Hidden just a stone's throw from Honda's Timmonsville South Carolina Manufacturing Plant and three hours from the sunny sands of Myrtle Beach awaits a treasure trove of adventure that's just waiting to be discovered. Dense foliage masks the concealed cache from prying eyes, but passing through the gate and repeating the phrase "I wanna ride" will whisk you away into the land of excitement where all of your worries disappear. At this point you will be a guest of Carolina Adventure World and anything imaginable can be found from the seat of your Honda.

For the past four years entrepreneur Don Wilburn and his trusty staff have been transforming 2600 beautiful acres of virgin forest into what has become a haven for off-road enthusiasts. That's right, this recreation area is privately owned, operated and maintained by local residents, who are as passionate about the outdoors as you are. This is why you will find a smiling face to greet you and get you started on a great day or weekend of riding. Don has meticulously designed this park around off-road recreation and has made quite an effort to suit the needs of every individual. You have options like wallowing in the competition mud pit, turning hot laps on three diverse motocross courses or just taking an afternoon stroll along a babbling brook. Their slogan says it all: "We are here to ride."

Within the park you will find more than 100 miles of winding trails that are absolutely teeming with wildlife. Whitetail deer, fox and coyote are common, and the occasional black bear may even be spotted roaming the secluded countryside. The many lakes and streams are home to beaver and an assortment of fish species. If you happen to have tackle on hand you can wet your line for a chance at hooking dinner to be grilled over the open flame of your campfire.

Well-manicured gravel roads provide easy access to the various areas of the elaborate trail system and are perfect for a laid-back tour with the family. These roads are appropriately labeled with green markers indicating that the level of difficulty is suitable for even the novice rider. Venture off the main roads onto one of the numerous hand-cut trails and find yourself being engulfed by seemingly endless natural hardwoods growing amongst the mountainous terrain. This terrain harbors rocky outcroppings and winding inclines that present a natural playground for the technical rider. Blue and black labels are to be expected as you trek deeper into these regions. The darker side of the marker spectrum signifies difficult territory and caution should be used when navigating these areas. For those of you seeking the relaxing scenic route, the trails that parallel the river were constructed with you in mind. Constant picturesque views are exposed around every bend as the river snakes between the rock-laden ridges. Paths intertwine, and with a map handy you can adjust your route to rerun a section or maybe even go back in the direction of the visitor center where you can swap stories of outdoor adventures over lunch.

Naturally, trails will wear and as this occurs, they are either repaired or relocated after the appropriate steps have been taken to preserve the landscape. The dedicated workforce is constantly on the prowl, scouring the property to ensure root systems remain unexposed and to keep deep ruts virtually nonexistent. This reflects directly on the sport by demonstrating a positive concern for the environment and, most of all, keeps the environmentalists at bay.

For contact information and directions to Carolina Adventure World visit www.carolinaadventureworld.com. Here, you will find a detailed list of amenities, downloadable trail maps, upcoming events and links to other area attractions. Lodging and dining are available just a short drive from the park in downtown Winnsboro. This is situated in what is known as the Old English District of South Carolina and is exceptionally rich in history. Additional historical information about Winnsboro and Fairfield County can be obtained from the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at www.fairfieldchamber.org.