GWNF- Info- Trip Planner

DavidAW · 08-29-09, 01:12 PM

Seems like some folks may be up for a GWMF trip soon.

I'll start posting info here of what I've gathered.

1st, here is a great Forest Service map with all the fire roads, etc that you can drive on. It does not particularly single out "Off Roading" sites, but they are on the map.
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

The 2 sites I drove on were Peters Mill and Taskers Gap near Luray.

Lee Ranger District - Recreational Activities - Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

There is a map here. Keep in mind that there are a lot of ATV trails and its hard to tell what ratings apply to what trails.

Taskers was easy, just rocky.

Peters Mill seems more of a challenge , maybe a 2 of 5.

The other site was Dry River near Harrisonburg.
I drove up there but did not go on the trails.
I believe Dictum is one of the 2 trails there.

Dry River Ranger District - Off-Road Vehicles

-Dave

DavidAW · 08-29-09, 07:30 PM

Here is a video from a Jeep Club on the Peters Mill trail near Luray.
It is "stock friendly".
YouTube - Peters Mill Run NoVa Jeepers 5-24-09 GWNF HD

For the hardcore, this is video from Dictum Ridge.
YouTube - Toyota Pickup Going Down Dictum Ledge GWNF

The other trail here is 2nd Mountain and is supposed to be easier.
Here is a trail report for 2001.
Second Mountain Trail, George Washington National Forest, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Also found this site with info on GWNF. It decribes Dictum and 2nd Mountain and lists 2 others in the same area
Salt Shed and Meadow Knob
Both of these look to be in the moderate range.
http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/George_...onburg_Area%29

Dirtopia also has a listing for the trails near Luray but not much detail. Basically Easy
George Washington National Forest - Lee Ranger District (Edinburg Area) - Dirtopia, the Off-Road Encyclopedia

So when we going?

4x4CPOSEADOG · 08-30-09, 02:23 PM

Looks like Peter's Mill is easy but Dictum Ledge will scare you a bit. We should really have a trip to go up there and camp over night.

DavidAW · 08-30-09, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4CPOSEADOG

Looks like Peter's Mill is easy but Dictum Ledge will scare you a bit. We should really have a trip to go up there and camp over night.

Yes, I agree.
I think Peters Mill would be a good trail for everyone.
I know we have some Daily Drivers

Plus there is a Campground with 5 miles.

When do you want to go?

-Dave

4x4CPOSEADOG · 08-30-09, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidAW

Yes, I agree.
I think Peters Mill would be a good trail for everyone.
I know we have some Daily Drivers

Plus there is a Campground with 5 miles.

When do you want to go?

-Dave

How about sometime in October so the weather will be a little bit cooler and perfect for camping too? I also check the Dry River bed, looks like fun to drive.

DavidAW · 08-31-09, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4CPOSEADOG

How about sometime in October so the weather will be a little bit cooler and perfect for camping too? I also check the Dry River bed, looks like fun to drive.

Sure, lets set a date and see what happens.

4x4CPOSEADOG · 08-31-09, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidAW

Sure, lets set a date and see what happens.

Is there any long weekend in October? Something like federal holiday, so we can get a longer period to relax. This is going to be a lot of fun, camping and wheeling at the same time. I can't wait.

DavidAW · 08-31-09, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4CPOSEADOG

Is there any long weekend in October? Something like federal holiday, so we can get a longer period to relax. This is going to be a lot of fun, camping and wheeling at the same time. I can't wait.

The 12th is Columbus Day but my work and schools are not closed.
I wouldnt mind burning 1/2 day of vacation on Friday to get up there and setup for a Saturday start.

-Dave

4x4CPOSEADOG · 09-02-09, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidAW

The 12th is Columbus Day but my work and schools are not closed.
I wouldnt mind burning 1/2 day of vacation on Friday to get up there and setup for a Saturday start.

-Dave

Let me talk to my son and

to see if they can go. If the schools are open on Columbus day, then it maybe a little tight on scheds. I'll get back with you.

Munky · 09-03-09, 03:20 PM

i have duty on that friday but not sure how many of yall are members of MATC (Mid Atlantic Toyota Crawlers - Powered by vBulletin) they are planning on doing a run that weekend also

Fall Colors 2009 Oct. 9-11 - Mid Atlantic Toyota Crawlers

DavidAW · 09-03-09, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munky

i have duty on that friday but not sure how many of yall are members of MATC (Mid Atlantic Toyota Crawlers - Powered by vBulletin) they are planning on doing a run that weekend also

Fall Colors 2009 Oct. 9-11 - Mid Atlantic Toyota Crawlers

Thanks for that info. We can hook up with those guys, sounds like they may know the trails.

-Dave

mikedamageinc · 09-13-09, 07:05 PM

So who all is going to this? I'm free that weekend so the wife and I will probably go, and maybe some friends.

DavidAW · 09-13-09, 07:43 PM

Mike,
I would like to go.

I'm going to Uwharrie with the ONSC guys on 9/26-27, so if I'm still in good condition I can go.

Hopefully we can get a couple guys from Hampton Roads to go.

-Dave

mikedamageinc · 09-20-09, 06:14 PM

Doh! It looks like the NHRA finals are going on that weekend at VMP dinwiddie. Why is it different things I want to always end up on the same weekend?

DavidAW · 09-20-09, 06:25 PM

Actually, that weekend might be a little close to the Uwharrie trip anyway.
Just in case I need to adust/fix anything.

But I am definately up for a trip before it gets to cold.

