No one loves VA?

[BruteXJ]

Why no love for Virginia? We are, technically in the SouthEast, ya know! We also have some great trails!
Such as:
Blakey Ridge, Crabtree Falls, Devils Ditch...and many more. Mud, rocks, rivers, tight mountain passes and ridgeline rides.
Message me for details, or: see_agent@hotmail.com

Photos up soon(tonight) on KPhoto.smugmug.com

[scottsxj]

hey man can you Pm me with some info on how to get to some of these places, i have hiked crabtree falls but i never knew about any trails over there. Thanks

scott

[Mark WNC]

Hey, I would love to run some V trails.
give us the Info and we'll see what we can do.

[xxxj-va]

Run VA trails all the time!

-P

[HoodRichXJ]

Y'all got any pics of these VA trails and are they private or public? thanks always good to here about some place new.

[hackedxj]

Y'all got any pics of these VA trails and are they private or public? thanks always good to here about some place new.

Yea, what he said , Virginia is a beautiful state, I'd like to wheel there, just don't see alot of posts or pics about it.

[Gridikal]

Yea, what he said , Virginia is a beautiful state, I'd like to wheel there, just don't see alot of posts or pics about it.
To busy wheeling to take any pics! :laugh3:
Ya'll c'mon up- we'd have a blast.

[nateo101]

There are a pile of trails off of Rt. 33 going back towards WVA.....heck there is a guy building a offroad/paintball park off of I-81 in harrisonburg

[hackedxj]

To busy wheeling to take any pics! :laugh3:
Ya'll c'mon up- we'd have a blast.

Never throw out an invitation like that to southerners, we'll pile in like inlaws...lol

[BruteXJ]

Hell, everyone's invited, even the in-laws!
Feel free to drop me a message for info about VA trails, or to meet up and wheel. There are 3 great ones I'm familiar with, and as mentioned above, the area in the George Washington National Forest off of Rt. 33 towards West Virginia is absolutely infested with trails (they're actually marked as "Jeep Trails" on my map). Most if not all are public land and most of the Rangers I've met are happy to lend a hand....and they also drive XJ's!

[philsxj]

Hey Brute I sent a pm and no reply. It looks as if there are quite a few of us that are interested in some VA trails. Why don't you just post some details so we all can start making some plans. Pics and links would be very helpfull too. Thanks Phil

[nateo101]

here is a link for a couple of local trails that I found awhile back.....

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mudhunters.com%2 Fmdtrails.shtml%23George

[Gridikal]

I'm in!- where ever it's at

[BruteXJ]

Sorry, I never got the PM. I'll take a risk here.
You can Email me at: see_agent@hotmail.com for directions, questions, or invites.

I'm shooting for trail rides every other Saturday or Sunday, (to coincide with payday). I like to meet at or before noon, depending on where you have to come from, or where I have to go. I'm usually good on two day notice for a max of 100 miles from home. (Charlottsville, VA)

I'm also doing some long drives to explore possible new trails in VA, and another vehicle is a good thing to have along, but you know how these things go. We could find a great trail, or a road blocked off a hundred feet in. I'm hitting the Harrisonburg, VA area lately. Mostly in the GW National Forest area, so if that's you, let me know!

Thanks for the link, Nate.

[nateo101]

Sorry, I never got the PM. I'll take a risk here.
You can Email me at: see_agent@hotmail.com for directions, questions, or invites.

I'm shooting for trail rides every other Saturday or Sunday, (to coincide with payday). I like to meet at or before noon, depending on where you have to come from, or where I have to go. I'm usually good on two day notice for a max of 100 miles from home. (Charlottsville, VA)

I'm also doing some long drives to explore possible new trails in VA, and another vehicle is a good thing to have along, but you know how these things go. We could find a great trail, or a road blocked off a hundred feet in. I'm hitting the Harrisonburg, VA area lately. Mostly in the GW National Forest area, so if that's you, let me know!

Thanks for the link, Nate.

Hey GW is about a half hour from me.....let me know when you are heading up there. right now all I have is a stock jeep right now but should have a lifted jeep in 2 or 3 weeks. I am in H-burg right now so whenever you are heading up my way let me know! dothedew24_7 is pretty close to me as well maybe we could get together some saturday?

For those that are out of the area the place we are talking about is about a half hour outside off of I-81 in harrisonburg va.

