Archive for the ‘Seasons’ Category

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This is YOUR Weekend: Thrills in the Hills 2012

Thursday, February 16th, 2012
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Mark your calendar my trail riding friends: June 15-18, 2012.  This is the weekend for Burning Rock’s 3rd Annual Thrills in the Hills Off-Road Jamboree.  With newly formed off-road club Mountaineeer Trail Riders collaborating with the Burning Rock staff to amp up the event, let’s just say… hold onto your hat!

Yes, you’ll still find all the food vendors, trail rides, zip line, kids play area, races, live music, and fireworks we’ve always had.  But, we’re blazing a new trail in West Virginia!  This year, we’re making the event all about you – the rec rider.   

You’re the ones that work hard at a job all week so you can play harder in the mud on the weekend.   You can’t wait to pack up and head for the trailhead – often with your family in tow!  The family that rides together stays together, right? And then you meet up with your like-minded pals.  Ahh, there’s a wonderful spirit of friendship and comradarie among folks who share a love of 4-wheelin’.  We’re really all the same, especially when we’re covered in mud!  So with that in mind, let’s just say its a big Burning Rock ‘family reunion’ of sorts.

Bragging Rights Guaranteed!

Two exciting new competitons have been forged to test your mettle:

  1. Challenge at The Rock (Saturday):  riders compete against the clock in this amped up obstacle course full of twists & turns, logs, tires, rocks and mud pit!   There will also be kid & adult mud foot races and other games for prizes.  
  2. Pro Armor’s Burning Rock Xtreme Mountain Challenge (Sunday):  Sponsored by parts & assessories dealer Pro Armor, riders compete in this premier, one-of-a-kind extreme ‘skills’ competition of five individually timed challenges: obstacle course, frame-twister, mud pit, hill climb, and rock garden!  Are you tougher than The Rock?

 So What Else?  How’s This:

  • New! Celebrity TV Host appearance: TBA (oooh, stay tuned!)
  • New! Guided Trail Rides: Kids & Adults
  • New! Radio Control Off-Road Track & Races (way cool!)
  • New! Moonshine Run
  • New! Mud Pit Competition & Runs
  • Fireworks (big ones!)
  • Food Vendors
  • Vendor & Manufacturer Row
  • Kids Play Area w/inflatables
  • Live Music Concert: Blackwater Outlaws! 

Whew! That’s a lot to pack into a weekend. We start things up on Friday, June 15 and keep going until Monday, June 18.  

For a full schedule of events, admission fees, camping & lodging options  & more, visit our website or call our Reservations Center at 877-683-9240. 

 See ya there family, see ya there…

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New Year. New Trails.

Thursday, December 29th, 2011
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Another new year is right around the corner.  We just love the feeling of a having a fresh new start don’t we?  So with newness on mind, what new trail development lies ahead at Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park in 2012?

Chris mapping new trails with GPS.

Mapping new trails with GPS. Now where's that signal?

Auld Lang Syne.

First, here’s a quick trail review of the past year.  In the spring, 25 new miles of trails were opened in the western section of the park known as the Winding Gulf.  This section has become very popular with riders as it offers a wide variety of terrain, trail conditions and scenic views to enjoy.  Then this past summer, 16 miles of trails in the eastern side of the park were temporarily closed (they will reopen in the future).  Even so, we still close out 2011  in the black! 

Happy New Year?  Pass the Trail Mix.

In 2012, new trail development is being  focused upon in the northern section of the park.   

By February, we anticipate 6 miles of new trails will be completed, tying Coal Camp Getaways cottage and the historic coal-town of Slab Fork into the trail system and also opening up approximtely 20 more miles of trails near town.  

The town welcomes riders and future development plans there include:

  •  restaurant, retail store & museum (housed in the former company store building)
  • additional rental homes (such as Coal Camp Getaways cottage)
  • childrens’ playground area
  • hiking/biking trail
  • other services/amenities for visitors and residents alike.

Continuing north, an additional 40 miles of trails will be opened by May.  These ‘trunk trails’ will serve as base trails for the addition of miles & miles of even more trails in the future.  Topo maps show some very interesting terrain up here folks… it could get quite interestin’!

We’ve just begun to explore the possibilities on our 8,000 acres!  Who knows what we’ll find… what we’ll share with you next.  We’re excited to find out, and know you are too.

Happy New Year everyone.

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Why DO We Ride?

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
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It’s the holiday season, so I’ve had friends, family and faith on my mind more than normal lately.  Guess that’s why we have holidays, to remind us of the obvious.  So I got to thinking today… what exactly IS it about 4-wheelin that we truly love the most? 

The Challenge.

Ah!  The open trail before us. And what’s that just around the corner? A fallen tree across the trail?  Big ole mud hole that we’ll have to winch out of?  Oh, look at that black bear that just ran across the trail and has the kids all jabbering!  It’s the the thrill of the unexpected ahead of us and knowing we have what it takes to overcome the challenge, whatever it is.

