
Tales from the Trail: Piney River & Beyond
My trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains with the 2022 Ultimate Overland Build started as the remnants of Hurricane Ian made their way through western Virginia.
Overland Expo EAST is just east of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains along Highway 29. It is 22 miles north of Lynchburg and 35 miles south of Charlottesville and is a short drive to Shenandoah National Park.
OCTOBER 23-25, 2026
OAK RIDGE ESTATE // ARRINGTON, VA
FRI 9-5 | SAT 9-5 | SUN 9-3
Oak Ridge Estate is a professional event venue sitting on 4,800 acres of lush Central Virginia countryside in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The popular event venue hosts numerous large events each year including the Lockn’ Music Festival, a 3-day mega-event blending more than 30,000 attendees with top music acts, local foods, craft spirits and extensive weekend camping packages.
Your Overland Expo East adventure kicks off the moment you hit the road. With Hipcamp, explore unique camping spots that make every step of the journey memorable.

My trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains with the 2022 Ultimate Overland Build started as the remnants of Hurricane Ian made their way through western Virginia.

Just north of Harrisonburg, Virginia you’ll find a section of George Washington National Forest with an incredible density of trails. This area really has something for every adventurer with great options for trail difficulty, camping, and other activities, all within relatively close proximity to each other.

Fall is a great time to visit the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. One of the best ways to experience these mountains is to explore the trails and forest roads that criss-cross this region.

