Table of Contents

My first overland trip was a wild one that combined off-road adventure with camping under the stars. With the help of the onX Offroad app I was able to go on a unforgettable overlanding adventure in George Washington National Forest, rough terrain, water crossings and many campsites. In this post I’ll walk you through the highlights of my trip using the data from my trip documentation on onxmaps.com.

Key Takeaways

Varied Terrain: The forest offers diverse landscapes, from dense woods to open meadows, challenging overlanding enthusiasts.
Weather Preparedness: Be ready for sudden weather changes and carry appropriate gear.
Camping Spots: Numerous designated campsites are available, each with unique features.
Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer and black bears.
Trail Difficulty: Some trails can be challenging, requiring good navigation skills and vehicle readiness.

My Overlanding Setup

I used my 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara Edition with 35" Terra Grappler G2 tires for my overlanding trip. I had just installed the Red Rock Full Width front bumper but my winch hadn’t arrived yet. I was a little nervous about heading into the backcountry without my winch but the trails I was planning on were 1-3 difficulty so I decided to chance it. I made sure to turn back if I came across anything uncertain. I was also excited to try out my new iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 rooftop tent on the Exposed Racks 3-rack no-drill system.

The Plan

I had originally planned to go on a different trail. But when I arrived at the trailhead I found a closed gate. Since I was solo I pulled out the map I had downloaded from onxmaps.com and started searching for an alternative route. I didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew.

Luckily I found a nearby trail called Flagpole Knob that had a similar difficulty and rating and was only a few miles away. I headed back to Virginia’s Route 33 and went west to the trailhead. Flagpole Knob didn’t have a gate like the other trail. I left the pavement behind and started my journey on the dirt road.

Skidmore Fork Lake

I started my off-road adventure on a gravel and dirt road that led to the beautiful Skidmore Fork Lake. The lake is 55 acres and is formed by Switzer Dam and is located in the 1.8 million acre George Washington National Forest. The first few miles of the trail were easy with not much obstacles. I was going slow 10-20 mph and it was easy in most areas.

Water Crossings

The trail, also known as Skidmore Fork Rd, followed along the Skidmore Fork Stream. As I turned a corner I saw what was ahead – water crossings. I had never done water crossings on an overlanding trip before so I was unsure what to expect. I stopped and evaluated the difficulty level. The water was flowing gently and the tracks across the river were rocky and about 8-10 inches deep. I assessed the situation and decided I could make it across without any issues.

A few more vehicles came up behind me so I pulled over and watched how they handled the crossings. After they made it through I dipped my front tires in the water and started the crossing. The water was about 30-40 feet wide and the climb on the other side was 15 feet. It was a blast. A few miles later I encountered two more water crossings. They were smaller but just as fun and all within a few miles of each other.

Campsites

As a backcountry camper I know how unpredictable finding campsites can be on a trail. But I was pleasantly surprised by the number of campsites that seemed to be everywhere. Many of them had established fire rings and rock chairs so camping would be easy. Finding a campsite wouldn’t be a problem. The question was could I find one with a view or on a stream.

Flagpole Knob

The trail from Skidmore Fork Lake to Flagpole Knob was a gradual elevation gain. I started at 2200 feet ASL and ended at 4380 feet ASL.

As I continued on the trail I hit more rocks that required slower speeds. Some mud holes and tight turns required me to stop and evaluate but none were a challenge. Any stock Jeep could handle these minor obstacles. I was more excited than nervous as this was my first real overlanding trip.

The Views

Flagpole Knob is one of the highest points in the area and I had an elevated view. After Flagpole Knob I continued west on the trail and hit North River Loop, Briery Branch Overlook and Stoney Run Overlook. These were beautiful views and captured the park’s scenery and surroundings.

Heiliger Kanzel Overlook Camping

At the bend in the road called Heiliger Kanzel Overlook I decided to call it a night after 7 hours on the trail. About 3 hours till sunset I got out of the Jeep to take in the view and explore the area.

This was a peninsula on top of a mountain with a campsite. I had planned to check out another camp further down the trail called Shenandoah Mountain Campsite but I quickly realized I would be better off here at Heiliger Kanzel Overlook.

I parked the Jeep next to the fire ring and adjusted so I was slightly higher on the driver side than the passenger side so my head would be above my feet when I slept. I unpacked my iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 rooftop tent. I started a fire, cooked a meal and enjoyed the evening. The night ended with a beautiful sunset, a cigar and a beer. Perfect end to day one.

Camping at Heiliger Kanzel Overlook

At a bend in the road called Heiliger Kanzel Overlook, I decided to call it a night after approximately seven hours on the trail. About three hours until sunset, I stepped out of the Jeep to appreciate the view and explore the area.

This location resembled a peninsula atop a mountain, offering a campsite with a unique setting. I initially planned to check out another camp further down the trail, known as Shenandoah Mountain Campsite, I quickly realized that my time would be better spent at the area hot at Heiliger Kanzel Overlook.

After positioning my Jeep close to the fire ring and adjusting to ensure a slight elevation difference between the driver and passenger sides, guaranteeing my head would be higher than my feet during sleep, I unpacked my iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 rooftop tent. I started a fire, prepared a meal, and enjoyed the evening. The night concluded with a beautiful sunset, a cigar, and a beer, providing the perfect end to a fantastic first day.

Day 2

I slept okay in the iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 rooftop tent despite the wind on the mountaintop peninsula. I started the morning with coffee and hit the trail again. Day two was pretty easy, just a gradual descent with fewer rocks. There were hardly any campsites along this section of the trail. I would follow the trail until I hit an asphalt road which would take me back home.

I stopped to get some drone footage with my DJI Mavic Air 2 and then continued out of the forest. The morning light was beautiful and highlighted the surroundings. The road transitioned from dirt to gravel and I was done with the overlanding part of the trip. All that was left was a 5 hour drive home.

Final Thought

I’d say this trip exceeded my expectations and I didn’t even stick to my plan. The obstacles were perfect for a beginner like me, a mix of exciting, fun and enjoyable. It was a Thursday and Friday and there were hardly anyone and other rigs. This couldn’t have gone better. I’m glad I found an alternative trail when my original plan failed. I’ll be back out there again soon. Happy wheeling!

FAQ

1. What are the best times of year to go overlanding in George Washington National Forest?

Spring and fall are ideal due to mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot, and winter may bring snow, requiring special equipment.

2. Are permits required for overlanding in the forest?

Permits are not typically required for overlanding, but it’s advisable to check with the local ranger district for any specific regulations or changes.

3. What kind of vehicle is suitable for overlanding in George Washington National Forest?

A 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended due to the rugged terrain and potential for challenging conditions.

4. Are there designated camping areas in the forest?

Yes, there are numerous designated campsites with varying amenities. Some areas allow dispersed camping as well.

5. What should I do if I encounter wildlife, such as black bears, during my trip?

Maintain a safe distance, do not feed wildlife, and store food securely to avoid attracting animals to your campsite. Use bear-resistant containers if necessary.

Unforgettable Overlanding Adventure in George Washington