The Comraderie

It’s all about spending time with those we love.  Packing up the kids and having some quality time together as a family is what it’s all about.  The world is a complicated and crazy place these days, and when we’re out on the trails together, we bond as a family in a way few places allow us to do so.  Team work, communication  and plain-old having  fun creates memories we’ll share forever.

The Spiritual Connection?

The Great Outdoors.  Mother Nature.  Some of us crave being outside and never feel more alive than when we’re immersed in it.  The smell of wildflowers, a beautiful sunset and the breeze brushing our cheek just makes us giddy!  This is a sacred place for us, and it renews our soul to drink it all in.  We know all people need nature… some just don’t know it.  We’re the lucky ones.

So what’s your reason?  I’m guessing… it’s probably all three.   It is for me.

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Burning Burgers? Burning Rock!

Thursday, June 30th, 2011
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It’s almost Fourth of July!  We all know what THAT means.  Fire up the grill!  And when dad burns the burgers,  just choke ‘em down and smile… it’s times like this with friends & family that you’ll remember the most.   That and those ash bombs anyway…   Better yet, tell dad he has kitchen duty off and bring him to Burning Rock for a long weekend of family fun instead!

Happy 4th of July!

Independence Day.  You Are Free to Have Fun:

  • camp out under the stars (or bask in the comfort of a cabin)
  • rent a UTV & discover a scenic family picnic spot
  • race the kids on the 2500 ft. zip line (go at night for an added thrill!)
  • cruise the ATV trails for the biggest mud holes
  • make gooey s’mores
  • catch fireflies (nature’s fireworks!)
  • try other exciting family activities like rafting, horseback riding, catwalk tours & much more.

Okay already Dad… go ahead, grab the charcoal & show us what ya got!

For more information & reservations call 877-573-2001

 

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What Everyone Should Know About Winter Off-Road Trips

Friday, January 7th, 2011
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You know, off-roading isn’t just for summer days and warm temperatures.  There’s a lot of fun to be had riding this time of year.  And I know that around these parts, cabin fever is a common occurrence in the winter.  So get out of the house and on the trails, asap!

Before you head out, there are a few things you should know:

  • Love wildlife?  Well, chances are you’ll be able to see just as many, if not more, animals this time of year.  With leaves gone and the occasional white-carpeted forest floor, creatures might be easier to spot than ever.  Keep an eye out for deer, beaver, and fox, just to name a few.  Check out this cool checklist from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to guide your spotting efforts.  But you’ll have to wait until it warms up to see any bear.  They’ve gotta get their hibernation on in the winter.

    Be safe, have fun!

  • Remember, safety first.  As temperatures drop, the chances of ice and slick spots increase on the trails.  Be cautious and talk to our trail superintendents about the best trails to ride before heading out.  Practice snow-riding near the trailhead before taking off for more distant trails.
  • Pack a little more than you usually would for a ride.  Take along water, energy bars, trail mix, and an emergency blanket.  Have your cell phone on hand in the event you need to contact our staff while riding.  Be sure to take a trail map; it lists the general store phone number.
  • Plan on seeing some spectacular views.  Did you know that you can see all the way to Winterplace from a couple of Burning Rock’s trails?  When the trees are covered in snow and everything you can see is untouched…gorgeous!
  • Ride with a friend.  You’ll be able to keep an eye out for each other.  And heck, having someone else along is more fun anyway.
  • If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times.  Heated hand grips.

Any other tips to share about winter riding?  Share them in the comments.

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How to Build the World’s Best Outdoor Adventure Park: Burning Rock’s Year in Review

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
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world's first zipline wedding couple
Any couple that comes to their wedding with helmets is going to do just fine.

Start with 8,000 acres of land and add some awesome ATV trails, a super-fast zip line, and the best staff this side of the Mississippi, that’s how!

2010 was Burning Rock’s best year yet, and it’s only going to get better.  Here are some of the highlights:

  • The east coast’s longest dual-racing zip line opened at Burning Rock.  Yes, the Burning Rock Express has been a hit from the start.  Moonlight zipping has been a favorite adventure for our guests.
  • And we kicked it all off at Thrills in the Hills!  Hundreds of guests visited Burning Rock over this weekend, including our favorite football player, Owen Schmitt.  He was there to perform with the Davisson Brothers.  The guys managed to get a bit of a vacation in too.  How could you not ride and zip when you come to Burning Rock?
  • We hosted the world’s first dual-racing zip line wedding.  Yep, Sarah and Adam got hitched after riding the zip line, and we have the pictures to prove it.  I’m happy to report that Sarah, Adam, and little Maggie are doing well and enjoying married life.
  • Guided ATV/UTV tours began at Burning Rock.  We can’t tell you how much our guests enjoy riding with Burning Rock experts and learning about the history of the land.
  • A record number of riders hit our trails!

