Straight Out the Holler

Known by locals as Mountain Drive, the Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park in Bell County is a great place to go and play in the mountains. I traveled down to Bell County on Monday, August 9, 2010 with Adventure Tourism Director Elaine Wilson. In case you haven’t been outside in the past week, or been out of the country, it was HOT that day all over the bluegrass. We didn’t let that deter us though and we met up with Bell County’s Adventure Tourism Director, Jon Grace. Jon was an excellent host and tour guide as he took us to the Pinnacle Overlook atop Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The view from this spot is worth an entire blog itself, but I will move onto the main attraction.

Once we got to the Off-Road Park we were soon surrounded by members of the local off-road club, The Holler Crawlers (whose slogan I conveniently borrowed as the title for this blog- hope you guys don’t mind!). The Holler Crawlers were a great group of people that ranged in age from high school to a number of retired folks. They all share a passion for riding and the club takes care of clean-up and maintenance on the trail. They also host several rides each year whose proceeds go to benefit a number of different charities. I realize I’ve sidetracked again, but I felt the club should get its fair share of credit.

The Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park covers 9,000 acres and provides access to over 100 miles of trails. Most of the trails are suited for any skill level of rider with gravel surfaces and gentle grades. There are also some more challenging, and even some expert sections of trail, that should probably not be attempted by beginner riders. The famed Mud Bowl is, well, a large pit/crater that fills with mud and attracts those who want to get really dirty. On the day we were there the Mud Bowl was at least a few feet deep . . . sadly there were no takers. Don’t forget to bring your fishing poles and fishing license with when you visit because there are plenty of ponds that are well stocked with different species of fish. The Cumberland River and Yellow Creek border the park and anglers can access them from the park as well. With so much to do and see I would have to recommend that people camp at the park when they go visit, which is allowed throughout the park.

Being from Pike County I have seen my fair share of great mountain-top views. That said, the scenes from Bell County were absolutely breathtaking. In fact, you can see the path that Daniel Boone carved when ventured into Kentucky via the Cumberland Gap.

When it comes to ATV riding in eastern Kentucky, many people want to focus only on Harlan or Knott Counties. That is more than understandable due to the hundreds of miles of great ATV/OHV trails in those counties. However, it would be foolish I feel to not go and check out what Bell County, as well as other parts of eastern Kentucky, has to offer. I can guarantee you’ll find good riding, good conversation, and plenty of hospitality if you decide to visit Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park. Check out the pictures Elaine snapped from the trip! Last but not least, be sure to wear your helmet when riding!

Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park
www.wildernesstrailoffroadpark.net