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.
OCTOBER 4-6, 2024
OAK RIDGE ESTATE
ARRINGTON, VIRGINIA
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
Raising the bar for go-anywhere capability with a name that is instantly recognizable. The all new 2025 4Runner Trailhunter allows enthusiasts to go further, straight from the factory.
Come see @ToyotaUSA for your chance to check out the all-new 4Runner alongside the rest of the Toyota Truck Family at Overland Expo East.
For some added trail knowledge, attend one of their signature Toyota Outdoor Skills courses and enter for a chance to win your very own 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter + $25,000 cash.
While you’re at it, cancel those dinner plans and scope out your spot for their famous Friday night Fireside Chat. S’mores and Q+A included.
#toyota #toyotaoffroad #toyota4runner #toyotatrucks #overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #toyotalove #toyotafreaks
Adventure motorcyclists (and those aspiring) - here’s a sneak preview of what we have in store for you at Overland Expo East!
🏕️ Motorcycle Campground where you can connect with other travelers and check out different set ups
🏍️ Demos by @harleydavidson, @yamahamotorusa, and @land_moto
🗺️ Travel resources and deals on camping and motorcycle gear
📚 100+ education sessions on a variety of overland and adventure travel topics
🎉 Happy hours, parties, and more!
Visit the link in bio for more info on all things moto at Overland Expo East, and get your tickets if you don’t have them already!
#overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #adventuremotorcycle #adventuremotorcycles #adventuremoto #adventuremotorcycling #adventuremototouring #adventuremotorcycletravel #overlandmotorcycle
Feeling adventurous? When putting your truck or SUV to the test, maintaining proper control and stability can be too much for OE shocks. Even installing larger tires and wheels can greatly affect your vehicle’s performance and handling.
KYB offers high pressure monotube shocks that provide more control over original equipment and are perfect for off-roading, overlanding, towing, and hauling heavy loads. They offer performance upgrade monotubes, complete assemblies, lift and leveling and even adjustable damping shocks and struts.
Whether enjoying the outdoors or transporting your family safely, @kybshocks offers the completely correct shock and strut solution.
Learn more at the link in bio 🔗
#KYB #KYBSHOCKS #COMPLETELYCORRECT
Score major discounts on gear and more at Overland Expo East! 🔥
Check out 300+ exhibitors as they showcase the latest and greatest gear and vehicles in the overland and adventure travel world. From giveaways and raffles to show specials just for attendees, you’ll find some major perks while getting to meet the awesome people behind the brands.
🧭 Overland Expo East is coming up October 4-6, 2024 at Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, VA.
🎟️ Get your tickets now if you don’t have them already and let us know if you’re coming!
#overlandexpo #overlandexpomountainwest #overlandcommunity
OK4WD has been building off-road vehicles and selling the top products in the offroad and overland industry since it first opened its garage doors in 1979. Driven by adventure, OK4WD takes pride in supporting its customers from online retail to turn-key overland builds built at their shop. The company treats everyone like family.
Visit OK4WD’s booth at Overland Expo East to see the latest in off-road gear and tour purpose-built vehicles. Speak with professionals who live, eat, and breathe off-road travel and hit the trail with confidence.
Head to the OK4WD booth Friday night of Expo for a Mountain State Overland video premiere, followed by a Q&A with the MSO team and a raffle in the OK4WD booth.
OK4WD will also be hosting two seminars a day in their booth on Saturday and Sunday. Keep an eye on @ok4wd for seminar topics.
#ok4wd #overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandgear #offroadgear #overlandvehicles #offroadvehicles
The Overland Expo East 2024 education + event schedule is live! We’ve got 100+ education sessions for you to choose from including everything from how to plan a trip to safety, camping skills, vehicle repairs, first aid, and so much more. Plus you’ll find:
▪️Ride & Drives
▪️Motorcycle Demos
▪️Happy Hours, Parties & Special Events
▪️Meet-ups & Networking Opportunities
▪️Kids Adventure Area
▪️Film Festival
▪️Overland Expo Foundation Raffle
▪️Exhibitors Showcasing Epic Vehicles & Gear
▪️And more!
See the full schedule at the link in bio, and get your tickets while they’re available if you don’t have them already 🎟️
#overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandevent #overlandcommunity
Unleash your rig’s full potential with the 601 Maze Beadlock 17x9 Bronze from @thretoffroad. Precision-forged and ready for battle.
#thretoffroadwheels #thretoffroad #wheelgoals #maze601 #forged #offroadwheels
Check out some of the best Toyotas of Overland Expo Mountain West 2024!
There were so many incredible adventure-ready vehicles at the event, this is just a sample of a few of the Toyotas that caught our eye.
See the full roundup with details on some of these builds at the link in bio 🔗
East is our last event this year! Come check out endless adventure vehicles yourself and get inspired to get out there 🧭
#overlandexpo #overlandexpomtnwest #overlandevent #overlandrigs #overlandvehicle #adventurerig #adventurevehicle #toyota #toyotaoffroad #toyotafreaks #toyotacamper
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.