The questions
we get most.
Eight questions that come up in the inbox every week. If yours isn't here, call the lodge.
Do I need experience to ride?
No. Half of our guests have never sat in a UTV before. The First-Timer session is built for exactly that. You'll spend extra time on the safety briefing and have a guide riding beside you the whole route.
Can my kid ride?
Drivers have to be 21 with a valid license. Passengers can be younger; minimum passenger age depends on the vehicle and the trail. Long Creek Loop runs as young as 6 with a strapped-in 4-seat rig. Call before you book if you have a specific group in mind.
Do I have to have a guide?
First ride on every trail is guided, no exceptions. After that, self-guided is open on Green (Long Creek Loop) and Blue (Ridgeback) trails. Every rig runs a GPS tracker and panic button, and the trail cameras give a guide eyes on the property whether you're guided or not. Black trails (The Spine) and Sundown Run are guided only, every time.
What's the deal with the trail cams?
Twelve solar-powered cameras at trail markers and stations live to a wall of screens at The Hearth Bar. Friends inside The Forge can watch your group ride. You can wave at a camera and your party in the bar sees it on the wall. Recorded clips get pulled into your post-ride replay automatically. We are absolutely going to lean into the sports-bar feel of this.
What does the GPS tracker do?
Tells your guide where you are. Tells the rest of your group where you are. Saves your route, your top speed, your stops, and any photos the trail cams catch of your rig that day. End of session it all lands on your phone. Share it, save it, or post it.
What if it rains?
Light rain runs. Sustained rain closes The Spine and may close Ridgeback. Lightning closes the whole property. We rebook same-week at no charge or refund in full. Watch our Instagram for day-of trail status.
Is there a deposit?
Half down at booking, balance due on the morning of your session. Cancellations more than 72 hours out are refunded. Inside 72 hours we credit toward a rebooking within 90 days.
Can I bring my own UTV?
Not today. Insurance and trail-maintenance economics require us to run our fleet only. If demand picks up we will revisit.
Is there food on site?
The lodge serves a small lunch menu Friday through Sunday and add-on catered lunch on weekdays. Full kitchens nearby in Blue Ridge town, 8 minutes back.
Where do we park?
Free gravel lot at the trailhead, holds about 40 vehicles. Trailer parking on the south side of the lot. Two ADA spots up by the lodge.
Can I book the whole property?
Yes. Crew Run is our buyout product for groups of 8 to 16. Four UTVs, two guides, custom route, catered lunch optional. Email book@northridgeparks.com with your date and group size.
Still got questions?
The lodge phone is answered Thursday through Sunday during operating hours. Email is checked daily.