2018 Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival in Pennsylvania
Every summer for the past four years, the Henwood brothers of Mainline Overland have been hosting the Mid Atlantic Overland Festival in Central Pennsylvania. If you live on the east coast, are into overlanding and have never heard of the event, then well, you’re missing out on one of the best events of the year. The festival takes place over four days, and has something for everyone. From the seasoned vehicle-based traveler all the way down to the first timer who is just getting their feet wet.
The festival takes place in central Pennsylvania, near State College, in the town of Huntingdon. With a population of approximately 7000, the town is located about 90 miles west of Harrisburg. Its economy is mainly driven by dairy farming, and outdoor recreation. The area also boasts a large Amish population, with their farm stands, furniture stores, and horse drawn carriages dotting the roadways. Close to Huntingdon lies Bald Eagle State Forest. Covering an area of almost 200,000 acres, spanning five counties and encompassing five state parks, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast located within the boundaries of the Forest. The forest was formed as a direct result of the depletion of the forests of PA due to over harvesting in the late 19th century.
The trails found within Bald Eagle State Forest offer wide vistas, steep rocky climbs and winding forest two tracks, all of which are easily traversed in an off road capable stock vehicle. You do not need to have a highly modified rig to go out and explore the Pennsylvania wilds. I do however highly recommend picking up one Purple Lizard’s Bald Eagle State Forest maps though. Purple Lizard has gone to great lengths researching and creating some of the most detailed and highest quality maps I have ever used. If you are even remotely competent with a paper map you will have no issues navigating yourself through beautiful scenery each day.
Attendees of Mid Atlantic Overland Festival can expect round table discussions, and demos on pretty much every topic related to overland adventure travel. From vehicle preparation and maintenance and vehicle recovery to navigation, and visual storytelling with video and photography. One of the most popular demos every year is the advanced vehicle recovery. The staff from Overland Experts show what is possible with some knowledge, patience and a lot of skill during this one. But, the hidden gem of the event is the self-guided tour of the surrounding area. The sweeping glacial valleys, rugged ridge lines, meandering streams and old growth forests make you feel much further removed from civilization than you actually are. Its easy to stop there, and even if not much more went on, it would still be a great event.
With all the classes, demos, self-guided tours, I haven’t even touched on the best parts of the event. The guest speakers. Over the past years, guest speakers of the event have included Ray Hyland who along with his wonderful wife Marianne, their three boys drove from London to Singapore, in a 1954 Land Rover Series 1 and husband and wife duo Loren and Patricia Upton, who have been literally everywhere, including crossing the Darien Gap by vehicle, a Jeep Cj-5. I spent countless hours talking to the two of them, and could have spent many, many more. They are the true definition of an adventurous spirit. During one of the conversations with Loren, being naïve, I asked how many countries he has traveled through. His was response was, “It’s easier for me to tell you how many I haven’t been to.” Well I took the bait and asked. His reply: ”Jordan.” And swallowing hook, line and sinker, I asked, “Where else?”. Again his reply: “Jordan.”
In addition to the guest speakers, there is always a great assortment of vendors on site. Everything from coffee, food, knives, or aftermarket add ons. Most vendors hold meet and greets, happy hours or beer socials each evening. During the day the vendors can be found either doing product demos, leading classes, and even joining up with some of the groups going out on self-guided tours. I highly suggest having at least one meal from Ecovents, they put out some incredible BBQ from their 12ft smoker affectionately known as “LeRoy.” Hands down some of the best BBQ I’ve had in the Northeast.
With all that has been talked about, you might think how can this event get any better? I mean, off roading, camping, a whole slew of skill building classes and seminars, nightly bonfires and raffles, an adventure film festival where attendees submit their own videos? Well, that’s easy. The people! The opportunity to meet other attendees, talk about past trips, experiences. Check out their vehicle/camp set ups, find out what works in the real work and what doesn’t. If you’re new to all of it, you’re able to see a wide variety of vehicle and camp set ups you can begin to formulate a plan for your own build/set up. Even beyond all that, it’s the friends you will make. I have met some really great people from all around the country that I still to this day talk to and see regularly.
Event Details:
The Mid Atlantic Overland Festival will be held August 9-12 2018. Day Passes cost $50, Single $95, Two Person/Family $150. Learn more by visiting www.overlandfestival.com
* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation
