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
4x4 Colorado is beyond excited to be back as a Title Sponsor at Overland Expo Mountain West! This is their favorite time of year to connect with the amazing overlanding community, swap stories, and check out the latest builds rolling through. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time adventurer, or just planning your first trip off the beaten path, they can’t wait to meet you in person.
Stop by the @4x4.colorado booth to say hi, talk gear, and take advantage of insane, show-only deals you won’t find anywhere else. From their rugged rooftop tents to expedition-ready accessories, they’ve got everything to take your adventures to the next level.
Come for the gear, stay for the people, and leave inspired for your next journey. See you at Overland Expo Mountain West!
🏔️ Overland Expo Mountain West is THIS WEEKEND! 🏔️
We`ve got an epic lineup planned for you. Get ready for:
✔️ 350+ brands showcasing top-tier adventure rigs & gear
✔️ Hands-on education & demos from overland pros
✔️ Happy hours, networking, parties, and special events
✔️ And lots more!
🎟️ Camping is sold out but Weekend & Day Passes are still available - hit the link in bio to grab yours!
🔥 Who`s rolling in? Let us know in the comments and tag your crew 👇
Make a meal out of a mountain with the Tacoma. Visit the Pedersen Toyota booth at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland Colorado August 22-24.
Toyota, Let’s Go Places!
👉 @pedersen_toyota
Adventure, upgraded ✨ The 2025 Ultimate Overland Vehicle is loaded with gear that makes camping a breeze so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors in comfort.
Swipe to explore the kit that turns this rig into a backcountry dream:
🚿 @alucab_usa – 270° Shadow Awning & Shower Cube
❄ @isothermrefrigeration – Cruise 65 Clean Touch Stainless Steel Fridge
🧰 @onwrd.supply – Seat Organizers & Headrest
💦 @trumanorthamerica – AquaGo Water Heater & VarioHeat Furnace
🔥 @lavaboxcampfires – Campfire Kitchen & Firepit
🔪 @opinelusa – Nomad Cooking Kit & Picnic + Cutlery Set
⛰️ Come check it out in person at Overland Expo Mtn West next week!
Big thanks to our build partners for making every mile (and campsite) better. 🙌
👉 Tap the link in our bio for the full build + gear breakdown.
📸: 1-7 @andysedano_ / 8-9 @mitchsini
⚡ OPTIMA Batteries is charging onto the Overland Expo Mountain West scene as an official sponsor!
From rugged trail rigs to fully equipped expedition vehicles, @optimabatteries is the Ultimate Power Source for battery performance and off-grid reliability.
Get a look at the newest products in the OPTIMA line, explore high-performance setups, and meet the team behind the brand trusted by enthusiasts worldwide.
📍 Whether you`re planning your next overland journey or looking to upgrade your rig, booth C7 is your destination for expert insights and premium power solutions.
Level up your skills at Overland Expo Mountain West! Education has been a core part of the event since the beginning. From finding free campsites and cooking on the road to vehicle recovery, first aid, photography, trip planning, and so much more—there’s something for everyone. 🏕️👨🍳🔧📸
👉 Swipe through to see some of the education areas you’ll get to explore, then tap the link in bio for education highlights and the full event schedule—or find it all in the official Overland Expo app.
🎟️ Overland Expo Mtn West is NEXT WEEK! Premium Camping is sold out and General Camping is selling fast—grab your passes now and start planning your adventure.
👇 What sessions are you most excited to check out?
A big thank you to all our education sponsors who help make this possible!
- @rugged_luxury_motors
- @chrysler
- @gowanderbox
💥 Get behind the wheel at Overland Expo Mountain West!
Ready to flex your off-road skills? Don`t miss the Ram Ride & Drive on the Nothing Stops Ram Test Track — a custom-built off-road course where you can drive the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T & Ram 2500 Rebel HD and put their legendary capability to the test. Complete the course and score a free gift! 🎁
⛰️ While you`re there, check out their epic lineup of overland-upfitted @ramtrucks — built for your next adventure.
📍 Catch it during show hours at Overland Expo Mountain West (included with your passes!)
🎟️ Don`t have tickets yet? Get them now at the link in bio and start planning your adventure.
Winnebago is heading to Overland Mountain West with their Solis, EKKO and Revel. Part of their Backcountry Series, these rigs are built for off-grid travel and designed to handle remote terrain with ease 🚐⛰️
🎁 Don’t miss the chance to enter Winnebago’s Basecamp Essentials Bundle giveaway. The prize pack is valued at $3,700 and includes campsite gear curated for comfort and adventure 🏕️
👉 Whether you’re just getting into overlanding or looking to upgrade, this is a great opportunity to connect with a brand that builds with real travelers in mind.
📍 Find them at booth C64 to explore the lineup and see which model best fits your travel style and check them out at @winnebagorvs
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.