And 2011 is going to be amazing!  23 new miles of trails are set to open soon.  Racing is in the works.  We’ll be hosting events again.  And that’s just for starters.

Thank you for being such an important part of our success.  See you next year!

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4 Clues that Santa Drives an ATV

Monday, December 13th, 2010
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Slow down Santa!

We all know that Santa drives a sleigh to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve.  But have you ever stopped to think about what he drives the rest of the year?  Here are four clues that make me think it just might be an ATV:

1.  Have you ever been to the North Pole?  Me neither.  But I’m gonna bet that he has an ATV and a snowmobile in his garage.  How else would he navigate through all kinds of conditions?

2. Those are some pretty big big boots.  You know, the kind you wear to ride.  And I know one of Santa’s mottos has to be “Safety First”!

3.  Santa loves toys.  And everyone knows that the ultimate toy is a Can-Am Outlander.  Or Honda Rincon.  Or Polaris Ranger RZR.

4.  Because I found the photographic evidence above (don’t try this at home)!

Know any other reasons?  Tell us about them here in the comments.

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Why Zip Lines are the Best Year-Round Adventure In the New River Gorge

Monday, December 6th, 2010
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When I  think of outdoor winter adventures, a few things come to mind.  Skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating.  But since all my attempts at skiing end up with me face first in a pile of snow (seriously, I slid on my keister all the way from the top to the bottom of a green trail in Winter Park, Colorado), I’m typically looking for other things to do outside in the winter.

You could be here

So that’s why I’m so happy that the Burning Rock Express is open year-round.  Ziplining in the snow is just like skiing, except a whole lot faster and much higher off the ground.  And we’re not the only ones staying open.  You can zip all winter at ACE Adventure Resort and Adventures on the Gorge.

You don’t need any special experience or training to zip.  Our guides take care of everything.  Zipping equipment is included.  Zip line rookies will have just as much fun as seasoned zippers. 

So what should you expect when winter-zipping?  Be prepared to see some spectacular views.  Snow on the trees, untouched powder, wildlife.  It’s a completely different visual experience compared to zipping when the trees are in full bloom.

Also, dress warmly!  The more comfortable you are, the better time you’ll have.

See ya on the lines!

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5 Reasons to ATV in the Off-Season

Monday, November 22nd, 2010
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We all know that there never really is an ‘off-season’ for riding ATVs.  But let’s be honest.  Many people do prefer riding in the warm sunshine instead of bundling up in the cold.  However, there are many reasons to ride in the winter.  Here are five of them:

1. This is the time of year that we’re all busy preparing for the holidays, traveling, and generally wishing there were 25 hours in a day.  Sometimes it’s nice to just step back and take a break.  Our trails our less crowded this time of year.  So bring a riding buddy and get away from it all.

2. And while you’re there, remember that this a great time of year to see wildlife.  Leaves are gone and the animals are out and about.  In the past we’ve spotted deer, turkeys, beavers, grouse, and foxes along the trails.  Bring a camera and share your pics with us.

3. Oh, and one more thing about visibility – the coal ruins along Burning Rock’s trails should be a bit easier to see as well.  There’s a lot to see, and the history is pretty interesting.

4. This winter we are opening 30 miles of new trails.  You heard that right.  30 miles!  Who wants to wait until spring to check it out?  Not me, that’s for sure.  I want to be one of the first riders.  Our rangers are hard at work now clearing and marking.  Check back here for grand opening dates.

5. Three words – heated hand grips.

Remember, be safe.  Driving on snow requires practice and skill.

And just a reminder; our trails are open on Thanksgiving Day!  See ya there.

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Veterans Day, Moonlight Zipping, and Other News to Know

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
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Wanted to let you all know that the Burning Rock Express will be open tomorrow in honor of Veterans Day.  You can ride from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.  All active and retired military personnel can recieve 20% off of their zip.  Thank you for your service!

And, due to popular demand, we’ve decided to keep hosting night zipping!  And now that we’ve all turned back our clocks, you’ll be able to moonlight zip even earlier than before.  Our new seasonal zip line hours are as follows:

Friday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday: 1:00 PM – 8:oo PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

And if you have a group of 10 or more, we can make arrangements to open the zip line on other days, with at least 24 hours of advance notice from you.

And speaking of groups, if you have 16 or more guests, we can offer you some pretty amazing day zip pricing:

16 – 39 Guests: $25.00 per person, plus tax

40 or more guests – $20.00 per person, plus tax

  • Group must zip consecutively; i.e. they must all zip in the same reserved 2+ hour time frame
  • Reservations are required to receive this pricing

Any questions?  Post them here in the comments or call us at 1.877.683.9240.

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