Flagpole Knob/Peters Mill April 11-13

[Zsis]

So I finally have a full weekend off and planned on camping somewhere near Harrisonburg, VA so my son who goes to JMU could come hang out with dad for the weekend. Looking at campgrounds and such I realized we could do some trails. I do mostly sand and beach off road so the ease of these 2 trails has intrigued me. I have a Willys Sport with Rubicon suspension and an extra inch and a half in front and inch in the rear lift. From what I read should be no issue clearance wise. I do have a few questions.

Am I required to have a winch and would I really need it on either of these trails?

Anyone else planning on being there any of those days? Saturday being the most likely day I would be there. If anyone else is going then, I would love to hook up with you so I am not going at it alone and maybe have someone with more experience by my side!

Lastly I see there is campsites along the way that are free. Anyone know if this is still true? If so, how busy are the sites usually? That would take care of where we would stay.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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[Chewbacca]

Q: Am I required to have a winch and would I really need it on either of these trails?
A: No and no

 

[Bowser-II]

Peters Mill is pretty easy.

Flag Pole going up Union Springs is very doable in most 4x4s with enough ground clearance. Only time I have seen people having trouble going up is during or after a lot of rain if they have open diffs.

Choosing a smart line always solves it.

Going down is so easy broncos and subies do it.

 

[3VOLVE]

https://novajeepers.com/ will be out there on 5 April, for their 2025 Spring New to Jeeping Ride , but you can always post your ride on the forum and get someone to roll down to either.

 

[2terpsjeep]

My profile pic is actually from Peter's Mill!

It's not super technical, but a good time was had by all (two JT's and a 4Runner)! My advice would be to go South to North, and to air down a bit if you have the ability to (I keep a compressor under the rear seats). We did it on a day after it rained, and there were lots of muddy puddles to play in, and some good side trails that were worth exploring. Your set up should be more than capable, without every needing a winch.

Don't forget to get one of the $5 permits from a local gas station - which is way cheaper than whatever ticket a DNR agent writes you for not having one!

Also, make sure you log in and get your Badge of Honor! It's a fun way to commemorate the day, and no, they did not pay me to say that!

 

[Zsis]

Thanks for the responses. Plans changed a little now. Wife and daughter in law decided they want to go now and don't want to remote camp and poop in the woods! So now we are staying at some horse ranch, doing Peters Mill only and then going horseback riding the rest of the day. Still he fun and I still get a little off roading. Better than working for 3 days!!

 

[2terpsjeep]

Thanks for the responses. Plans changed a little now. Wife and daughter in law decided they want to go now and don't want to remote camp and poop in the woods! So now we are staying at some horse ranch, doing Peters Mill only and then going horseback riding the rest of the day. Still he fun and I still get a little off roading. Better than working for 3 days!!

"better than working for 3 days" might be the understatement of the year!

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