[BruteXJ]

How about Saturday afternoon, or all day Sunday?

[nateo101]

yeah I would be up for that.....I am pretty much free on weekends and sunday's after about 10.....what days are good for you? Man I wish that lift was here.....

[BruteXJ]

Sunday around noon in H-Burg is good for me. Email at
see_agent@hotmail.com and I'll give you a phone # and info. I may bring along a couple of other XJ buddies as well. Dew is certainly welcome.

[nateo101]

sent a email!

dew sent you a pm....

[cj7xjmj]

If you look at my webshots page, there are some pics from the Oak Ridge estates, that is where they held the Virginia 4 wheel drive association annual ride this past yr.
http://community.webshots.com/user/cj7xjmj


Patrick

[XTrmXJ]

If you look at my webshots page, there are some pics from the Oak Ridge estates, that is where they held the Virginia 4 wheel drive association annual ride this past yr.
http://community.webshots.com/user/cj7xjmj


Patrick


Hey Pat nice to se you over on the dark side

[cj7xjmj]

Yeah Jon,
I figured it is about time that I start really getting ping pong right. Plus this site is a wealth of knowledge.


Patrick

[scottsxj]

Hell, everyone's invited, even the in-laws!
Feel free to drop me a message for info about VA trails, or to meet up and wheel. There are 3 great ones I'm familiar with, and as mentioned above, the area in the George Washington National Forest off of Rt. 33 towards West Virginia is absolutely infested with trails (they're actually marked as "Jeep Trails" on my map). Most if not all are public land and most of the Rangers I've met are happy to lend a hand....and they also drive XJ's!
what map is this that you have and where can i get one, cause me and a few buddies are planning a spring break trip and we are looking for info thanks alot

scott

[BruteXJ]

The map's the "Virginia Gazeteer" or something like that. They sell 'em at most country stores and some gas stations. It's a big red magazine looking thing with VA broken down into numbered sections on the back cover. I wouldn't wheel VA without one. It not only tells you how to find the trails, but where the heck you are when you get to the other end. I'm also working on making my own detailed maps with trail comments and GPS data. I'll let you know as I get 'em done.

This weekend we were all tied up or frozen solid from work, so no joy, buy it looks like we might get out next weekend. Anyone interested, let me know.

[scottsxj]

is this it http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/muze/books/0899333265.jpg i think i might get one

[BruteXJ]

That's it exactly. Great map.
BTW, I'll get off my arse and post some pics soon. Trying to put together a ride for this coming Sat. afternoon or all day Sunday. Everyone's welcome.

Also, for the Mom's & Dad's out there, my five year old son always wheels with me, so the rides are always kid-friendly (plenty of stops to play in the mud or throw snowballs!). Just try to ignore my son when he yells, "Do it again, give it more gas!"

[nateo101]

Dang I did not know about that map at all but will definitely have to check that one out.....I will hopefully join you this weekend!

[nateo101]

is this it http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/muze/books/0899333265.jpg i think i might get one


just picked one of those up....doesn't have all the backroads on them but a decent VA map for what it is worth and does have many "Jeep trails" marked on them

[BruteXJ]

Maybe you already know, but look out in particular for the "Wildlife Management Areas," as at least the ones I've checked out were great, legal, state (public) owned places for wheeling. You just have to watch your seasons so as not to interfere with anyone's hunting.

[wescam]

I don't yet own a XJ, but lining one up. I'm military and have lived in Arlington, working in DC for about 2 years now.

I like the state OK, except when I have to drive the length of it on 95, heh. I got a chance to cruise the high country state roads many years ago when stationed up in Maryland, but on a Fat Boy (was into Harleys, last one was a 98 FLSTF). Also seen lots of nice country white water rafting in the area. It's a pretty state unless you're in a traffic jam.

I moved up here from TX with a WRX, and have grown tired of it.

Hopefully in a month or two I will have basic recovery/skid items installed on a 2001 XJ (should the deal go through this week). And I'll venture out to meet some VA folk and find some cream puff trails.

So yeah, I suppose VA is ok..... :-P

[jeepcrazed4x4]

www.xjsrule.com

Crozet, home of the VROC. And for like 20 bux you can go and wheel all day. Best Rock Crawling in VA.

[nateo101]

hey that place looks pretty sweet.....are you sure its open to anyone on weekends?

