Exploring WNC April 2011

[97TJGUZZY]

Here is steves write up of the trip. I only took a few pictures but we all had a great time.
http://southeastoverland.com/blog/3-trips/58-exploringwncapril14172011.html

I had been hoping to make it out to do some further exploring of western North Carolina for many months and the time had finally come. Myself and Brooks from OffroadSC.com had both spent hours upon hours pouring over Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) to locate areas that might be fun to travel. The idea for this trip was pretty basic. I wanted to explore a few USFS roads and take a few days away from the office. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do, but there comes a point where you have to stop eying your toys and start using your toys! As the time got closer several people contacted us and wanted to follow us. This was a fun trip - even with 6" of rain falling over 12 hours.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

Our basic route started in western NC, we skirted Asheville and camped. We spent just a little more time than I planned on the trail the first day as we had to clear a few trees from the trail. The next day we hit the Blue Ridge Parkway south of town. We took the BRP to Linville Gorge and stayed in Mortimer for two nights.

Friday night the rain hit and 6" fell pretty quickly. A tiny creek that ran adjacent to the campsite flooded a bridge and backed well up the road and almost into camp. Volunteer Fire came by and suggested we leave. After a short chat we assured him we were OK and were actually enjoying the weather. He agreed that we were OK and turned his attention back downstream where 2 RVs had washed downriver with 9 people inside. Luckily everyone was rescued.

This was supposed to be a little creek beside the campsite. 6" of rain did a number on all the creeks and rivers.


Once the rain cleared we headed northeast towards Banner Elk. Part of the group was turned around twice by washed out bridges but we all eventually made it. After lunch in Banner Elk we headed over to Linville Gorge and Linville Falls before making it back to camp.

And also looked around the ghost town of Mortimer.


It was amazing how fast these 4 days went by. I had a blast and enjoyed meeting so many new people! I will be further exploring this area with the final goal to provide maps of legal roads that can be traveled. Remember - it is very important to tread lightly and to also only travel on legal roads. What takes so long scouting is the time it takes before hand pouring over MVUMs to ensure we are only on legal roads.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the pics. There is not much better than new friends hitting FS roads to enjoy a few days off the beaten path!

 

[97TJGUZZY]

here are some of the pics I took

Roxie Ready to Go

Roxie trying to swim the marshmallow toward her

Trying to get to Blowing Rock for lunch....seems the road is no longer there...

This is what I saw from my jeep...

Getting gas after leaving first camp on the way to the Linville Gorge argea.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

Here is the view we had of linville falls at flood stage

My first time in Linville Gorge, wow thats awesome

on the road

 

[jimbo92]

Man it looks like a great trip. I hate I missed it, my motor took a poo on the cruiser. As soon as its back together id like to make it back up there.

 

[Mirage]

Looks like a fun time, wish I had known about the trip. I've been doing the same thing, spending free time looking over maps looking for legal routes to check out, probably not near as much as you guys do.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

If you ever get up that way there are tons of fs roads to check out. I plan to head back up to the Harmon Den area sometime soon.

 

[WeRideNTruX]

awesome looking trip guys. say wld that be a unimog i see in the last pic? if so it looks ALOT like one i see around anderson a good bit

 

[97TJGUZZY]

that is pat harris, he works in the Strom thurmond institute at clemson. He is the Clemson Offroad Club advisor as well. So yes, thats the one you have seen haha.

 

[06TJX]

so were these pretty well maintained roads that just were not used? or were they trails like the ones to Bumpus Campsite? This is the sort of thing I think Lori would love...as long as it wasn't all bouncy and off camber like

 

[Southeast Overland]

They are legal USFS roads that have been maintained recent enough that they are easily passable. Think of 'em as a one lane road. I'll be headed back up that way maybe in July. I've already scouted via a map enough roads to keep us in one area for probably two days. No hard core wheeling and much of the area can be done in 2WD - but you are 'off the beaten path' and 4WD is required in a few places.

 

[06TJX]

Depending on when you go, I think we may come too...Or at least I will....Keep us updated!

 

[Southeast Overland]

Depending on when you go, I think we may come too...Or at least I will....Keep us updated!

Will do!

I just finished putting together a little (8 minute long) video of the trip to Southeast Overland's YouTube channel. Check it out HERE.

 

[KrawlOff-Road.com]

We might tag along as well if you don't mind. My wife and I are from this area and we hit the FS roads all the time! Wish we would have known about this trip! Keep us in the loop...

-Jason

 

[Southeast Overland]

Will do Jason!