If you’re on your way to or from Overland Expo East and decide to seek out a challenging trail, Bald Mountain is where you need to be. It’s located in the Saint Mary’s area of George Washington, and the southern terminus is only 45 minutes from Oak Ridge Estates.
Looking for more ways to connect with others? Join one of the many overland groups traveling together before or after the show.
Expedition Portal | American Adventurist | ADVrider | Overland Bound
Looking for a scenic route that uses dirt, gravel, and paved roads to wind through remote parts of the region?
Additional Hotel Search Options:
EXPO HOUSING SERVICES
WARNING: This is not a legitimate company. If you are contacted by them, do not use their services.
We do not allow motorhomes / RVs to camp on-site. It’s best to book a real RV park near Arrington.
RV PARKS IN THE ARRINGTON AREA:
Check out reviews of various RV Parks and Campgrounds in the area.
In order to keep our culture of off-the-beaten-path travel alive and well, all on-site camping is restricted to motorcycles, tents, overland vehicles, and small overland trailers ONLY.
CAMPGROUNDS IN THE AREA:
NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest offer several campgrounds, click HERE for a list of campgrounds.
DISPERSED CAMPING
For those who prefer more solitude, dispersed camping is also allowed in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest. For a detailed guide to regulations and suggested sites, see: Dispersed camping.
An eclectic arts venue, community space, coffee shop, and used bookstore located in The Packing Shed in historic Rapunzel’s Coffee.
Basic Necessities celebrates the European mentality of thoughtful food preparation, conversation and relaxation. “La table” in French signifies so much more than just “the table,” or dinner table. It means a place where family and friends can eat, drink, talk and just be together.
When you visit you’ll find amazing, locally roasted coffee paired with a wide selection of house-made food. Bean Tree Cafe serves coffee and espresso locally roasted and also features a full menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner items with several gluten-free options available upon request.
Remember Lynchburg’s wilder side with some of the most unique burgers and brews in town! You may feel like you’re entering a speakeasy through the lower entrance, but you’ll know you’re home when you sample Bootlegger’s brews and burgers.
Find more places to eat in and around Arrington, Charlottesville or Lynchburg.
Not sure what you want to do, but want to know what is available in the area? Visit Nelson County offers a treasure trove of tips and advice on how to make the most of your stay near Infinity Downs. Looking to get out and explore a little? Check out Visit Charlottesville, Lynchburg Tourism, or Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain website. You can also take a look at this great article for 100 Best Things to Do in Virginia.
Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, quiet wooded hollows—take a hike, meander along Skyline Drive, or picnic with the family. 200,000 acres of protected lands are a haven to deer, songbirds, the night sky…and you. Plan a Shenandoah escape today!
From Virginia’s oldest winery, farm wineries, terraced vineyards and rustic to elegant modern tasting rooms, Nelson County offers many unique wine-tasting experiences for the wine lover. With easy access to the Route 29 corridor, the following wineries are open to visitors: Lovingston Winery, Delfosse Vineyard and Winery, Brent Manor Vineyard, and Mountain Cove Winery. Along Route 151 are Veritas Vineyard and Winery, Cardinal Point Winery, Afton Mountain Vineyard, Flying Fox Vineyard, and Hilltop Berry Farm and Winery. Be sure to check out Nelson 151. Find out more at Visit Nelson County.
Charlottesville has Live Music almost every night of the week. There is something for everyone!
Looking for a great Concert to attend? Lynchburg may just have what you’re looking for.
Get lost in the beauty of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests with a great hike! Limitless options are available at Hiking Project.
Take a day hike on a section of the Appalachian Trail. Crabtree Falls claims to be Virginia’s most beautiful waterfall. Enjoy this hike to decide for yourself!
This list highlights 15 favorite hikes near Charlottesville.
The Brew Ridge Trail is a self-guided tour featuring five of the nation’s best craft breweries. With everything from lagers to stouts, there’s something for everyone along the trail… The five breweries along the Trail include Blue Mountain Brewery, Blue Mountain Barrel House, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Starr Hill Brewery, and Wild Wolf Brewing Company. Visit brewridgetrail.com for more information.
Popular mountain biking trail suggestions from the Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club.
Bicycle rentals and guides available through Blue Ridge Cyclery – Downtown in Charlottesville or Bikes Unlimited in Lynchburg. MTB Project or Singletracks also have maps and suggestions for great trails in Virginia.
Take a trip back in time at The Walton Museum.
Civil War enthusiasts have plenty of options in Lynchburg, or Charlottesville hosts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nelson County offers many fishing opportunities along its rivers, lakes and streams, including the Tye River, James River, Little Piney River (stream) and Rockfish River.
Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill
Dead Drift Outfitters is here to get you locked in on fish. Services include custom flies, gear, tying materials, fly fishing and tying instruction and guided wade and float trips.
Although motorcycle rentals are not available locally in Arrington, you can fly to the surrounding areas and rent adventure motorcycles at:
Charlotte, NC – Carolina Adventure Cycles
Roanoke, VA – Eagle Rider
Townsend, TN – GSM MotoRent
Enjoy a ride through the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park on your way to Overland Expo.
Free yourself from the tyranny of the timetable and the necessity of making reservations wherever you go.
As a sponsor of this year’s Overland Expo West event, @weareairstream will be showcasing a lineup ready for wherever the journey leads. From rugged Basecamp models to fully equipped touring coaches capable of extended off-grid lifestyle. Attendees are invited to step inside, explore key features, and connect with a team that understands what it takes to get out there and stay out there.
Whether you`re dialing in your current setup or planning your next upgrade, their team will be on-site with product insights and show-exclusive opportunities.
Join We Are Airstream in Flagstaff, May 16-18, and experience a new standard of adventure.
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Overland Expo West is rolling into Flagstaff, AZ, May 15-17. Discover epic rigs, meet top outdoor exhibitors, and fuel your passion for overlanding. 🚙🔥
📍 Ft. Tuthill County Park
What are you most excited for at Overland Expo West? 👀
🎟️ Grab your tickets through the link in bio!
#OverlandExpoWest #Flagstaff #Arizona #Overlanding
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Overland Expo West is where real rigs show up. It’s exactly where @classicoverland belongs.
We build Defenders to be driven. Long miles, rough terrain, real ownership. Every build is designed around how you actually travel, not how it looks parked.
Our Signature Series is a full body-off, down-to-the-nuts-and-washers restoration with modern drivability built in. The Warthog Series is a true refurbishment. Simple, durable, and built to be used.
If you’re at Expo West, come find us at Q70. Step inside and experience what a Defender feels like when it’s built with purpose.
Built for the way you move. This is the Defender, done right.
@Yapping_About_Cars
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As a proud sponsor of Overland West, @winnebagorvs is showcasing its Backcountry ready lineup designed for life beyond the pavement. Built with off grid capability, durable materials, and practical features for extended time outdoors, these vehicles support a lifestyle rooted in freedom, comfort, and exploration. The Backcountry Series is purpose built to handle rugged terrain, remote destinations, and long days spent chasing the next horizon. Stop by booth Q58 to explore the lineup firsthand, connect with the team, and see how Winnebago vehicles are engineered to withstand the demands of life off the beaten path. ...
🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌍
The Earth is the heart and soul of every overlanding journey. Its breathtaking landscapes fuel our adventures and remind us of our responsibility to protect and preserve them.
@overlandexpofoundation is dedicated to giving back through impactful initiatives like trail cleanups, wildfire reclamation, veteran mental health rehabilitation programs, and more!
Here’s what the Overland Expo Foundation accomplished in 2025:
🗑️ 64,600+ lbs of trash removed
🛞 614 tires collected
🌲 205+ miles of roads cleared
🗺️ 1,080+ miles of trails improved
📸 Featured are photos from camping at Overland Expo West, MTN West, and East, as well as vehicle training at Overland Expo PNW.🏕️
Celebrate Earth Day by exploring the great outdoors and appreciating the beauty that inspires every overlanding adventure!
🎟️ Grab your camping tickets using the link in bio!
#OverlandExpo #EarthDay #Camping
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🎤 Testimonial Tuesday! 🎤
What makes camping at Overland Expo West unforgettable? 🏕️ 🔥 Let the overlanders who’ve experienced it tell you. 👀
Premium, moto, and vehicle camping passes are available—secure your spot today! Join nightly happy hours, meet fellow overlanders, and enjoy festival-style camping from Thursday morning to Monday morning. 👏
📅 Event Dates: May 15-17, 2026
📍 Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ
What’s your favorite thing about camping at Overland Expo West? 🤩 Did we mention the stunning ponderosa pine forest? 🌲
🎟️ Grab your camping passes via the link in bio!
#OverlandExpoWest #OverlandExpo #TestimonialTuesday #overlanding #outdoors
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Class is in session (soon)! 😎
Whether you’re just beginning your overland journey or you’re a seasoned traveler, Overland Expo West has a class for you!
📚 400+ hours of programs
🎓 120+ expert instructors and presenters from around the world
🛠️ Slideshows, demonstrations, and daily learning activities
From wilderness first aid to working on the road with Starlink, to winching and recovery, there’s a session for every skill level!
📅 May 15-17, 2026
📍 Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ
What’s been the most useful overlanding tip you’ve ever learned? 💭👀
🎟️ Click the link in bio for tickets!
#OverlandExpoWest #OverlandExpo #FlagstaffAZ
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Overland Expo West is almost here! 🔥 Join overlanders from around the world, May 15-17, in Flagstaff, AZ. 🌲 Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, this event has something for everyone!
🛠️ 400+ Overland, Automotive, & Outdoor Exhibitors
📚 220+ Educational Sessions
🍻 Happy hours, in-booth parties, and more!
Tag who you’d love to go to Overland Expo West with! 😎👇
🎟️ Click the link in bio for tickets!
#OverlandExpoWest #FlagstaffAZ #Overlanding
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Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo East in Arrington, VA.