Burning Rock's trails cover 8,000 yards of park land.
Mike Powell/Digital Vision/Getty Images
The Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park (burningrockwv.com), in West Virginia's New River Gorge, offers 100 miles of off-road ATV trails, as well as ATV and UTV rentals, lodging, zip lines, food and guided trips for beginners. One- and two-seat ATVs are available to rent by the day or half-day, starting at $169 per person for a half-day excursion.
Types of Trails
Burning Rock's ATV trail system is similar to a ski resort. The easiest paths in the park are green trails, while intermediate riders take the steeper blue trails. Black diamond trails are the trickiest and require expertise. Green trails are rocky and muddy but well kept, with varying, scenic gradients. Blues step up the incline in favor of an adrenaline ride. Black diamonds are the rockiest and might cause your ride to get stuck along the way.
Trail Access
Only Burning Rock's guided ATV groups may ride on black trails. Renters must stick to green and blue trails. The fine for taking a black diamond trail on your own is $150. A color-coded map is available at the Burning Rock website (or on-site) to help keep you and your group on the right track.
Trail Rules
The ATV trail system at Burning Rock uses a two-way street system for safety, although some trails will be marked as one-way. All riders must wear helmets and protective eye gear at all times. All riders must also carry photo identification and a Burning Rock Trail Permit, which is included in the price of your ATV rental. If the weather abruptly changes or the county is under a severe weather alert, riders must return to the rental area.
Considerations/Warnings
You must be 25 years old or older to rent an ATV (or UTV) on your own, and at least 18 years old to take a guided trip. Passengers riding on tandem ATVs must be at least 12 years old and weigh 85 pounds or more. The tandem passenger may not weigh more than the driver, and riders on side-by-side ATVs must both be at least 48 inches tall. If your group contains more than three ATVs, you must transfer to a guided tour. Drivers must have a valid state driver's license.
References
Resources
About the Author
Leah Waldron is the head writer and editor of GayNow.com, a global gay and lesbian news site. She writes for Curve Magazine, LOTL Magazine, WingerJock.com and other publications. As a travel, entertainment and home/garden writer, Waldron has written for the "Houston Chronicle" and the "Sun Sentinel." Waldron has a bachelor's and master's degree in creative writing from Florida State University.
Photo Credits
- Mike Powell/Digital Vision/Getty Images