[jeepcrazed4x4]

Well you have to tell them that you are coming, and make sure you call them in advance... also, i think it has to be a group of like no less then 3 and no more then 30 per group, but thats just a guess, the best thing to do is call them.

[BruteXJ]

Thanks to everyone supporting VA Jeeping!

A friend and I are planning an afternoon trip Friday 2/10 to Devil's Ditch (Wildlife Management Area, Madison County, Va. Turn West off of 29 at the Sheetz in Madison and right at the Wolftown Mercantile and you can't miss it!) this Friday after 3pm. Anyone interested is welcome. It's not a long trail, but the mud pit was reported in good condition three days ago.

[xxxj-va]

Thanks to everyone supporting VA Jeeping!

A friend and I are planning an afternoon trip Friday 2/10 to Devil's Ditch (Wildlife Management Area, Madison County, Va. Turn West off of 29 at the Sheetz in Madison and right at the Wolftown Mercantile and you can't miss it!) this Friday after 3pm. Anyone interested is welcome. It's not a long trail, but the mud pit was reported in good condition three days ago.

Been there done that! Was fun. Are you sure that's open for jeeps? I had heard it was off limits and sections were private property......

-P

[nateo101]

Well you have to tell them that you are coming, and make sure you call them in advance... also, i think it has to be a group of like no less then 3 and no more then 30 per group, but thats just a guess, the best thing to do is call them.


went ahead and emailed.....figured it wouldn't hurt to try.....some of those pics look sweet though

[nateo101]

Dear Nathan,
Thanks for your inquiry. My husband, Chris, and I operate a
by-appointment-only wheeling area in Crozet, VA (home of VROC). We have
a
variety of trails available to suit most levels of wheelers--from blue
(stock to some modifications), to black (at least one locker required),
and,
of course, red (if you have to ask...). You may contact either of us
by
e-mail or telephone in order to set up a wheeling trip. We typically
require
a minimum of five (5) vehicles, and either Chris or myself will guide
the
group(s). The standard land-usage fee is $20/vehicle per day or
$30/vehicle
per two-day weekend. Both of these fees include primitive on-site
camping
(weekend rate includes camping Friday night), and there is no charge
for
passenger(s).

Our contact information is listed below. Please feel free to contact us
via
telephone or e-mail in order to set up a run for your group, giving us
a
listing of your desired run date(s), and we will make arrangements with
you.



anybody want to go? I know I can at least get 2 or 3 guys I think.....

[BruteXJ]

Been there done that! Was fun. Are you sure that's open for jeeps? I had heard it was off limits and sections were private property......

-P
I see folks up there just to wheel all the time. I'll read the sign more carefully tomorrow, but I can't see why it would be open to hunters in 4x4 vehicles and not 4x4 for the sake of 4x4. Some sections are private property, but most if not all are well marked or gated. The rest is public land with no gates or "no vehicles" markings.

[BruteXJ]

Let me know when you plan to go, Nate.
The ride for tomorrow is still on, by the way.

[nateo101]

Let me know when you plan to go, Nate.
The ride for tomorrow is still on, by the way.


yeah I saw that....I have to work until 6pm that day.....interested in heading up there on saturday if we can get enough people?

anyone else is welcome as well...

[BIGWOODY]

Dear Nathan,
anybody want to go? I know I can at least get 2 or 3 guys I think.....

I am competeing in VROC April 2...I would be interested in going to get an idea of what to expect and to practice let me know what weekend will work, I can get at least 2 or 3 more rigs other than mine...Greg

[BruteXJ]

yeah I saw that....I have to work until 6pm that day.....interested in heading up there on saturday if we can get enough people?

anyone else is welcome as well...

Good news! (Sorta.) The ride fell through today, so we're going to do it tomorrow (Sat.) around 12-12:30. Hope to see you there.

[nateo101]

Ahh.....I have to be back in the burg at 4pm and it pretty much takes me an hour to get to you all.....if you all start earlier in the morning(10ish?) then give me a call and wake my ass up!


bigwoody....I can do the first weekend in march? Between the both of us I think we can get enough people.....I have a 3.5" lift but no lockers though if you are interested in doing the stock/slightly modified class.

[BruteXJ]

Oh well. The ride yesterday was fun. Maybe next weekend.
As far as the legality of 'wheeling Devil's Ditch; the Rangers don't mind it, but they don't appreciate XJ's doing donuts until their muffler rips off. I'm pretty sure that they specifically don't appreciate that.

