Peter's Mills Run - Late December? Early January?

[JoseQ_80]

Fun day today got up to 10 including a JL and two Tacomas that joined us at the Liberty gas station. I was the only JT but I led the ride.

Will probably go again next weekend.

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[JoseQ_80]

 

[JoseQ_80]

 

[JoseQ_80]

Sorry I missed it today, but I have a question for Peter's Mill veterans: Is it better to start on the north end of the trail and go south, or the south end and go north?

If you have never been there I recommend going North to South.

The most challenging part of the trail is on the south end, the last 2 miles. If you start with that the rest is underwhelming.

But most people do it south to north.

 

[JoseQ_80]

Part of our group split off and did trails 474 to 457 which splits off near AW-8 and ties back in with the main trail between markers AW-4 and AW-3.

Much more technical from what I heard.

There were OHV signs on the trees, but the maps show these to be ATV trails, so proceed with caution.

 

[JoseQ_80]

 

[JoseQ_80]

I'm going again Saturday 12/18/21.

We will meet at 9 am at the Woodstock, VA Liberty/7-11 (340 W Reservoir Road).

We will get our day passes/maps there and check in to the BOH app for the trail tag.

Weather looks like 60's and rain.

Basic information and a map are here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73965, yellow trail 433 is Peters Mill. Some maps show it as Powell Mountain Road, same road.

onX trail information: https://webmap.onxmaps.com/offroad/map/query/38.83410,-78.48193,10.78/overview?mode=dirt

If you don't have the Badge of Honor app already, follow the App link here: https://www.jeep.com/badge-of-honor.html

 

[Moose95]

So I have a noob question: I always hear people say that you shouldn't go on a trail alone. Does this mean you should have at least two vehicles, or two people IN the vehicle? For what's it's worth, I am thinking about Peter's Mill Run, not something super technical. Unfortunately, I am booked up this weekend so can't make it when JoseQ is going (but thank you for the links and info, Jose!).

 

[JoseQ_80]

Interesting question.

I think people mean 2 vehicles. In case of an issue you have a way out.

What I have done is joined up with other people on the trail. People that I have never met before. We agree to hit the trail together. If they don't have a radio I let them borrow my spare one.

Similar to the Slug commuting system in Nova.

Depends on your tolerance for risk. But I am off roading a new vehicle with a loan and a warranty so I would say my risk tolerance is not low.

 

[3VOLVE]

So I have a noob question: I always hear people say that you shouldn't go on a trail alone. Does this mean you should have at least two vehicles, or two people IN the vehicle? For what's it's worth, I am thinking about Peter's Mill Run, not something super technical. Unfortunately, I am booked up this weekend so can't make it when JoseQ is going (but thank you for the links and info, Jose!).

Expanding on JoseQ’s comment. I highly recommend always traveling with another vehicle, trail comms (GMRS or CB, handheld or permanent), recovery gear (tow rope at a minimum), and a solid first aid kit.

As an example, this last summer resulted in towing a fellow member off of Peter’s Mill trail because of a small boulder tore a transmission cooling line. He was towed to the north parking lot and taken home by another member.

 

[JoseQ_80]

Expanding on JoseQ’s comment. I highly recommend always traveling with another vehicle, trail comms (GMRS or CB, handheld or permanent), recovery gear (tow rope at a minimum), and a solid first aid kit.

As an example, this last summer resulted in towing a fellow member off of Peter’s Mill trail because of a small boulder tore a transmission cooling line. He was towed to the north parking lot and taken home by another member.

How do you like the JTRD so far?

 

[3VOLVE]

How do you like the JTRD so far?

I’m loving it so far. Getting mid-20s and still breaking it in. She’s undergoing some “surgery“ on Monday and am looking forward to the end of year ride to shake her down.

 

[JoseQ_80]

Another great day on the trail. Did Taskers Gap (3 miles in 3 miles out) then Peters Mill South to North (7 miles).

1 JT and 4 JK's.

 

[JoseQ_80]

 

[Labswine]

LOVE the George Washington National Forest. A number of years ago me and some friends from Woodstock, VA rode our motorcycles through there. ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!!

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