Virginia Overland Adventures: Expo East Journey Concepts Overland Expo

Overland Expo East is tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and fewer than an hour from the occasion, you’ll discover loads of possibilities to benefit from the space earlier than or after. I first began exploring this space earlier than and after the occasion weekends, and every time I fell in love with it a bit extra. The communities tucked among the many foothills, the paths and streams main as much as the peaks, and the Blue Ridge Parkway working alongside the mountain vary all drew me in a bit extra each time I visited. Now, I’ve referred to as this space dwelling for simply over 4 years, and in that point I’ve found hidden gems, favourite spots, and rather more across the space. So in the event you’re planning a visit to Overland Expo East in Arrington, Virginia, I encourage you to hold round a number of days. Check out the spots I’m going to recommend, however make sure to take a while off the route, as a result of the Blue Ridge Mountains at all times reward exploration.

Your shortcut to journey.

While it’s paved, I’d be remiss to not begin with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It runs 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park north of Arrington, VA, all the best way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the southern finish crosses over into North Carolina, I occur to assume that some of the picturesque sections is true right here in Virginia. It’s an incredible predominant artery for the area that may lead you to some stunning overlooks, wonderful climbing, and loads of hearth roads that hook up with the parkway. This has been a draw for guests to the area for many years, and like several National Park, the factors of curiosity and historic markers alongside the best way are effectively well worth the time.

If you solely have a brief period of time, I extremely recommend taking a gravel highway from the valley as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, after which having fun with a piece earlier than dropping again into one of many small cities or mid-sized cities it connects. Even if it’s simply a day drive, you’ll get a little bit of a preview of what the realm has to supply.

Dirt highway adventures aplenty.

While the western Overland Expos are in stunning areas with loads of off-road exploration alternatives close by, don’t low cost Overland Expo East for possibilities to discover off-road. All alongside the parkway and scattered all through the Washington and Jefferson National Forests, you’ll find off-pavement adventures starting from delicate to wild. We lined these earlier than, however right here’s a fast rundown of some superior routes within the space.

Bald Mountain: This is certainly one of many tougher routes within the space, and the Bald Mountain Trail is a good check of driver talent and car functionality inside a straightforward drive of Overland Expo East. Along the 10-mile-long path, you’ll discover giant rocks, off-camber ledges, and even water crossings over three toes deep. Double-check your GPS earlier than heading out. A a lot tamer gravel path to the West shares a reputation with this path.

Enchanted Creek: This route parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, and even crosses underneath it at one level. Enchanted Creek is just below 8 miles lengthy, and consists of gravel, some mud holes, a few off-camber sections, and one steep part close to the terminus. If you solely have time for a brief path within the space, I feel that is the one to discover.

Fenwick Mines: This path is certainly one of my favourite areas to discover. It’s dotted with deserted mining communities, climbing trails, tenting alternatives, and wonderful views all alongside the route. Plus, it’s near one of many densest teams of wonderful campsites within the space. Patterson Creek Road is the place to cease in the event you’re on the lookout for a campsite for one truck or a complete group. Plus, Fenwick Mines and Patterson Creek aren’t removed from I81 in the event you’re heading to or from Overland Expo East from the west.

Broad Run:  Our ultimate suggestion is nearer to Roanoke, VA, in Craig County. The issue degree of Broad Run can differ tremendously relying on the season and up to date precipitation. Most of the route is comparatively straightforward, however there are quite a few water crossings alongside the best way. During instances of heavy rains, a number of of the crossings can exceed 36 inches in depth, and some are roughly 25 yards extensive, so go ready and examine water depths earlier than continuing.

Hit the water wherever you may.

All throughout the area you’ll discover aquatic adventures dotted amongst the mountains and valleys. The James River and its quite a few tributaries present nice alternatives to paddle, fish, and float. If you’re trying to solid a line, you may simply goal trout, smallmouth bass, striper, and a number of other different species inside an hour’s drive of Oak Ridge Estates. During the hotter months, I hold my packraft in my truck so I can discover new areas of the river and even hike into the quite a few reservoirs within the hills. I gained’t burn a selected spot, however in the event you’re on the lookout for trout and nice tenting, you need to take a look at the Piney River space simply north of the occasion.

Local flavors you don’t need to miss.

Overland Expo East takes place in Nelson County, and this space is thought for an unimaginable focus of breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries. I’m nonetheless making my method by way of the record, and certainly one of my favorites to make use of as a literal basecamp is Devils Backbone Brewery. With an on-site campground, restaurant, and rather more, it’s an incredible hub for additional adventures within the space. For the final couple of years, a bunch of exhibitors has used the DBB campground as a ultimate cease earlier than heading to Overland Expo on Thursday for setup. It’s an incredible spot to camp, take pleasure in some nice drinks, and seize a meal all with out shifting your rig. Plus, most of the others provide up nice historical past, distinctive vibes, and scrumptious meals. Check out this GUIDE to plan your route across the space.

And in fact, there are nice cities starting from mid-sized cities to tiny villages which can be nice pit stops to go to between backcountry excursions. Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville are all on the bigger aspect, and every has its personal distinctive id. If you’re on the lookout for smaller cities to discover, Bedford, Lexington, and Staunton/Waynesboro are amongst my favorites.

Regardless of the place you go and what you do, I feel you’ll take pleasure in a few further days or much more within the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an incredible area that has one thing to share round each curve within the highway, regardless of in the event you’re deep within the woods on a rocky two-track or cruising the parkway.