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.
Guide ToTHE ARRINGTON REGION
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.
FALL, 2026
OAK RIDGE ESTATE // ARRINGTON, VA
FRI 9-5 | SAT 9-5 | SUN 9-3
ABOUT THE VENUE
OAK RIDGE ESTATe
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.
DRIVING TIMES TO OAK RIDGE ESTATES:
- Richmond, VA via I-64 to US-29: 2 hrs
- Washington, DC via US-29: 3.5 hrs
- Charlotte, NC via I-85 to US-29: 4 hrs
- New York City, NY via I-95: 7 hrs
- Atlanta, GA via I-85 to US-29: 7.5 hrs
OVERLAND ROUTES & RESOURCES
Trips & Trails: Union Springs
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.
Trips & Trails: Fenwick Mines
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.
Trips & Trails: Bald Mountain
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?
ACCOMODATIONS
HOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS
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.
NEARBY RV PARKS
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.
CAMPING
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.
FOOD & DRINK
RAPUNZEL’S COFFEE & BOOKS
An eclectic arts venue, community space, coffee shop, and used bookstore located in The Packing Shed in historic Rapunzel’s Coffee.
BASIC NECESSITIES
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.
BEAN TREE CAFE
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.
BOOTLEGGERS
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.
THINGS TO DO
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.
NATIONAL PARKS
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!
VINEYARDS & WINERIES
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.
MUSIC
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.
HIKING
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.
BREW RIDGE TRAIL
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.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
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.
HISTORY
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.
FISHING
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.
Fly & Ride
Where to rent motorcycles?
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.
CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW #OVERLANDEXPO
A HUGE thank you to every attendee, camper, brand, instructor, volunteer, and staff member — YOU are what make this community and these events so special ✨
Thank you for showing up—traveling across the country, sharing your stories and skills, lending a hand, inspiring others, and bringing the stoke (and the smiles) all season long 🤙
Check out the recap pages under each event on our website to explore photo galleries packed with highlights—you might spot yourself!
Wishing you all a happy, adventure-filled Thanksgiving 🧡 What are you grateful for?
The Overland Expo Black Friday Gear Sale is on! 🔥 Score 20% off all merch in our Gear Shop with the code OVERLANDEXPOBF
👉 Tap the link in bio to shop and save on gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
⏳ Sale ends Dec 5
🎁 Looking for the perfect gift for the overlander, traveler, or adventure-lover in your life? ✨
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is packed with epic gear PLUS a ton of Black Friday and holiday deals you won’t want to miss 🔥
🏕️ From camp essentials and stocking stuffers to dream-worthy upgrades, this year’s picks are all about elevating every adventure 🛠️
👉 Tap the link in our bio to explore the full guide and all the special offers.
Happy gifting & happy trails! 🚙💨✨
🚛🔥 Meet “Bronty” — a 1996 Stewart & Stevenson M1079 turned full-blown expedition vehicle/tiny house.
We met up with Justin at Overland Expo PNW as he was heading toward Alaska — the official start of his around-the-world journey. Fast forward to now, and he’s making his way south with his sights set on Argentina for the first major leg of the adventure 🌎✨
🎥 Catch the full tour on YouTube (link in bio), where Justin walks us through every detail of the build: mini-split A/C, full solar setup, full-size fridge, clever interior layout, and everything needed for full-time off-grid living.
Follow Justin’s journey ➜ @destinationdaily_
From weekend escapes to full-time life on the road, Outpost Vans is redefining what’s possible in modern adventure travel 🚐✨
Built on passion, crafted with precision, and designed to help you Make Camp Anywhere — every van is a blend of rugged capability and refined comfort.
Whether you’re chasing remote trails, coastal sunsets, or the freedom of the open road, Outpost is here to build the rig that gets you there
👉 Learn more about @outpostvans in our latest Industry Spotlight on OverlandExpo.com (🔗 in bio)
Quick release mounts, baffles, rain collection, and the ability to connect the battery powered 60 PSI pump, are just a few reasons why the Midnight Forest Rain Basins are the
most versatile overland water tanks on the market.
👉 @midnightforestofficial
#overlandgear
Winter’s calling—are you ready? ❄️ We’ve rounded up some winter-ready essentials like rugged tents, self-powered heaters, suspension upgrades, smart accessories and more to make cold-weather travel smoother and elevate your adventures all year long 🏕️🔥
👉 Swipe through to explore the gear that’s ready for any adventure.
🧭 Then head to The Compass on OverlandExpo.com (🔗 in bio) for the full roundup and product details.
Big News: Tickets for all 2026 Overland Expo events are LIVE! 🚐✨
🌎 Get ready for an epic year of adventure at five events across the US packed with education, community, and all things overlanding and adventure travel. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned traveler, there’s no better place to learn, connect, and get inspired for your next journey.
️️🎟️ Tickets are ON SALE NOW — and we’re kicking things off with the lowest prices you’ll see! Don’t miss your chance to snag Early Bird pricing before it ends on 12/31 (Link in bio!)
🔥 Which event(s) are you joining us for? Tag your crew and start planning your adventure. We can’t wait to see you next year!
THE WORLD IS OUT THERE GO SEE IT!
Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo East in Arrington, VA.