Central Va Trails 4.0

[Krayziekid]

Creek side campground is a private campground that takes reservations on line and you can look at the spot reservations for the dates you want. The FS sites are first come, first served so the earlier you get there the better. Now for flagpole there are pullouts along the route where people have camped but for our group we have always continued on to Peters Mill.

Interesting. Thanks! So where would you say would be the best place to camp? At least something with a nice view. I am planning a trip with some friends, and we are doing a 2 day trip. We are coming from the north (MD) and thinking about starting at Peters Mill, and then working our way down to Flagpole and Switzer Lake and eventually camping the night there. From there, we are thinking of hitting Big Levels to explore, and then heading back home much later in the day. Is there a decent campsite worth pulling off at near Flagpole, or do you recommend we hit Flagpole first and then go to Peters Mill? I've never been, so I am trying to hit the optimal route. Thanks!

 

[kevinpt]

Interesting. Thanks! So where would you say would be the best place to camp? At least something with a nice view. I am planning a trip with some friends, and we are doing a 2 day trip. We are coming from the north (MD) and thinking about starting at Peters Mill, and then working our way down to Flagpole and Switzer Lake and eventually camping the night there. From there, we are thinking of hitting Big Levels to explore, and then heading back home much later in the day. Is there a decent campsite worth pulling off at near Flagpole, or do you recommend we hit Flagpole first and then go to Peters Mill? I've never been, so I am trying to hit the optimal route. Thanks!

there is a nice camp site at the top of flag pole thats in the woods just east of the clear field at the top. there is also a nice camp site near the lake right by the paved water crossing.

 

[fwak1234]

there is a nice camp site at the top of flag pole thats in the woods just east of the clear field at the top. there is also a nice camp site near the lake right by the paved water crossing.

How deep is said water crossing?

 

[Krayziekid]

there is a nice camp site at the top of flag pole thats in the woods just east of the clear field at the top. there is also a nice camp site near the lake right by the paved water crossing.

Thanks for the heads up. We will likely just explore and eventually find a spot. We are thinking the top of flagpole will be the spot we want to camp the most. If it isn't marked as off limits or private property, is it basically "okay" to camp anywhere?

 

[kevinpt]

How deep is said water crossing?

you might get your tires wet

Thanks for the heads up. We will likely just explore and eventually find a spot. We are thinking the top of flagpole will be the spot we want to camp the most. If it isn't marked as off limits or private property, is it basically "okay" to camp anywhere?

there are some no trespassing signs. the camp sites at the bottom by the lake and the one at the top and the field are fine as well as far as i know. i dont really know of other spots to camp on the trail. just dont go off the trail and you will be fine

 

[MountainClimber78]

Interesting. Thanks! So where would you say would be the best place to camp? At least something with a nice view. I am planning a trip with some friends, and we are doing a 2 day trip. We are coming from the north (MD) and thinking about starting at Peters Mill, and then working our way down to Flagpole and Switzer Lake and eventually camping the night there. From there, we are thinking of hitting Big Levels to explore, and then heading back home much later in the day. Is there a decent campsite worth pulling off at near Flagpole, or do you recommend we hit Flagpole first and then go to Peters Mill? I've never been, so I am trying to hit the optimal route. Thanks!

If you're coming down from MD I'd hit peters mill first as its north of Flagpole. As far as camping goes there are lots of pull offs on flagpole that would be good.

 

[MountainClimber78]

How many people from VB are heading up on Saturday for this wheeling trip? I'm trying to find out if anyone wants to convoy or if everyone is good just meeting up in H-burg. If everyone is cool with meeting up in H-burg at 10:30 I may go up Friday to sneak in a second night of camping.

 

[MountainClimber78]

Bad News!

Peters Mill is closed for the season. Anyone have any ideas for after flagpole?

 

[GHARP57]

Peters Mill is closed for the season. Anyone have any ideas for after flagpole?

Well thats a bummer, any idea when it will re-open? Maybe camp at the top of Flagpole and then go back down union mills and up Dunkelhollow or go down Dunkelhollow the next day? Big levels is Closed til the 1st

 

[Critt003]

How many people from VB are heading up on Saturday for this wheeling trip? I'm trying to find out if anyone wants to convoy or if everyone is good just meeting up in H-burg. If everyone is cool with meeting up in H-burg at 10:30 I may go up Friday to sneak in a second night of camping.

Which date are you talking about? Im trying to drive up from Chesapeake area for the 30th but we will see the wife might have other plans

 

[Krayziekid]

Peters Mill is closed for the season. Anyone have any ideas for after flagpole?

Well crap! That ruins the first part of my trip!

Guess we will skip Peters Mill and just go straight to exploring around the flagpole area before actually going up flagpole and setting up camp.

Is it confirmed that Big Levels is open after the 1st? We are heading up the 15th, but I don't want to drive there and find out it's closed!

 

[srs034runner]

Sorry if this is mentioned couldn't find it, if it was... What is the date, and location of this event? Lol

 

[GHARP57]

Sorry if this is mentioned couldn't find it, if it was... What is the date, and location of this event? Lol

its all good, this weekend at flagpole then April 9th and April 30th.

 

[GHARP57]

Well crap! That ruins the first part of my trip!

Guess we will skip Peters Mill and just go straight to exploring around the flagpole area before actually going up flagpole and setting up camp.

Is it confirmed that Big Levels is open after the 1st? We are heading up the 15th, but I don't want to drive there and find out it's closed!

Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District call them like i did

 

[srs034runner]

I have to work this weekend but I will make it on one of the others in April!

its all good, this weekend at flagpole then April 9th and April 30th.

 

[Hertz4R]

I'm in for my first trip on April 30th. I would be coming from the Fredericksburg VA area.

 

[Krayziekid]

Sorry for all of the questions, but I really want to make my first trip through GWNF a good one lol. So we are planning on heading to Flagpole Knob and Switzer Lake to do some exploring and camping, and then we will head to Big Levels the next day to do the same thing, but mostly explore and off-road.

My question revolves around permits. Do I need any OHV permits or anything like that to enter and/or camp in the forest? And what about fishing? I have been hearing mixed things about fishing at Switzer Lake. It says fishing can be done, but I cannot seem to find if I need a fishing permit or not. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

 

[sovat4r]

Sorry for all of the questions, but I really want to make my first trip through GWNF a good one lol. So we are planning on heading to Flagpole Knob and Switzer Lake to do some exploring and camping, and then we will head to Big Levels the next day to do the same thing, but mostly explore and off-road.

My question revolves around permits. Do I need any OHV permits or anything like that to enter and/or camp in the forest? And what about fishing? I have been hearing mixed things about fishing at Switzer Lake. It says fishing can be done, but I cannot seem to find if I need a fishing permit or not. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

No OHV permits required for the GWNF trails (Flagpole, etc.) or Big Levels (which is currently closed I believe). Peters Mill / Taskers Gap requires a permit that you buy at the local store in town.

Switzer Lake is a watershed for the City of Harrisonburg but patrolled by GWNF rangers. I cant recall specifically, but I think I remember a separate permit being required in addition to the standard VA license.

 

[svana]

Interested in going this weekend, but I probably wouldn't be able to get to Hburg 2pm. I'm coming from Sterling. If you're planning on running a couple trails, I might be able to meet up half way through the day. [MENTION=79154]MountainClimber78[/MENTION] Do you have a schedule for the day?

 

[jfry008]

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