Sarge502
Well-Known Member
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- #1
So, I've been researching Bearwallow as I often do any where I plan to wheel. Mainly just to get an idea of what to expect considering my rig isn't fully equipped as it could be (slow process). I'm from KY and I've hit all the badge locations within a 4-hour radius of me (Redbird SRA in IN, Turkey Bay KY, and Windrock TN). I do what I can and what my rig is capable of and have had a lot of fun.
Bearwallow is like 4.5 hours from me. So the drive is reasonable. But after researching reviews and videos, I honestly don't know if it's even worth it. To be honest I'd probably only be going to check off another semi-local badge. I mean I have heard that it's very scenic which I can imagine considering I've been through WV a few times. I've also heard that it's one of the most well-maintained trail systems there is. But that even brings me to my next point...the cost.
Now I'm not cheap by any means, but I think $50 per person is a bit ridiculous. Well-maintained or not. For that price I'd hope it would be maintained. Hell, they should include a tour guide for that. lol. In all seriousness, Windrock Park which is the largest off-road park in the nation and extremely scenic, isn't that price for a full Jeep let alone per person. And that's considering the additional cost to download Windrock's interactive trail map (which is very helpful might I add). Still doesn't equal the cost of one person at Bearwallow. Just seems kind of ridiculous especially when even after a bunch of research I haven't seen anything significant scream at me as a must-see/must do there. I've even seen comments online about how it's scenic but how it's one of those places you aren't dying to make a trip back to.
Second thing which has had me hesitant, is the "helmet rule". I get safety. I'm in public safety for a living. But again, just seems a bit ridiculous to be in an enclosed Jeep with a helmet. Could understand on ATVs. Once again, I'll reference Windrock. From what I've seen in person and through research, "overall" you're way more likely to flip at Windrock than Bearwallow. Yet no helmet rule there. I'm not saying that Bearwallow doesn't have sketchy stuff. I do understand they have some double black rated difficulty trails etc (none of which I would be on anyways). But to my understanding those aren't the majority of the trail system. And almost every video online I've seen looks like a simple scenic drive through the forest. Yet they make it seem like you're wheeling out in Colorado/Utah somewhere. Seen quite a few people actually flip at Redbird SRA which is probably the muddiest/difficult place I've ever been. Yet no helmets.
So overall, my point in this is not to "bash" Bearwallow. I've never been. I'm just throwing out why I've personally put it off this long and would maybe like some insight from those who frequent there or locals on if it would be even worth it for me to go. If I do, it'll just be a day trip. I wouldn't stay over-night.
Bearwallow is like 4.5 hours from me. So the drive is reasonable. But after researching reviews and videos, I honestly don't know if it's even worth it. To be honest I'd probably only be going to check off another semi-local badge. I mean I have heard that it's very scenic which I can imagine considering I've been through WV a few times. I've also heard that it's one of the most well-maintained trail systems there is. But that even brings me to my next point...the cost.
Now I'm not cheap by any means, but I think $50 per person is a bit ridiculous. Well-maintained or not. For that price I'd hope it would be maintained. Hell, they should include a tour guide for that. lol. In all seriousness, Windrock Park which is the largest off-road park in the nation and extremely scenic, isn't that price for a full Jeep let alone per person. And that's considering the additional cost to download Windrock's interactive trail map (which is very helpful might I add). Still doesn't equal the cost of one person at Bearwallow. Just seems kind of ridiculous especially when even after a bunch of research I haven't seen anything significant scream at me as a must-see/must do there. I've even seen comments online about how it's scenic but how it's one of those places you aren't dying to make a trip back to.
Second thing which has had me hesitant, is the "helmet rule". I get safety. I'm in public safety for a living. But again, just seems a bit ridiculous to be in an enclosed Jeep with a helmet. Could understand on ATVs. Once again, I'll reference Windrock. From what I've seen in person and through research, "overall" you're way more likely to flip at Windrock than Bearwallow. Yet no helmet rule there. I'm not saying that Bearwallow doesn't have sketchy stuff. I do understand they have some double black rated difficulty trails etc (none of which I would be on anyways). But to my understanding those aren't the majority of the trail system. And almost every video online I've seen looks like a simple scenic drive through the forest. Yet they make it seem like you're wheeling out in Colorado/Utah somewhere. Seen quite a few people actually flip at Redbird SRA which is probably the muddiest/difficult place I've ever been. Yet no helmets.
So overall, my point in this is not to "bash" Bearwallow. I've never been. I'm just throwing out why I've personally put it off this long and would maybe like some insight from those who frequent there or locals on if it would be even worth it for me to go. If I do, it'll just be a day trip. I wouldn't stay over-night.
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