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
Not that you needed any convincing 😉 But just in case you don`t know how awesome camping at Overland Expo West is, here`s why it`s a must:
🏕️ Enjoy easy access to all the action—from sunrise coffee walks to sunset parties, the vendors, film festival, raffle, happy hours, and more
🙌 The overlanding community is one-of-a-kind—you’re bound to make new friends (or find your next expedition partner!)
🚐 Some of the coolest rigs are in the campgrounds - be sure to wander and get inspired!
✨ Keep the good times rolling after the vendor areas close and have easy access to your home base when you`re ready to call it a night
🌲 Set up camp in the beautiful pine forests of Flagstaff and enjoy the perfect combo of nature + adventure
What`s your favorite part of camping at West? Tag your camping crew and let us know if you`re coming! 👇
🎟️ Get your camping passes if you haven’t already and start planning your adventure! Prices go up 5/4.
Winnebago is heading to Overland Expo West! Join them at booth Q2 from May 16–18 to check out the EKKO, Revel, and Solis, three vehicles from their Backcountry Series built for off-grid travel and backroad discovery.
From flexible floorplans to rugged capabilities, each model is designed to help you stay out longer and go further. Come take a look inside, ask questions, and see which one fits your travel style.
🎁 While you`re there, don’t miss the chance to enter their Basecamp Essentials Bundle giveaway. Valued at $3,700, this prize pack is filled with gear to elevate your next trip—from campsite comforts to overlanding must-haves.
Whether you`re deep into the off-grid lifestyle or just getting started, the @winnebagorvs team would love to connect and talk all things travel. See you out there! 👋
Engel Coolers is proud to be a Title Sponsor at Overland Expo West in Arizona! Swing by Booth Q55 and experience the adventure-ready durability and innovation that’s made Engel a trusted name in the overlanding community. They’ll be showcasing their full line of Overland Fridge Freezers and Coolers—built tough for the trail and ready for anything.
💦 Need to cool off? They’ve got you covered with free popsicles and vacuum insulated water bottles while supplies last!
Whether you`re a weekend warrior or a full-time explorer, Engel products are designed to keep your journey moving without compromise. Come see why explorers everywhere choose @engelcoolers and get hands-on with the gear that’s redefining off-grid cooling.
📍Booth Q55 is your Overland basecamp—don’t miss it!
What do you think? Should we drop some official Overland Expo action figures?
We had to… 😂 Don’t mind the random stuff on the bottom of the second one, or the fact that he has two beers - that was all ChatGPT 🍻
@optimabatteries is proud to be headed back to Overland Expo West for another year as a Title Sponsor!
With a full line of AGM batteries, lithium powersports batteries, and a brand-new automotive lithium battery, OPTIMA has the ultimate power solution for whatever moves you. Visit the OPTIMA team at booth #Q16 to nail down the best battery option for your next adventure and to grab one of the infamous OPTIMA backpacks. 😉
Ready to upgrade your sleep setup? From rooftop tents to compact sleeping pads and off-road trailers, we’ve rounded up some of the latest gear to help you get a better night’s rest in the wild. 😴🌲
👉 Swipe through for highlights, then hit the link in bio to read the full guide.
What`s on your wish list?
Firestone is excited to be at Overland Expo West this year! Visit their booth at Q54 to learn more about Off-Road Truck and SUV tires, as well as Firestone Airide air suspension.
🥞 Make sure to stop by on Saturday at 9am, because Firestone will host a special brunch to share stories from Harvey Firestone’s Vagabond Trips in which camaraderie, innovation and adventure melded together to inspire an era of American road trips.
📷: @firestone
🏕️ Camp vibes like this… but make it 2025 ✨
Overland Expo West isn’t just an event—it’s an experience. Don’t miss your chance to wake up steps from the action, surrounded by epic rigs, good people, and good times.
Whether you’re rolling in solo, with your crew, or bringing the whole setup—there’s nothing like being part of the community from sunup to sundown. 🌄
👇 Let us know if you’ll be camping with us! We can’t wait to see you in Flagstaff!
🎟️ Premium Camping is SOLD OUT, but there’s still time to grab General Camping or Large Campsite Passes before prices go up! Learn more and grab yours at the link in bio.
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.