There are a small handful of events I would bend over backwards to attend. At the top of that list, tied for first place with the Virginia Rooftop Tent Rally, is Adventure X Fest. For the sixth year in a row I managed to make it down for the event and, as usual, it did not disappoint. In the last article I chronicled the pre-AXFest Tread Lightly! project at Spruce Knob Lake. This article picks up where that one leaves off.
- 2023 Pre-AXFest Tread Lightly! project report
- 2024 Pre-AXFest Tread Lightly! project report and AXFest summary
- 2025 Pre-AXFest Tread Lightly! project report
Friday morning I woke up a bit under the weather. I can give you three guesses as to why. If you guess too much food, too much whiskey, and not enough sleep you went 3-for-3. While the potluck was an amazing spread of delicious food my mid-life stomach wasn’t up to the task. Trying a bit of that and a bit more of the other thing mixed in with that other stuff left my tastebuds happy but my gut wrenching.
However, a sign just saying “Restaurant” seems a bit minimalistic, even for me.
Still, was a great place to stop for lunch on the way down.
Alleghany Restaurant – Harman, WV
Ever since the first AXFest I have done my best to help support Jason and his team from Mountain State Overland. In the early years, when it was in Covington, VA, I contributed by representing Blue Ridge Overland Gear and teaching some classes. Ever since the event has moved to the backside of Spruce Knob in West Virginia to the Experience Learning outdoor education facility my focus has shifted to more of a concierge. Being partnered with Purple Lizard Maps, and having been recreating in West Virginia for over 30 years, I was able to not only provide physical resources — such as the Seneca Rocks and Elkins Purple Lizard Maps — but also my own knowledge of various things to see and do in the area.
If you were to ask me why you should go to AXFest I’d give you three reasons. First, is the epic location. I don’t think there is a more authentic place to have an outdoor adventure travel themed event than Monongahela National Forest. Second, the community. There are no vendors at AXFest. No classes. Just good people coming together. It’s not so much a collection of people but a family. For those that have attended since the beginning AXFest it is a bit of a homecoming. It’s also a place where friendships are forged and families can be seen growing up before your eyes. Third, and certainly not last or least on this list, is the food. Oh — my — god, the food (pictured below). There are not many events that have the caliber of onsite catering that AXFest has. For the last few years Mountain Table has provided some of the best food and coffee one can buy. And the best part, it’s all locally sourced farm-to-table food and cooked in an authentic manner. New this year was a buffet style service which, in my opinion, was one of the best changes. It really sped up the process. My only regret was neglecting to purchase the meal plan ahead of time (*makes note to not forget that next year*).
One of the highlights of this year’s AXFest, which I alluded to earlier, was the sheer volume of kids at the event. Jason and his team did a great job providing a fair number of games and activities for the kids. I think this reenforces the idea that AXFest isn’t just an “event” but it’s a “community.” It’s a theme that Jason has stressed about the event from year one and it’s also something he stresses on all the trips he guides. You’re not just a “customer” or an “attendee.” You’re part of the greater Mountain State Overland family.
A rowdy game of “Cards Against Overlanding” – a prototype game from Radio Chatter
It shows in every direction you look. It’s a small event. If you wanted to talk to each and every person that attended you could. Sure there are small pockets of groups here and there, but not a single one is exclusive or exclusionary. You can load up a few “road sodas” and go for a walk around the camping area and hop from fire to fire ebbing and flowing in and out of conversations. If you run out of “road sodas” people are quick to offer up their local favorite. You can also sit tight and let the people come to you. In our camp area we had no less than nine people huddled in my Gazelle Gazebo sharing revelries late into the night.
Must be 21 or older to enter
BYO-Chair
Looking back I can say this about AXFest, it’s like recharging your soul. There are other events out there that, while popular, are soulless. They bring together huge amounts of people but you can tell the vibe isn’t the same. You can tell the event isn’t about the people but it’s about the “stuff.” I think that’s why I enjoy an event like AXFest that doesn’t have a vendor area. It’s not a commercial event. It’s not about “stuff.” It’s not about selling your something. It’s about being in nature, experiencing it with your friends, and getting your soul back in order.
Proceeds from both raffles went to the event host, Experience Learning, to the tune of $500
Another fundraiser – the infamous “Toilet Toss” game – raised $250 for Leave No Trace.
The only shame in AXFest is that it happens once a year. It will be another 12 months before we all ascend the backside of Spruce Knob in September of 2026. 12 months till we gather around the bonfire, share stories of adventure — and misadventure. 12 months till we can commune around plates from Mountain Table and fill our bellies with vitals from the local ground. It may take 12 months, but it will be worth the wait. In the meantime there’s something special about crossing paths with another attendee of AXFest. Whether at another event, or just in passing on the trail, there’s a shared bond that lingers. So, until September 2026, safe travels to all and see you next year.
The team rolled out and headed to Canaan Valley, sadly without me
I headed north back to PA with plans to start a new job Monday morning.
