Maple Festival Car Camping + Outdoor Adventures

OVERVIEW

The Maple Festival in Monterey has been going for over 50 years now, and I’ve driven through Monterey a couple of times and seen the crowd it brings, but had never stopped there. This year, I’d like to see what it is about, and use it as an excuse to get some car camping done.

Rest assured, this trip is not just about the Maple Festival! Mike K. and I are collaborating to make this a fun camping, fishing, and hiking trip. Other outdoorsy activities are dependent on another leader stepping up.

We will be camping at Wallace Tract, an undeveloped (i.e. primitive camping) tract of land just south of Williamsville, VA (45 minutes away from Monterey). Thus, there will be no toilets or showers.

Average temps this time of year are: high of ~50 F, low of ~25 F. Water temps in the low 40s.

Here is a rough plan:
Friday:
> Early car(s) meet Charles at Echols @ 1pm, and head to campground
> Early car(s) fish at nearby river / or frolic @ campground and stargaze
> Late car(s) meet Mike at Echols @ 6pm, and head to campground

Saturday:
> Both cars drive to Monterey; get breakfast at the Maple Festival, and tour around the exhibits
> Late Morning: Hikers travel with Charles to ~6 mile hike?
> Late Morning: Others join Mike K. for his adventure (possibly intermediate kayaking, TBD)
> Both cars back at campground (~7pm) for dinner

Sunday:
> Possible fishing in the morning
> Return home after lunch, so you can prepare for school! or work.

Saturday hiking options (drive time is from Monterey, VA):
(1) Sounding Knob: 4390 ft. in elevation, 6 mile round-trip hike.
>> slight fee, hiking along road, 15 minute drive.
(2) Hike to the falls of Hills Creek, 1.5 miles round-trip
>> 1.5 hour drive to falls; there are 3 falls.

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What you need to bring:
> Annual fishing license ($23 or $46 w/ stocked trout) if you are fishing
>> Buy at: http://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/horf/
> Backpack, water, snacks for hiking
> Layers! Temperatures get pretty chilly at night yet.

What the club provides:
> Tents
> Sleeping bags + pads
> Misc. camping needs
> 3 fly fishing rods, but only 2 waders.
> Rides