Potts Mountain Charity Ride 2026

August 26–30, 2026

An Appalachian Overland Experience with Purpose

Join Venture Unknown for five unforgettable days exploring some of Virginia's most iconic mountain trails while supporting the Venture Unknown Foundation and its stewardship mission.

From the sweeping overlooks of Flagpole Knob and Reddish Knob to the legendary obstacles of Potts Mountain Jeep Trail, this adventure combines scenic exploration, technical driving, dispersed camping, and campfire camaraderie into one incredible experience.

This isn't a race. It isn't about conquering obstacles. It's about exploring incredible places with great people while giving back to the public lands that make adventures like this possible.

Wild Camping & Team Adventure

This event is limited to 30 rigs, divided into three teams of ten.

Each team will be led by an experienced Venture Unknown Captain, Mid-Captain, and Tailgunner, ensuring everyone stays safe while allowing each group to enjoy the trails at a comfortable pace.

Whether you're new to overlanding or have years of experience, you'll quickly discover this adventure is about far more than the miles we drive. It's about teamwork, campfire conversations, learning from one another, and building friendships that last long after the trip ends.

Journey Highlights

Just to name a few...

• Blue Ridge Parkway

• Enchanted Creek

• Bald Mountain

• Union Springs

• Flagpole Knob

• Reddish Knob

• Potts Mountain Jeep Trail

• Dispersed Camping

• Creek Crossings

• Appalachian Mountain Overlooks

• Campfires & Camaraderie

Rally Point

The rally location will be emailed after registration.

Please understand this is private property and we ask that participants respect the owner's privacy by not sharing the location publicly.

Event Timeline

🏁 Rally Day

Wednesday • August 26

Travel day.

Arrive at Creekside Camp, set up camp, meet your teammates, complete final vehicle preparations, and enjoy a relaxing evening around the campfire before the adventure begins.

🚙 Trail Day 1

Thursday • August 27

Route

Blue Ridge Parkway → Enchanted Creek → Bald Mountain Jeep Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate VU3

Driver's Meeting: 8:30 AM

We'll begin by winding through sections of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway before dropping onto Big Levels, one of Virginia's classic overland routes. Expect scenic overlooks, forest roads, and enough narrow trail to earn a few Appalachian pinstripes.

Camp: Remote dispersed campsite.

🚙 Trail Day 2

Friday • August 28

Route

Union Springs → Flagpole Knob → Reddish Knob

Trail Rating: Moderate VU3

Today's route showcases some of the finest scenery Virginia has to offer.

We'll travel through the fun and rugged Union Springs Trail, and climb to both Flagpole Knob and Reddish Knob for spectacular panoramic views before making camp beside a beautiful river. YES you can swim and even has a swinging bridge!!

Camp: Riverside dispersed campsite.

🚙 Trail Day 3

Saturday • August 29

Route

Potts Mountain Jeep Trail

Trail Rating: Difficult VU4

Driver's Meeting: 8:30 AM

Today is what many came for.

Potts Mountain Jeep Trail is one of Virginia's most iconic off-road trails, offering everything from rocky climbs and technical obstacles to scenic overlooks and beautiful mountain meadows.

Many obstacles have bypasses, allowing drivers to choose the level of challenge they're comfortable with.

Prefer something easier? No problem. An Alternative Route Captain will lead a scenic route back to base camp.

Or choose to pair up with a teammate. There will be oppurtunity to park your rig. (recommended)

Saturday Night Celebration

🏊 Swimming

🔥 Campfire

🎟️ 50/50 Raffle benefiting Venture Unknown Foundation

☕ Departure Day

Sunday • August 30

Before everyone heads home, we'll gather one final time for Venture Unknown's Gratitude Circle.

We'll reflect on the week, recognize our volunteers and team leaders, celebrate the memories we've made, and send everyone safely on their way home.

Vehicle & Camping Requirements

Minimum Requirements

(Suitable for all trails except Potts Mountain)

• 30" All-Terrain tires

• Full-size spare tire

• Factory skid plates

• Front & rear recovery points

• Recovery Gear

• Fire extinguisher

• First Aid Kit

• Basic tool kit

• Food & Water to last during the journy

• Ability to properly dispose of or bury human waste

Potts Mountain Requirements

Everything listed above, plus:

• 33" All-Terrain tires minimum

• 2" suspension lift minimum

• No full size rigs or trailers on Potts

• Factory skid plates required

• Rock sliders strongly recommended

• Winch recommended

• Steel bumper armor recommended

• Spare steering and suspension components recommended (CVs, tie rods, etc.)

Although our Captains carry extensive recovery equipment and tools, Venture Unknown encourages every participant to strive toward self-reliance.

Team Structure

Three staggered teams of ten rigs will travel independently throughout the event.

Each team consists of:

• Captain

• Mid-Captain

• Tailgunner

Interested in serving as a Mid-Captain or Tailgunner? Let us know during registration.

Maximum Attendance

30 Rigs

3 Teams

(10 per team)

Donation

This is a fundraising event benefiting Venture Unknown Foundation.

100% of every donation goes directly toward future stewardship projects and public land restoration efforts.

We ask for a minimum donation of $50 per vehicle, although additional contributions are greatly appreciated.

Your donation includes:

• Exclusive 2026 Potts Mountain Charity Ride sticker

• An unforgettable five-day overland adventure

Thanks to volunteers and supporters like you, Venture Unknown Foundation has now removed more than 250,000 pounds of illegally dumped trash from public lands throughout the Southeast.

Every mile traveled helps us continue restoring the outdoors.

Communications

Participants will receive confirmation emails after registering along with reminder emails leading up to the event.

Approximately one week before the ride, a Facebook Messenger group will be created for event updates and logistics.

During the event we communicate using GMRS radios.

If you do not own a GMRS radio, one can be loaned to you.

Channel: 17 (462.600)

Notes

• Please come prepared for dispersed camping. Thursday and Friday camps are completely off-grid with no restrooms, electricity, or potable water.

• Creekside Camp (Wednesday and Saturday) may have restroom facilities available, but this is not guaranteed.

• Unable to attend the entire event? You're welcome to join us along the route at one of the designated camps. Please remember you'll still count toward the 30-rig limit, so registration is still required.

• Arrive with a full tank of fuel.

• Fuel stops will be available along the route.

• Auxiliary fuel is not required.

• Please bring one or two bundles of firewood for the community fire.

• Review the Venture Unknown Code of Conduct before attending.

• By registering, participants agree to the Venture Unknown waiver.

• Friendly pets allowed

• Family Friendly

Questions?

Email sean@venture-unknown.com

Explore. Educate. Encourage.