Virginia or Pennsylvania?

[americonium]

Vermont Jeep Jamboree was postponed to September 7th. Now it has been cancelled. We still have the itch to go. So.....
Do we go to Virginia and George Washington National Forest, where you can run Peter's Mill, or AOAA where you can run Fern ridge and Barney Rubble. Anyone want to add their 2¢? VA is 6 hours away, and AAOA is 3. Your voters count.

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[keithcroshaw]

I’m sure my tune would change if I actually went to AOAA but I’m much more interested in public land. GW is in my to do list.

 

[Punknhed]

the GW forrest is nice, but Peters Mill is not all that exciting, ive done it a couple times.

 

[americonium]

But there are other trails in that area, no?

 

[Punknhed]

But there are other trails in that area, no?

there are 2 short ones, near blackwater falls which isnt to far if i remember correctly. I was just following my brother lol so i dont remember exactly.

 

[WheretheJLs]

Rausch Creek Off Road Park is 30 min south of AOAA, more expensive as you need to buy a $60 yearly membership than $70 daily entrance fee + $25 passenger fee for those over 15 years old. They have a 5 visit pass for $280 or unlimited yearly for $630.

https://www.rc4x4.org/faq

3 Day weekend pass at AOAA is $60
3 Day weekend at RC seems to be $270

 

[Zissou]

But there are other trails in that area, no?

My time to shine!

About 1.5 - 2 hours south of there is Big Levels 4x4 Trail which ends (or starts depending on your orientation) on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

Big Levels is pretty challenging. I added a ton of trail brush marks to my pickup when I went last; rhododendrons the whole way down the sides. So that's if you're looking to add a more difficult options imo.

An easier option near there is Shoe Creek / "Crabtree Falls"
Moderate trail, way more open than Big Levels. My profile picture is my Gladiator on that trail.
This is one end: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shoe+Creek+Trail+Head/@37.7888372,-79.1054552,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b33f3618754c8f:0x626586487f750642!8m2!3d37.7889123!4d-79.1026354!16s/g/1hg4tnh3g?entry=ttu

At this point it changes from a fire road to a 4x4 trail if you came in from the top. The parking lot here is the short cut to the Crabtree falls hike; since you're starting now at the top of the falls it's only about a 2 mile hike on a light grade - highly recommend for an easy hike

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Meadows+Lane+Crabtree+Falls+Parking+Area/Crabtree+Falls+Trail/Crabtree+Falls+Meadows/.5+Appalachian+Trail+Access/@37.836035,-79.0903193,15.75z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b340eb248e899b:0xb5dff9a24f0acad3!8m2!3d37.8305967!4d-79.0833426!16s/g/11g6_523ds?entry=ttu

Then clearly biased because I live there, but if you're doing those trails Charlottesville VA is fantastic to stay and visit.
But if you want to stick closer to those trails, def hit the "brew ridge trail", a series of breweries and cideries on rt 151.
This is the southernmost and largest, Devil's Backbone Basecamp. They even have lodging AND campsites at the brewery! Here's a link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Devils+Backbone+Basecamp+Brewpub/@37.8709877,-78.921611,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b36c04adee0f65:0xa5508cfc3f8ff298!8m2!3d37.8712761!4d-78.9186088!16s/g/1tc_g3y9?entry=ttu

If my day job doesn't work out I might think about going into the tourism industry haha

 

[americonium]

Zissou,
That sounds great, but I lost my trail buddy, so I'll probably shift gears and go see my kids instead. Thanks for the great write up though, I appreciate that you took the time to give me the nickel tour.

 

[Staeng8]

Ok, AOAA now has two badge trails. Rousch Creek has three badge trails. They are about 45 minutes apart. Country Inn & Suites in Frackville Pa. has a discount if you tell them you're in town for off roading.(about 35 minutes from AOAA) Peter Mills is a nice gravel road.
Have fun.

 

[WheretheJLs]

Ok, AOAA now has two badge trails. Rousch Creek has three badge trails. They are about 45 minutes apart. Country Inn & Suites in Frackville Pa. has a discount if you tell them you're in town for off roading.(about 35 minutes from AOAA) Peter Mills is a nice gravel road.
Have fun.

There are a couple Bed & Breakfasts in town that are only $70/night as well as a Airbnb-type place up the street if you're in a group. Never did the B&B but the group spot was great and you didnt have to air back up as it wasn't even a mile away, also pricing was reasonable for the 6 of us.

 

[americonium]

Bought a pass for Thursday the 5th at AOAA. Then to see the kids. Is it easy to find a crew to roll with? I can't imagine they let you go by yourself.

 

[americonium]

Kids don't want me, I'm going to hit Windrock, Gulches, Uwharrie, Peters Mill or something close, and then back home. Hope I make it ok, lol

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