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 3-5, 2025
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
Meet Michael Emery - storyteller, podcaster, vintage Land Cruiser enthusiast, and founder of @slowbaja 🌵
Michael shares a glimpse into his passion for slow travel, his deep love for Baja California, and the community that makes overlanding so special.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Michael at an Overland Expo event, your next opportunity is Overland Expo Pacific Northwest, coming up June 25-27 in Redmond, Oregon. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started, this is your chance to connect with the people who make this community so inspiring.
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube and get inspired to explore slow and live well.
🎥 @yapping_about_cars
#OverlandExpo #SlowBaja #Overlanding #BajaCalifornia #VintageRigs #AdventureTravel #LandCruiser #OverlandExpoPNW
Adventure awaits at Overland Expo and OutdoorX4 Magazine is proud to be a Media Partner of the series since 2013. As a publication dedicated to authentic vehicle-based outdoor adventure and exploration, @outdoorx4 brings together a community of enthusiasts who live for the journey.
🏔️ Whether it`s the adventure of the weekend or a lifetime, from remote backcountry trails to the spirit of self-reliant exploration as well as enjoying all pursuits of outdoors recreation, OutdoorX4 will inspire you to push boundaries while being mindful of our surroundings.
🎁 Get a complimentary 6-issue digital subscription to OutdoorX4 with the coupon code ox4freedigital at outdoorx4.com (direct link in bio)
You can also subscribe to their award-winning archival quality print magazine as well as sign-up for their eNewsletters for the latest news, stories, and reviews.
Adventure is out there and OutdoorX4 is here to help you find it!
📷 @rlngstrt
We’re still in love with this year’s Ultimate Overland Build 🤩🔥
This 2025 @gmc Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition is paired with an amazing @overlandexplorervehicles Backcountry Camper and some of the best overland gear in the industry hand selected by our talented builders at @aevconversions and @tinyrigco ⚙️
This epic rig will be auctioned off in November on Bring-A-Trailer with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the @overlandexpofoundation, who works to advance the overlanding community and protect the lands we’re all so lucky to explore.
🌲 Come see it in person at Overland Expo PNW, coming up June 27-29 in Redmond, Oregon.
📍Full walk-through videos and more info on each of our incredible build partners and all the components that came together to make this the 2025 Ultimate Overland Vehicle coming soon!
In the meantime, learn more about the build at the link in @overlandexpo’s bio 🔗
🎥 @andysedano_
#GMCSierraHD #GMCTrucks #AT4X #AEVEdition #OverlandExpo #OverlandExpoWest
#OverlandExplorerVehicles #TruckCamperLife #OffRoadAdventure #OverlandVehicle #TruckCamper #OverlandRig #OffRoadDreams
Calling all Adventure Seekers! Come see @ToyotaUSA in Booth FG19 at Overland Expo PNW for your chance to win a 4Runner Trailhunter, plus a cash prize! 💸
Check out the full Toyota Truck lineup – including the all-new 2025 Trailhunter 4Runner—plus the Trailhunter Tacoma, 1958 Land Cruiser, Tundra Platinum, and Sequoia Platinum. Don’t forget to complete a quick survey in exchange for some Toyota swag!
🎉 Starting at 7pm on Friday night, come to Toyota Game Night for free food, drinks, and prizes. You definitely won`t want to miss it!
#LetsGoPlaces #Trailhunter #LandCruiser #OverlandExpo #OverlandExpoPNW
The Overland Expo PNW 2025 map is live! 🌲 Swipe for a sneak peek, then hit the link in bio for a larger viewing experience 👀
Scope out:
▪️ Where the brands you want to check out will be
▪️ Locations of education sessions, demos, and special events
▪️ DIY vehicle showcase and content creator areas
▪️ The driving course for the Trail Course Experience (add this onto your ticket!)
▪️ Camping zones for those of you camping with us
And lots more!
🔥 The countdown is on - PNW is just over 2 weeks away! Will we see you there?
🎟️ Save on tickets through this Sunday, June 15 and grab some as a Father`s Day gift for yourself or the dad in your life while you`re at it 😉
For overlanders, remote doesn’t have to mean offline. 🚐🏔️🛻
With @homefi.info’s multicarrier hotspot, your journey through rugged terrain and backroads can be powered by reliable, on-the-go Wi-Fi. Stream, upload, and share without boundaries.
Every adventure deserves to be connected.
#homefi #portablehotspot #wifionthego
Gear up for adventure with this roundup of vehicles, products, and services that make enjoying the outdoors a little easier, safer, and more comfortable. ☀️⛰️🌲
Swipe through to preview the picks, then hit the link in bio to dive into the full roundup with all the details.
What`s on your wishlist?
The campgrounds at Overland Expo West were next level 🏕️🛻👌
From restored classics to jaw dropping rigs and creative camp setups, the campgrounds were buzzing with inspiration. We could’ve spent all weekend cruising around, exploring, and connecting with all the campers.
There’s really nothing like camping at Overland Expo. You get to meet like minded explorers, share stories, and get inspired by endless cool rigs and unique setups. Plus, you’re steps away from the action all weekend long.
Overland Expo PNW is coming up next 🌲 Snag your campsite and join us in Oregon for an epic weekend!
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.