Need a trail buddy - Charlotte, NC area

[SCRover]

3 years into Defender ownership and my off-road experience with it has been limited to some beach driving on the Outer Banks. Just been too busy to make any of the group events like Uwharrie or MAR. If there is anyone in the NC/SC area planning day trips to Uwharrie or anywhere within a few hours drive and wouldn't mind someone tagging along please reach out. The truck is in good shape for some moderate off-roading. I have experience from my Jeep CJ days, but I would just rather have a buddy in case things go sideways.

Otherwise, is this lame, or not?
https://experience.landroverusa.com/north-carolina/owners-days.html

 

[mitherial]

Sadly, I no longer live in the area, I but have spent a lot of time in/around the Biltmore Estate. I never did the "LR Experience," but I have hiked some of the trails they use; my impression: if you are a seasoned off-roader, it will probably be underwhelming, but it would be a good way to build-confidence with your current truck in a controlled environment. They way to make it worth the $450 is to take a friend or your significant other and spend the rest of the day/weekend touring the Estate/puttering around Asheville or Black Mtn, etc.

It has been a number of years since I've been to Uwharrie so I can't speak to current trail conditions, but based on when I was there last, I would not recommend an inexperienced driver take the "difficult" trails solo, but go on day when the ground is not wet, start with the trails marked "easy" or "moderate" on the map, and you should be fine.

 

[Overlander]

I'm in South Charlotte (Ballantyne) and have a local possy. Send me an IM with your contact info and we can connect