OK, so I've received numerous PMs regarding Darnell Creek, NC. See my original thread here:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...Creek-pictures

I spoke with my wife and we are willing to host a Carolina's JK get together the weekend of June 5 & 6. Although the main trail itself is very tame and can probably be done in under 2 hours, there are plenty of more challenging side trails, mud pits, etc. and lots of other attractions in the area including lazy river tubing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or just drinking SODAS around our fire pit (no alcohol please - we have a 3-year old and we'd like to make this a family event). Our cabin is just 2 miles up the road from Darnell Creek and 15 minutes from the New River canoe rentals. There are plenty of motels and lodges in the area as well. I'll post them up here when we get more interest in this meet and greet.

Here's our plan:

Saturday, June 5:

Meet and greet at our cabin on Saturday, June 5 around noon for lunch. We'll provide hot dogs, burgers, chips and sodas. Leave the cabin around 2-3pm and head for the trails. Stay at Darnell Creek until sunset and then disperse to your own lodging.

Sunday, June 6:

Meet at Zaloo's canoes at 11am for a 5-mile trip down the New River on canoe or kayak or a 3-mile lazy river tube ride.

Go home.

Please RSVP on this thread to see if there is any interest and so we can organize, but food, etc. Post any questions here as well, so that others may benefit from responses.

Thanks guys,

Alex

 

Hey Alex!

I think this sounds like a great idea for sure. You can tentatively count me in, I can give you a for sure answer by Tuesday more than likely.

Let's try to get as many carolinas guys as we can!

 

Alex,

Unless work takes me out of town/state, I plan to be there with my wife, Jane, and my boy, Alex. He is five and absolutely loves Mud and Creeks. I will also let my friend over in West Jefferson with the restored 74 CJ know about the gathering and see if he will come over. May have a few others near me also come. I will definitely let you know a head count by the first of June. Depending on the number of rigs, I will show you a few other places over off old 16/Roten Creek area. Thanks for what you are doing and just let me know what I can bring. Thanks, Kent

 

This is going to be great. My wife and I are excited to be doing this. I'm going to PM this thread to a few folks in the Raleigh area to see if they can come too.

For those not familiar with the area, our cabin is located off the Parkway around mile post 254 on the Sheets Gap Overlook.

From Raleigh, take I-40W to 421N to 16N to the Parkway. It's a little under 3 hrs.

From Charlotte, take I-77N to 421N to 16N to the Parkway. It's a little over 1.5 hrs.

From Boone, take 421S to 16N to the Parkway. It's a little over 30 min.

From Asheville, take I-40E to 18N to 421N to 16N to the Parkway. It's a little under 2.5 hrs.

You can also take the Parkway from anywhere, but it takes a little longer since the speed limit is 45 and there are lots of folks riding the Parkway (joggers, cyclists, motorbikes, etc).

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

I was trying to map out the route from my place in charlotte on google maps......what is the closest road off the parkway thats near your cabin? I know I could figure it out but I am bored and like having exact maps hah

 

bumping it up

 

There are 2 roads that will get you to Sheets Gap Road from The Parkway:

Roe Hunt Rd - it's about 2 miles before you reach Sheets Gap Overlook on the Parkway. It becomes Sheets Gap Rd after about 1/4 mile.

Buckwheat Branch Rd- it's at the Sheets Gap Overlook. Go about 1/8 mile to a stop sign and make a left on Sheets Gap Rd.

 

Awesome man looks like about 1 hour 45 from my door to yours.......I am about 95% sure I am a go on this (will be bringing my girlfriend and two family friendly friends hah)

How many people do you have for sure that are coming?

 

The only confirmed folks are you and your friends. I've PM'd a bunch of folks that live in the area, but haven't heard back. I'm hoping they'll get the PM soon. Otherwise, it'll just be us. There's always some folks out there wheeling - usually 4-wheelers, but an occassional Jeep or two. Kent (kcs) responded below, but hasn't confirmed. Either way, we'll still have a blast.

 

Sounds awsome, however i have a wedding for one of my best friends that weekend. I sure hope this works out well enough you do it again. thanks for opening your cabin up to fellow jeepers