[BruteXJ]

Anyone up for Crabtree tomorrow, Sunday the 27th?

[sparkchaserXJ]

Bump for the new people (me).

[Highlander]

just for the record devils ditch is OFF LIMITS!!!!!! I know there's a thread around here somewhere...

[xjtrailrider]

So who all is going to Camp Jeep?

I'll be there but I'm going ez on it, only running intermediates. The kids will be with me.

Look for me in this and give me a shout.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/4889/latest96av2.jpg

[nosigma]

I just got done making a survey of trails in the Harrisonburg area. Got several maps, talked to NoVa Jeepers who run out there all the time and the Park Service.

There are lots of gravel roads, which are called trails but really arent. Not much you couldnt run in 2wd vehicle. Lots of the trails are closed 6-9 months of the year. Others are only open during specific hunting seasons and are only open to hunters when they are open. The rangers will fax you a listing of the roads that are open/closed if you call the ranger station for the area you are interested in.

The DeLorme map book is a good reference. It shows a lot of trails that dont exist anymore or it lists jeep trails that are really hiking trails. Google maps has less on it than the DeLorme map book but its a pretty good resource and is more readable. I print them out and tape them together and compare it with DeLorme.

There are three trails worth mention in GWNF from Harrisonburg North.

1) Flagpole. Its a great first timer run. It has one rock "ledge" of about 6 inches on a slope. There is a bypass if you are driving a Commander or are a real chicken. Flagpole is open in the winter and is a blast with 12" of ice on the trail. The ice sheets break and create some challenging steps especially in the off camber sections.

2) Salt Shed. Several challenging mud pits, one that is 4' deep that is pretty much the domain of the FS Trucks on 48's and a couple of fun water crossings that run from 1-4' deep depending on where you ford them.

3) Second Mountain. I havent driven it but its suppose to be fun. There is some sort of private-park service fight over the right of way going on. Park Service says its open.

4) Dictum Ridge. This has a rock section that is actually hard going uphill and is technical going down. The pictures (www.NovaJeepers.com search) make it look pretty interesting. It also has a steep hill next to the rocks. Lots of folks have flopped/rolled off the rocks and into the trees. Recovery is a pain because of the private property next to the trail and no way to get a rig perpendicular to the trail.

The two best things about Virginia that I have found are Crozet and Big Dogs. both have trails that run from stock to insane. Big dogs has two more runs this year. 6000 acres, lakes, canoes, fishing (excellent), cabins, camp sites, showers, flush toilets and 60 some trails. Crozet has dozens of trails. My personal favorites are the two stream beds, especially uphill on the west stream and the seriously off camber new trail cut by NovaJeepers. I actually hate off camber, the seat is halfway up my spincter so running this trail has helped to get me over it and made me a better driver. Lots of other trails with ledges, drops and plenty of stuff that I have been to squeamish to run, yet.

John

[FitchVA]

2) Salt Shed. Several challenging mud pits, one that is 4' deep that is pretty much the domain of the FS Trucks on 48's and a couple of fun water crossings that run from 1-4' deep depending on where you ford them.

is that the trail that runs along dry river? and one end is close to the rocky part of dictum?

[Ghost]

Talk about raising the dead!

[sparkchaserXJ]

I figured it would be easier to bump an old thread than start a new one.

[Ghost]

I figured it would be easier to bump an old thread than start a new one.
True that. I would love to do some snow wheeling someday are any of these trails open in the winter and get snow?

[sparkchaserXJ]

Oh, we get snow. But it's unpredictable for the most part...

[nosigma]

Plenty of snow up there and thats when the most trails are open too. I

John

[98classic]

is that the trail that runs along dry river? and one end is close to the rocky part of dictum?


yes, salt shed is the one we ran back in november. the "salt shed" is the red shed we saw when we turned off of 33 at the trailhead

-Rick

[Gridikal]

Small side step, but, anyone know of any decent mtn. bike trails in the valley? I know of some near VT (old farm?) Just got a new Diamondback and I've been itchin' to try it out.

[sparkchaserXJ]

Lots of good Mt bike trails in the area. Lynchburg has a few decent ones and there are a few near Charlottesville. Where were you looking for a Mt bike trail?