Published: June 20, 2009 11:07 pm      

Burning Rock Off-Road Park

Family atmosphere draws enthusiastic tourists and locals

It’s a place where “you can see the stars forever, when it’s a nice, clear night.”

It’s also a place where the roar of all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and dirt sound off from their stations along 80 to 100 miles of riding trails.

Welcome to Burning Rock Off-Road Park.

Located on W.Va. 16 just south of Sophia, Burning Rock boasts a general store and offers ATV rentals, trail passes, food and drinks, souvenirs, primitive and RV campsites and cabin rentals.

Burning Rock is a little bit of wild, wonderful West Virginia, made-to-order for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

“It’s a family park,” said Burning Rock ATV Club President Jerry Green, who retired two years ago from managing a national chain, home improvement store in Florida. “All the families come and go riding.

“It’s not unusual to see Mom and Dad come in, and have four or five little kids in the back like little ducklings, riding their ATVs and dirt bikes.

“It’s the most amazing thing. We’re a real family-oriented park.”

Since its opening in last July, Green said, Burning Rock has drawn ATV enthusiasts from as far away as California.

Riders from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland and New York have visited Burning Rock, he added.

“We had two groups from New York in here last week,” said Green. “They love the riding trails up here.

“They like the family atmosphere.”

The trails meander through the woods along W.Va. 16.

Revived for tourists and locals who enjoy riding recreational vehicles, the trails are actually old logging and coal mining roads that were etched into the mountains years ago.

“People enjoy it because of the way the trails are designed,” said Green.

He explained that the trails are graded like ski slopes: Green is “easy,” blue is “moderate,” and black is “difficult.”

“We have something for everybody that wants to ride here,” he added.

ATV shop owners bring different “rides” to Burning Rock for potential customers to take for a test drive, said Green.

“They recommend customers to do a ride and come in to Burning Rock,” he said. “It’s a safe atmosphere.”

Burning Rock has 25 rules. Two of the top five are that guests must always wear a helmet, and they may not have alcohol on the trails, said Green.

The ATV at the Rock general store is situated right at the trailhead, he added.

According to Green, Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh is a co-owner of the store, which is a separate entity from the park.

Riding permits and food items may be purchased at the store, said Green.

Campers may choose from 48 primitive sites, which host tents, and 12 RV sites that boast full hook-up.

Two cabins at the park are also available to rent.

“You can ride your ATVs right up to your front door,” said Green. “What’s unique is, you don’t have to go down the highway to go riding on the trails.

“The trail are only 15 seconds away.

“You’re camping on the trails.”

The campground offers bath houses and a large pavilion with picnic tables.

“(Burning Rock patrons) eat lunch, just relax and enjoy themselves,” said Green. “There’s nothing like the peace and quiet of Burning Rock at night.

“It’s a really relaxing atmosphere.”

The land is owned by Beaver Coal Co. and is leased to Raleigh County, said Green.

Brian Helmer is the director of Burning Rock Trails, he added.

Burning Rock ATV Club maintains the trails, said Green.

“Last year, we did a very successful Toys for Tots drive,” reported Green. “This year, we did the Memorial Day Poker Run and Memorial Day Raising of the Flag for the veterans.”

Burning Rock will also host a series of races called “hare scrambles” once a month for the next six months.

Green said the park has coaxed dollars into the local economy because most ATV riders don’t camp at the park.

“They stay up on Harper Road, they’re eating at local restaurants,” he reported. “They like the food in town in Sophia.”

Those who want more information on Burning Rock may contact the general store at 304-683-9240 or visit the Web site at www.atvattherock.com

— E-mail: jfarrish@register-herald.com