I just got back from a Solo overnight camp trip to the GW forest. It was off of US33 In Virginia just before you get to the West Virginia border. Dunkle hollow RD is where I camped near the Switzer Lake.
There are so many forest roads in that area that you will run out of daylight before you run out of trails and Forest Roads to explore.
I loaded my KLR650 down with my camping gear (Probably over packed even though I forgot some stuff) and headed out on Saturday afternoon. It took me just a little over 2 hours to get there from Fredericksburg VA. I had just enough time to go look for some firewood and start setting up my tent before it got dark. I should have left way earlier but I was busy working on my bike as well as packing and prep.
The next morning after not much sleep thanks to forgetting my sleeping pad and having a very thin sleeping bag, I packed up and started exploring. I ended up exploring North of US33 and checking out the area where the Public ATV trails are. I followed Forest Road 72 & Long Run RD which is a very nice dirt and rocky road. By nice I mean lots of fun for off-road riding. There were plenty of water breaks and rocks and dirt. I ended up dumping my bike into a mud hole while trying to avoid it. It was an off camber section of road and just after a water break. I was going to slow and it dumped. I had to take off my tail bag and gear in order to tip the bike back up. Not too much damage other than a lot of mud and a loose mirror.
Anyway I did about a 20 Mile loop in the forest and then headed out for my trip back home. I was originally planning on doing two nights but because I had so little sleep the night before I was exhausted and didn't want to do another night. Plus my back hurt from lying on rocks all night.
No Pics as I didn’t remember to bring a camera. Although I took the middle section of Skyline Drive back and got to see a Bear on the side of the road just ignoring everyone as they stopped to take photos.
Things forgot or what I would pack next time:
Sleeping Pad, Pillow, Camera, Book to read at night, Some Motrin and Allergy meds, I would also Subtract some gear as well Each trip is a learning experience.
All said it was about 350 miles worth or so. I want to go again with a better choice of gear. I have off in the middle of next week (Aug 12-15) and would like to go for two nights. It will probably a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday trip.
If anyone wants to join me that would be great.
I will probably post a Ride Trip in that section of the Forum to see if any VA/WV/MD people want to join as well.