-13.1. This road is 7.1 miles from Highway 126. Four miles of overgrown, rutted double-track road await. The road gets some traffic but not much. It eventually comes to Road 17-7-22. Turn right (south) on this gravel road for a steep descent back 4.6 miles to Highway 126. Once at Highway 126, turn right (west) and ride about 8 miles back to Nelson Mountain Road. This is the worst part of the ride because Highway 126 is very busy. There is not much room for bikes, and most drivers consider you to be a nuisance. Be careful.
Keith Nelson
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