GHARP57
New member
It was good. Couple technical spots. I might say flagpole is harder to run. Big levels is a tighter path
Central Va Trails 4.0
- Thread starter GHARP57
- Start date
It was good. Couple technical spots. I might say flagpole is harder to run. Big levels is a tighter path
Krayziekid
New member
Heading up to GWNF tomorrow with my buddies. Not sure if anyone will be out on the trails, but we will be doing lots of exploring, so if you see a black 03, stop and say hi!
spencenasty
New member
Just a heads up, there will be a xterra group up around there about 30 vehicles deep. It could be a mess if you are trying to hit the trails if you get stuck behind them.
Krayziekid
New member
Trip Report
So I figured I would give a trip report for everyone. First of all, we had an absolute blast on the trails and holy hell were there some beautiful views. I cannot wait to try and get back to that place and do some more exploring.
Due to trail closures, our route and plan altered immensely. Initially we were going to head up 2nd Mountain Trail, but that was closed off. Then we tried Dictum Ridge. Closed off.Then we followed Long Range Run (I think that's the name) and that was an absolutely beautiful trail that winds up the mountain. We were going to do a big loop around and eventually come out by Skidmore Reservoir, but the trail we followed was closed near the end (basically a mile from the main road) and we had to backtrack a lot. Found a nice campsite when we approached Dictum Ridge from inside the forest and ended up setting camp there. Someone had already collected firewood and made a pit, and it turned out to be an awesome night.
The next day we hit up Skidmore and other areas and did some more cooking, camping, and exploring. Overall, super fun, but if you are heading to the northern part (north of Route 33) of the forest, be careful of closures. I didn't get to explore around Flagpole as much as I wanted, so I'm not sure about closures around there. Also, if you are exploring that northern section, there is a massive mudpit to play in, but holy hell it is deeper than it looks. We were a solo vehicle and almost got stuck a bit, but the ol 4Runner kept us going :jump:
And Spence, funny enough, we didn't see a single Xterra out there. One old Bronco, and then a pair of dudes on dirt bikes.
So I figured I would give a trip report for everyone. First of all, we had an absolute blast on the trails and holy hell were there some beautiful views. I cannot wait to try and get back to that place and do some more exploring.
Due to trail closures, our route and plan altered immensely. Initially we were going to head up 2nd Mountain Trail, but that was closed off. Then we tried Dictum Ridge. Closed off.Then we followed Long Range Run (I think that's the name) and that was an absolutely beautiful trail that winds up the mountain. We were going to do a big loop around and eventually come out by Skidmore Reservoir, but the trail we followed was closed near the end (basically a mile from the main road) and we had to backtrack a lot. Found a nice campsite when we approached Dictum Ridge from inside the forest and ended up setting camp there. Someone had already collected firewood and made a pit, and it turned out to be an awesome night.
The next day we hit up Skidmore and other areas and did some more cooking, camping, and exploring. Overall, super fun, but if you are heading to the northern part (north of Route 33) of the forest, be careful of closures. I didn't get to explore around Flagpole as much as I wanted, so I'm not sure about closures around there. Also, if you are exploring that northern section, there is a massive mudpit to play in, but holy hell it is deeper than it looks. We were a solo vehicle and almost got stuck a bit, but the ol 4Runner kept us going :jump:
And Spence, funny enough, we didn't see a single Xterra out there. One old Bronco, and then a pair of dudes on dirt bikes.
kevinpt
Senior Member
orangepanzer
New member
Hey guys, sorry if this isn't the right thread for this but I couldn't help myself because I live in Fredericksburg. I just purchased a '16 4runner, and I want to get out and have a little fun before I start modding over the next 6 months to a year.
What trails can I run in central Virginia with a stock '16 4runner on some KO2's? I don't need anything serious, I just wanna go out and get a little taste.
I've been searching around and really have two major thoughts:
1) That google maps of Virginia legal OHV trails.....
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zhJ-7jJxr2M4.kiphaovesbL8&hl=en_US
Are these really all legal trails? They looks like public roads, and some fire roads and it sounds like this is what I should hit up.
2) I've seen youtube videos of the two that you need get permits for, Taskers Gap and Peters Mill. The youtube videos look extremely intimidating and that I wouldn't be able to get through anything with a stock 4runner.
Like I said, I'm just getting started and want to go out and have a little fun. Any suggestions are welcome.
