A rural West Virginia county has created Waypoint Zero Overland Outpost, a dark-sky destination and overlanding hub in the Appalachian Mountains. Opening during the historic Calhoun County Wood Festival, the outpost aims to bring outdoor recreation tourism to one of America’s most rural regions.
Calhoun County Wood Festival and Waypoint Zero Grand Opening Set to Showcase Rural West Virginia to Thousands of Visitors
GRANTSVILLE, WV — Calhoun County is preparing to welcome visitors from across West Virginia and beyond as the annual Calhoun County Wood Festival returns alongside the official Grand Opening of the Waypoint Zero Overland Outpost on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The Wood Festival has long been a cherished tradition celebrating appalachian heritage, community spirit, and hospitality of Calhoun County. This year’s event promises to be one of the largest in recent memory, featuring a parade, entertainment, local vendors, family activities, and the highly anticipated opening of Waypoint Zero — a destination designed to attract outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, off-road adventurers, campers, and travelers from throughout the region and around the world right here to the Appalachian Plateau.
Waypoint Zero has already generated significant interest within the off-road and overlanding community, with industry professionals, content creators, and social media influencers expressing interest in attending the event. Organizers believe the project has the potential to place Calhoun County on the map as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.
Several state and local leaders are expected to attend the festivities, including Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw, Senator Mark Maynard, and other guests who have long recognized the value and importance of rural West Virginia communities.
“People are looking for places where they can unplug, slow down, and enjoy what makes rural West Virginia special,” said Calhoun County Commissioner Eric Lupardus. “Calhoun County offers beautiful scenery, dark skies, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Waypoint Zero and the Wood Festival are an opportunity to showcase everything that makes rural West Virginia a great place to visit, explore, and enjoy.”
The event is expected to draw visitors from across the Mid-Ohio Valley and the country while highlighting the economic development potential of outdoor recreation and tourism in rural communities.
Saturday’s activities will begin with the Grand Opening of Waypoint Zero at the Calhoun County Park at 10:00 a.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the facility, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and learn more about the project.
Following the grand opening, attendees are encouraged to travel into Grantsville for the annual Wood Festival Parade beginning at noon and enjoy the many events, attractions, food vendors, crafts, entertainment, and family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the day.
Community leaders hope the combined events will not only provide a memorable experience for visitors but also demonstrate the opportunities available in rural West Virginia through tourism, recreation, and community-driven development.
The public is invited to attend and experience firsthand the charm, hospitality, and natural beauty that continue to make Calhoun County one of West Virginia’s hidden gems.
For additional information regarding the Wood Festival or Waypoint Zero Overland Outpost, please contact:
Jerry Bain
Almost Heaven Expeditions LLC
304-580-6740
almostheavenexpeditions@gmail.com
Eric Lupardus
Calhoun County Commissioner
304-354-0044
Event Details
Waypoint Zero Grand Opening
June 6, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
Calhoun County Park
Grantsville, West Virginia 26148
Calhoun County Wood Festival Parade
June 6, 2026 – 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Grantsville, West Virginia