I got a couple Jeep buddies that may want to join in.

-Dave

DavidAW · 09-20-09, 06:27 PM

Of course my Jeep Buddies may convert to Cruisers after Uwharrie.

DavidAW · 09-27-09, 05:55 PM

FYI-
A couple of the guys from ONSC expressed interest in doing a ride in GWNF. We should give them a heads up if we come up with a date.

-Dave

mikedamageinc · 09-27-09, 06:46 PM

How about this weekend!? Me, my wife and the pup and are going up there this weekend for some riding and camping and it would be cool to have a group to tackle the trails. I plan on going either way as long as the weather holds out.

DavidAW · 09-27-09, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedamageinc

How about this weekend!? Me, my wife and the pup and are going up there this weekend for some riding and camping and it would be cool to have a group to tackle the trails. I plan on going either way as long as the weather holds out.

Oooo.. That is very tempting. I'm not sure if I can do two weekends in a row. But maybe I can swing it.

Which part are you going to?

-Dave

mikedamageinc · 09-28-09, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidAW

Oooo.. That is very tempting. I'm not sure if I can do two weekends in a row. But maybe I can swing it.

Which part are you going to?

-Dave

Not sure exactly, the taskers gap or whatever the main area is i guess. I plan to stay at the larger of the camps, even tho its not that big, i forget the name but it has running toilets and showers i think. depending on how far it is, we might just get a site in shenandoah and just drive down to the trails.

DavidAW · 09-28-09, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedamageinc

Not sure exactly, the taskers gap or whatever the main area is i guess. I plan to stay at the larger of the camps, even tho its not that big, i forget the name but it has running toilets and showers i think. depending on how far it is, we might just get a site in shenandoah and just drive down to the trails.

There is a nice campground near the Edinburg Gap trails that seemed nice, I think it was Eliz Furnace but I'll try to look it up. It was on the road up to the trails.

The Taskers trail was really just a long rocky road. There is supposed to be a tower at the end but I didnt make it that far.

The Peters mill (opposite side of the main road) was more fun. Supposed to be pretty easy but I didnt go very far.

BTW this is my 250 post **Yeah**

-Dave

4x4CPOSEADOG · 09-28-09, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidAW

There is a nice campground near the Edinburg Gap trails that seemed nice, I think it was Eliz Furnace but I'll try to look it up. It was on the road up to the trails.

The Taskers trail was really just a long rocky road. There is supposed to be a tower at the end but I didnt make it that far.

The Peters mill (opposite side of the main road) was more fun. Supposed to be pretty easy but I didnt go very far.

BTW this is my 250 post **Yeah**

-Dave

Congrats Dave on your 250+ club posts

Anyway, you look like you had a blast with the ONSC fellas during your trail ride with them eh

The way I see on those trails, sliders and rear locker are a MUST to climb those rocks and to protect the lower panels.

On a side note, have you guys checked or have seen the Shenandoah National Park along the Skyline Drive? Looks great on map though, whaddya think?

DavidAW · 09-28-09, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4CPOSEADOG

Congrats Dave on your 250+ club posts

Anyway, you look like you had a blast with the ONSC fellas during your trail ride with them eh

The way I see on those trails, sliders and rear locker are a MUST to climb those rocks and to protect the lower panels.

On a side note, have you guys checked or have seen the Shenandoah National Park along the Skyline Drive? Looks great on map though, whaddya think?

I've been on Skyline a few times and all the fire roads etc were blocked. But down the valley and into GW you can go everywhere.

The house we rented was 5 miles from Big Meadows on Skyline but the road is blocked because they want you to go thru the gates and pay the $15.

On Uwharrie, you would have been fine on the trails we took. There were a few stock 60s and 80s.
One stock 80 lost a running board but I think they wanted an excuse to remove them.

-Dave

mikedamageinc · 09-28-09, 10:37 PM

I've been going to Skyline drive since I was young, never off road tho, just camping with my family. Its a really nice drive and Big meadows camp is a good site. Its almost time for the changing of the leaves, I think we are heading back up at the end of the month also to see that with some family.

4x4CPOSEADOG · 09-29-09, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedamageinc

I've been going to Skyline drive since I was young, never off road tho, just camping with my family. Its a really nice drive and Big meadows camp is a good site. Its almost time for the changing of the leaves, I think we are heading back up at the end of the month also to see that with some family.

Can you pitch a tent where it is closer to your rig up in Big Meadows or you have to park and walk to your campsite?

mikedamageinc · 09-30-09, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4CPOSEADOG

Can you pitch a tent where it is closer to your rig up in Big Meadows or you have to park and walk to your campsite?

For the most part you park where you pitch, so it's easy to keep an eye on things.

DavidAW · 09-30-09, 05:33 AM

Hey Mike,
I'm not going to be able to go this weekend. Some family stuff has come up.
I do want to get a trip up there this fall so keep me in mind.

Thanks

-Dave

4x4CPOSEADOG · 09-30-09, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedamageinc

For the most part you park where you pitch, so it's easy to keep an eye on things.

That would be a perfect campsite! Would also be great if you have a roof top tent. Do they allow camp fire out there?

mikedamageinc · 10-01-09, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4CPOSEADOG

That would be a perfect campsite! Would also be great if you have a roof top tent. Do they allow camp fire out there?

At the Big Meadows they have grills and fire pits if I remember correctly. I think they allow fires on backwoods camping but I havent been that adventerous!

EDIT: it looks like very little rain so it's on!