Overland Expo East is tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and less than an hour from the event, you’ll find plenty of chances to enjoy the area before or after. I first started exploring this area before and after the event weekends, and each time I fell in love with it a bit more. The communities tucked among the foothills, the trails and streams leading up to the peaks, and the Blue Ridge Parkway running along the mountain range all drew me in a bit more every time I visited. Now, I’ve called this area home for just over four years, and in that time I’ve discovered hidden gems, favorite spots, and much more around the area. So if you’re planning a trip to Overland Expo East in Arrington, Virginia, I encourage you to hang around a few days. Check out the spots I’m going to suggest, but be sure to take some time off the route, because the Blue Ridge Mountains always reward exploration.
Your shortcut to adventure.
While it’s paved, I’d be remiss not to start with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It runs 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park north of Arrington, VA, all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the southern end crosses over into North Carolina, I happen to think that one of the most picturesque sections is right here in Virginia. It’s a great main artery for the region that can lead you to some beautiful overlooks, excellent hiking, and plenty of fire roads that connect to the parkway. This has been a draw for visitors to the region for decades, and like any National Park, the points of interest and historical markers along the way are well worth the time.
If you only have a short amount of time, I highly suggest taking a gravel road from the valley up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and then enjoying a section before dropping back into one of the small towns or mid-sized cities it connects. Even if it’s just an afternoon drive, you’ll get a bit of a preview of what the area has to offer.
Dirt road adventures aplenty.
While the western Overland Expos are in beautiful areas with plenty of off-road exploration opportunities nearby, don’t discount Overland Expo East for chances to explore off-road. All along the parkway and scattered throughout the Washington and Jefferson National Forests, you can find off-pavement adventures ranging from mild to wild. We covered these before, but here’s a quick rundown of some awesome routes in the area.
Bald Mountain: This is definitely one of the more challenging routes in the area, and the Bald Mountain Trail is a great test of driver skill and vehicle capability within an easy drive of Overland Expo East. Along the 10-mile-long trail, you’ll find large rocks, off-camber ledges, and even water crossings over three feet deep. Double-check your GPS before heading out. A much tamer gravel route to the West shares a name with this trail.
Enchanted Creek: This route parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, and even crosses under it at one point. Enchanted Creek is just under 8 miles long, and includes gravel, some mud holes, a couple of off-camber sections, and one steep section near the terminus. If you only have time for a short trail in the area, I think this is the one to explore.
Fenwick Mines: This trail is one of my favorite areas to explore. It’s dotted with abandoned mining communities, hiking trails, camping opportunities, and amazing views all along the route. Plus, it’s close to one of the densest groups of excellent campsites in the area. Patterson Creek Road is the place to stop if you’re looking for a campsite for one truck or a whole group. Plus, Fenwick Mines and Patterson Creek aren’t far from I81 if you’re heading to or from Overland Expo East from the west.
Broad Run: Our final suggestion is closer to Roanoke, VA, in Craig County. The difficulty level of Broad Run can vary greatly depending on the season and recent precipitation. Most of the route is relatively easy, but there are numerous water crossings along the way. During times of heavy rains, several of the crossings can exceed 36 inches in depth, and a few are approximately 25 yards wide, so go prepared and check water depths before proceeding.
Hit the water wherever you can.
All across the region you’ll find aquatic adventures dotted amongst the mountains and valleys. The James River and its numerous tributaries provide great opportunities to paddle, fish, and float. If you’re looking to cast a line, you can easily target trout, smallmouth bass, striper, and several other species within an hour’s drive of Oak Ridge Estates. During the warmer months, I keep my packraft in my truck so I can explore new areas of the river or even hike into the numerous reservoirs in the hills. I won’t burn a specific spot, but if you’re looking for trout and great camping, you should check out the Piney River area just north of the event.
Local flavors you don’t want to miss.
Overland Expo East takes place in Nelson County, and this area is known for an incredible concentration of breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries. I’m still making my way through the list, and one of my favorites to use as a literal basecamp is Devils Backbone Brewery. With an on-site campground, restaurant, and much more, it’s a great hub for further adventures in the area. For the last couple of years, a group of exhibitors has used the DBB campground as a final stop before heading to Overland Expo on Thursday for setup. It’s a great spot to camp, enjoy some great drinks, and grab a meal all without moving your rig. Plus, many of the others offer up great history, unique vibes, and delicious food. Check out this GUIDE to plan your route around the area.
And of course, there are great towns ranging from mid-sized cities to tiny villages that are great pit stops to visit between backcountry excursions. Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville are all on the larger side, and each has its own unique identity. If you’re looking for smaller towns to explore, Bedford, Lexington, and Staunton/Waynesboro are among my favorites.
Regardless of where you go and what you do, I think you’ll enjoy a couple of extra days or even more in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a great region that has something to share around every curve in the road, no matter if you’re deep in the woods on a rocky two-track or cruising the parkway.
