
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.
Your new adventure buddy is the @jackrabbit.bike XG Pro. 37 lbs. Folds flat to 7 in. 749w motor. Insanely fun. ...
⏳ Last call, overlanders. The Premium Camping Giveaway ends TONIGHT 11:59 PM PT. 🏕️
Book a Premium Camping pass by July 24 and you`re automatically entered to win:
🏔️ Mountain West (Aug. 21-23, Loveland, CO): one winner gets their Premium Camping pass fully refunded.
🌲 East (Oct. 23-25, Arrington, VA): one winner scores five Premium Camping campsites for the whole crew.
Already booked? You`re already in. Want more chances? Tag us and use #OverlandExpoPremiumCamper for bonus entries.
Don`t wait. Grab your pass through the link in bio before it`s too late. 🔥
Visit overlandexpo.com/win-big/ for more information.
#OverlandExpo #Overlanding #PremiumCamping #CampWithYourCrew
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The all-new ARKA is here. And you get to drive it. 🙌
Get behind the wheel of the Revel, EKKO, and the new ARKA on a real off-road course at the @winnebagorvs x Transwest Ride and Drive at Overland Expo Mountain West.
RAM 5500 chassis. 15,000 lb towing. 15kWh of lithium. Heated floors. Rated for -10 to 120°F. This thing eats the backcountry for breakfast.
Registration for the Winnebago x Transwest Ride & Drive at Overland Expo Mountain West is coming soon. Hit the link in bio to sign up for updates and be first to know when it opens!
See you out there. Buy tickets using the link in bio. 🤝
Loveland, Colorado. Aug 21–23.
#OverlandExpoMTNWest #Colorado #RideAndDrive #ARKA #TestDrive
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Wake up to free coffee and pastries, roll out of your rig, and you’re already steps from the action. That’s Premium Camping at Overland Expo Mountain West. Best spot on the grounds, and your first Happy Hour drink is on us.
Book your MTN West Premium Camping by Friday, July 24, and you’re automatically entered to win your pass refunded. Already booked? You’re already in.
Want bonus entries? Tag @OverlandExpo and use #OverlandExpoPremiumCamper.
See you at The Ranch in Loveland, CO, Aug. 21–23. Link in bio for tickets!
Tag your camping crew.
#OverlandExpo #PremiumCamping #OverlandExpoPremiumCamper #OverlandExpoMountainWest #Colorado
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Here`s what`s waiting for you in 30 days. 👇
🚙 300+ top outdoor and adventure exhibitors
📚 150+ expert-led classes for every skill level
🍻 Exclusive show deals, happy hours, and in-booth events
Overland Expo Mountain West visits The Ranch in Loveland, CO, Aug. 21-23.
Tap the link in bio to purchase your tickets.
Which rig are you rolling in with?
🚨 Reminder: Buy a Premium Camping pass to MTN West or East for a chance to win a full refund for MTN West or five premium camping passes to East. The giveaway ends this Friday, 7/24.
#OverlandExpo #OverlandExpoMTNWest #Overlanding #Colorado #OverlandLife
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Don’t just take our word for it. Hear it from the brands who’ve exhibited at Overland Expo. 🚙
Our exhibitors meet a crowd that lives for the trail: adventure travelers, gear junkies, and outdoor enthusiasts ready to buy, build, and explore. This is where your brand belongs.
Put your products in front of the overlanding community that shows up ready to discover what’s next.
👉 Ready to exhibit? Tap the link in bio to learn more.
#OverlandExpo #Overlanding #ExhibitorLife #AdventureReady #ExhibitWithUs
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Premium Camping is for the people who want less walking and more time hanging out.
Mountain West Premium Camping Perks:
🏕️ Prime spot closest to the entrance and the action
☕ Free coffee and pastries in the hospitality lounge every morning
🍺 First drink FREE at every nightly Happy Hour
🎒 Badge, goody bag and Sourcebook Magazine
🚨 Buy a Mountain West Premium Camping pass and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a full refund. The Premium Camping Giveaway ends Friday, 7/24.
Grab your pass through the link in bio. ⛺
#OverlandExpo #MountainWest #Overlanding #Camping #Rigs
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Caption these photos from last year`s Overland Expo Mountain West in the comments, then tell us which slide is you. 😂
📍The Ranch, Loveland, CO
📅 August 21-23, 2026
Click the link in bio to buy tickets!
#OverlandExpo #CaptionThis #Overlanding #Rigs #OverlandExpoMTNWest
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Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo East in Arrington, VA.