Tour of the Harmon Den Wilderness VU2

(Hurricane Creek, Goat Trail, Buzzards Roost)

Friday Dec 6th-Sunday Dec 8th

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the Harmon Den Wilderness, a treasure trove of the Southeast's most beautiful forest service roads and a cherished destination among the Venture Unknown community. This exclusive adventure is tailored for those who seek the thrill of offroading combined with the serene beauty of nature.

As you navigate the twists and turns of Hurricane Creek, also known as FSR233, prepare yourself for a 7-mile journey marked by multiple creek crossings and enveloped in untamed beauty. Your expedition will culminate at Max Patch, a stunning 360-degree mountain bluff rising 4,500 feet above sea level, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.

But the adventure doesn't end there. Traverse the Goat trail, winding through the lush Pisgah National Forest and skirting the majestic borders of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Then, take on Buzzards Roost, a charming route leading to an overlook that promises a breathtaking panorama of the mountain range.

As evening falls, Venture Unknown invites you to a special dinner prepared by Chef Thompson from Falcon Expeditions!  Here, surrounded by the tranquility of the wilderness, you'll gather around the table with fellow explorers, sharing stories and experiences, reminiscing about the day's journey, and forging bonds over a shared love of adventure.

This moderate trip is not just an outing; it's a benchmark for all expeditions, setting a standard for adventure, camaraderie, and the pure joy of discovery. Join Venture Unknown for an unforgettable experience in the Harmon Den Wilderness and see why this journey is revered as the epitome of offroading adventures.

The Dates

Friday Dec 6th-Sunday Dec 8th

Ride Itinerary

Friday Dec 6th: Arrive at rally camp at your leisure. Introductions, settle in around the warm fire, and get ready for a great weekend

Saturday Dec 7th: depart rally camp on Saturday morning after 830am drivers meeting. We will be on trail all day Saturday exploring this beautiful area. You will not be disappointed. .

Saturday night Dec 7th: Arrive at Falcon Expeditions, set up camp, shower, eat dinner, gather around a warm fire to tell stories over cocktails

Sunday Dec 8th: Jump on the Goat Trail, proceed to Buzzards Roost, and complete our route around 2pm Sunday afternoon.

Daily routine

We will wake up around 7am, cook breakfast, drivers meeting at 830am wheels up by 9am everyday. On trail for appx 6-8 hours. The goal is to arrive at camp before dark. Remember things can happen. Always bring your adventurous spirit.

Rally camp

Falcon Expeditions base camp location will be shared months prior to the ride. It is near Hartford Tn for reference.

Difficulty

VU Level 2 (The Overlander)

Possible to be stock friendly, 4x4 with mild mods (mild lift recommended, all terrain tires), 8+hr seat times possible, mild pinstripes may occur

VU2 Rig Requirements

*Mild modded 4x4 friendly, full size rigs and trailers are welcome.

*Mild lift recommended

*All terrain tires required (31s minimum)

*Full size spare required

*Recovery points required

*Recovery gear recommended

*Rig specific tool set

*Fire extinguisher required

*First aid kit required

*Off Grid cooking gear

*GMRS radio required or can be loaned.

*Adventurous spirit a must

Max rig count

10

Camping type

Night 1 camp for this adventure will be dispersed style camping. Meaning there are no bathrooms, running water, or electricity available at camps. 1 of the 2 nights will be spent at Falcon Expeditions base camp. This base camp has a common area for warmth, hot showers, and bathrooms.

What to bring?

Everything to be self-sustained for multiple days in the wild. This should include proper clothing for the season, footwear (water resistant recommended), food, trail snacks, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, rain gear, and most important the right attitude. If you forgot something we will give you the shirt off our back but please plan ahead. Don't be shy, ask questions. We love to help people enjoy this hobby.

Communications

Before the trip

We will be available for any questions you may have. We can be reached by phone, messenger, or email.  Sean will also create a chat for all that are planning to come appx a week before the event.

During the trip

We use GMRS radios during our rides. We highly recommend this type of communications. If you need recommendations on what to buy we will be glad to help. If you aren't able to secure a radio for the ride, we will provide a loaner. We will use GMRS CH17 (462.600)

What's included?

You can expect Sean to use his many years running guided trips to help you adapt to being off-road in remote spots of the wilderness and ensure he has your best interest always at the forefront. We never leave a man behind. So if a mechanical failure happens there will be plans to help recover your rig. You can expect a welcoming community of folks that always welcome you to the fire and who knows maybe Sean will share his famous Mango Margaritas with you. You can expect a VU sticker that captures this adventure so you can look back and remember the fun! Michelle's delicious homemade banana bread will be served on the final morning at our gratitude circle (this is worth the cost) just ask anyone. Educational opportunities during this ride will include driving techniques, gear recommendations, communication and navigation lessons. We also will share a GPX file of our route that includes camps in the area. You also will have access to a trip photo album. Bonus for this adventure is 1 night paid camping for one rig and a dinner prepared by chef Elizabeth included for one driver at Falcon Expeditions Base Camp.

Cost

$175

Note: This includes a chef's dinner for one person and camping for 1 rig at a private camp Saturday night.

Each additional dinner plate (for a passenger) can be bought at any time up to 1 month prior to the ride for an additional $25

Charity

10% of all ticket sales will be pledged to organizations that are working hard to bring communities together and make the world a better place.

Notes

*Arrive at camp topped off with fuel

Auxiliary fuel is not required.

*Please bring a bundle or 2 of firewood for the community fire

*Read over our code of conduct found under the policy of this registration

*By signing up for this adventure you are agreeing to our waiver.

**Check out all our adventures. We can personalize and plan your adventure**

**Due to planning and this registration holding your spot before anyone else, the experience is non refundable**