Unfortunately I am headed to Colorado for work on the 30th so I can't join in that fun...... Too bad I can't take the 4runner with me!
Thanks in advance!
What trails can I run in central Virginia with a stock '16 4runner on some KO2's? I don't need anything serious, I just wanna go out and get a little taste.
I've been searching around and really have two major thoughts:
1) That google maps of Virginia legal OHV trails.....
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zhJ-7jJxr2M4.kiphaovesbL8&hl=en_US
Are these really all legal trails? They looks like public roads, and some fire roads and it sounds like this is what I should hit up.
2) I've seen youtube videos of the two that you need get permits for, Taskers Gap and Peters Mill. The youtube videos look extremely intimidating and that I wouldn't be able to get through anything with a stock 4runner.
Like I said, I'm just getting started and want to go out and have a little fun. Any suggestions are welcome.
Unfortunately I am headed to Colorado for work on the 30th so I can't join in that fun...... Too bad I can't take the 4runner with me!
Thanks in advance!
Last edited:
kevinpt
Senior Member
flagpole would be a great start as its just a fire road. if you look at the photo i posted above the trail to the north is simple for stock, i took it in the snow on highway tires before my lift and did fine. mud puddles are the only thing to watch for and maybe some low water crossings
orangepanzer
New member
Hey man, thanks for the info on Flagpole....
This forum won't let me post my own thread still cause I'm so new but wanted to ask you Central VA folk one more question. I've done extensive research on lifts/suspension/tires. I have narrowed it down to two different possible setups. My question is > For these Virginia trails, is one setup going to be any better than the other? Or will I be relegated to the same trails with both setups?
#1 BFG KO2 265/70/17 with Bilstein 5100s 1.75 front and 1" cornfed spacer on back.
#2 BFG KO2 275/70/17 with Bilstein 5100s 2.25 front and 1.5" daystar spacer on back.
I don't need direction or suggestion on what I picked. I know this isn't the forum for that, and that my two options are extremely similar. I just want to know if #2 can get me on trails that #1 can't.
If the answer is no, then I will go with setup #1 and keep my setup closer to stock.
Much appreciated!
kevinpt
Senior Member
there are spots on the trails up there where more lift will allow for more options on how you take a line on the trail
GHARP57
New member
I have run PMR stock in my 99 so the 16 stock would be no problem, theres a big difference on what lines you take that change the experience, I still to this day do not have a lift on my 4runner and I have no issues running Flagpole or PMR. Big Levels is the other trail and we did that 2 weeks ago i am still stock in my runner and I ran it fine. Try and come out with us in the near future! I usually pop these threads up every month or every other month to get a group together! Look forward to seeing you on the trails Panzer!!
:roadkill:
GHARP57
New member
I live close enough to do both Flagpole and Big Levels, each day and spend the night at home. I know twitchstyle says he wants to camp really bad, He may ride the storm out I know a couple people the last trip camped in their trucks over night at flagpole. I usually offer my house up for a couple people if needed that come from the beach and they cant camp.
So I will definitely offer my rooms up to anyone who wants to crash with us I live about an hour from each trail (Flagpole and Big Levels) Twitchstyle did it last time. I have a 3 bedroom house with a queen in one room and a full in another, then I have a 9 seater couch that can sleep 2 plus floor space for a couple air mattresses. Let me know so I can get you added to my list for the weekend (I live in a gated community)
So I will definitely offer my rooms up to anyone who wants to crash with us I live about an hour from each trail (Flagpole and Big Levels) Twitchstyle did it last time. I have a 3 bedroom house with a queen in one room and a full in another, then I have a 9 seater couch that can sleep 2 plus floor space for a couple air mattresses. Let me know so I can get you added to my list for the weekend (I live in a gated community)
jpless
New member
you guys make it tough! I'm currently heading to Rauch this weekend for the FJNE annual run but I always hate missing out on a good GWNF trip! The weather probably seals the deal for me, as I already have a room near Rauch. Just need to get my transmission skid on but I don't think I'll have enough time to change out my end links, since they havent arrived yet. One more trip abusing the stock links!
GU4runner
New member
Thanks for the offer GHARP57, I just might take you up on it. I won't be able to confirm till at least Wed though. So we planning on hitting Flagpole and then Big Levels? I haven't done anything out there but Peter Mills. Have a few other guys from work that might tag along, but I'm trying to figure out what time we might start on the 30th and where we are meeting up. I'm stocked. Finishing up my CB install hopefully either today or tomorrow.
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