As a travel journalist, I know the prerequisite of this job: the willingness to tackle new things. Likewise, this is the mantra of most travelers: to experience different adventures , to push the envelope, to achieve new extremes. My extremes are just fine, thank you; however, deep down, there’s an adrenaline enthusiast longing to see the light of day.
And on this day, this enthusiast found herself in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, on a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle, heading north. We might not have been moving exactly in a northerly direction, but I do remember the ups-and-downs of endless lawnmower-width routes known as the Hatfield McCoy Trails.
At this moment, I considered my envelope – pushed. Since local law enforcement was behind the wheel, all I had to do was hang on and enjoy the scenic tour of the Bearwallow Trail System, one of nine that covers over 600 miles of pathways through the Appalachians. Granted, it was my first experience on an ATV trail, but it is guaranteed not to be my last. And knowing I had such a great time narrowly squeaking past my comfort zone, it gives me grit to try the next hair-raising feat. That is, if it doesn’t include water!
Southern West Virginia offers a world-class trail system, second to none, offering the best in safety and adventure. With the completion of the trail project, it envisions over 2,000 miles of trails developed and linked. Bring your own thrill ride or rent from the locals, but don’t miss a chance to experience Wild and Wonderful in grand style – plus, if you’re lucky – there will be a little mud thrown in for good measure.
Come along and hit the trails in Logan, West Virginia – the Hatfield McCoy Trails.
Judy and Len Garrison make their home in Athens, Georgia. Len, an IT manager for a major Atlanta company, and Judy, an editor, author and travel writer, want to hear from you as you follow along. Email them at seeingsouthern@gmail.com. Follow them on their website at Seeing Southern, as well as on Twitter at @judyhgarrison and @seeing_southern. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook.
