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By: Robert Janis
ACE Adventure Resort
Offer ATV Guided Tours And A Lot More
If you’re looking for a variety of conditions
in which to ride an All-Terrain Vehicle and a
series of other adventures in rough and scenic
terrain, then you should visit the ACE Adventure
Resort in Oak Hill, West Virginia.
Opened in 1980, ACE has evolved into one of the
largest outfitters in the United States. It owns
more than 1,500 acres snuggled between the
Allegheny and Appalachian Mountains and includes
the New River Gorge. It also has access to 4,800
more acres and more than 100 miles of trail. It
is smack in the middle of a national park. The
scenery is breath taking to say the least. The
Gorge itself is 1,000 feet deep and as much as a
mile wide in some locations. And, like the Grand
Canyon, the river snakes through mountainous
territory with cliffs that rise as much as 100
to 150 feet. It is truly a sight to behold. It
is not surprising to discover that it is one of
the top five rock climbing regions in the entire
country and the river has been designated
“America’s best white water.”
ATV Heaven
The difference in the terrain from forest to
cliffs makes great and rugged riding for
experienced ATVers. But the property also
includes a back country that less experienced
riders can enjoy. And ACE offers guided tours.
“There are boulders, cliffs, mud, steep climbs,
and large pot holes where cars would be buried,”
said Rick Bayes, marketing manager and ATV guide
for ACE Adventure Resort.
ACE uses Can Am Max 400 tandem ATVs. The rate
for a single operator is $149. A Tandem ride
costs $39 per person. Bayes said that the resort
may be adding Polaris RZRs to its inventory and
possibly some electric ATVs as well. “The
electric ATVs will give riders a more green
experience,” said Bayes. They are much quieter,
so riders can enjoy the tranquility of the
region.
But it is not just the splendid terrain that ATV
riders will enjoy when they take the guided
tour. ACE Adventure Resort has access to land
that is steeped in history with a lot of relics
to be discovered.
The area was uninhabited until about 1873 when
the railroad was constructed. Soon it became
known for its coal mines. There are still
remnants of strip mining to discover during the
ride.
In the 1930s and late ’40s the economy declined
in the region and the population moved to other
parts of West Virginia or on to other states.
Your ride will unveil old, ruined buildings from
this era as well as abandoned towns like
Erskine, which was first constructed in 1889.
Also, the guides have stories to tell, said
Bayes. For example, the tour includes mines that
exploded causing deaths, and there are tales
about the Civil War.
In 1968 people were attracted to the region for
white water rafting. Soon after the major
industry for the region was and now is tourism
and adventures.
More Adventures to Enjoy
As an ATV enthusiast, you can book a stay at ACE
for multiple days and enjoy the ATV riding and
then also partake in a variety of other events.
There’s white water rafting, rock climbing,
mountain biking, kayaking, canopy tours, camping
tours, fishing, horseback riding, three arenas
for paintball battles and obstacle courses
including a mud and dry course. There is also a
five-acre lake that serves as a water park with
40 feet high water slides, inflatables,
volleyball and more.
And the region has all sorts of other
attractions including the Mountain Lakes
Amphitheater, where music is performed during
the summer, the Lost World Caverns, and you can
even watch the Pittsburgh Pirates Class A minor
league baseball team, the West Virginia Power.
Accommodations
The ACE Adventure Resort offer an assortment of
lodgings. There are more than 50 wood cabins
with either one, two, or three bedrooms that are
fully furnished; there are also lake side
chalets, cozy cabins ,and group cabins that can
accommodate more than 20 people. All cabins
include a kitchen and are fully heated and air
conditioned, and some have a fireplace, back
deck, and lofts. There is a camp ground that
accommodates 800 campsites with group tents,
family tents, and regular tents. The price range
for the log cabins is $149 to $349. You
can also get a campsite for $12 a night.
There are three restaurants--the Lost Paddle Bar
and Grill, the Lakeside Dining Lodge and the
Bears Den. The Bear’s Den offers hamburgers and
such during the day. There is a shop where one
can buy T-shirts and souvenirs as well as
kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking and
other types of gear. Live bands perform
throughout the season--April to mid-November.
ACE Adventure Resort offers all sorts of
discounts, deals, specials, and packages. Refer
to the website for more information.
www.AceRaft.com.
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