Mud Bug Park - Trailhead

Approximately 130 miles east of Dallas, Texas, and 65 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana, sits a mud connoisseur's paradise, better known as Mud Bug Park. How many places are specially tailored for ripping through sloppy trails with huge monster mud beasts? You know the ones I'm talking about-those big-bore 4x4s equipped with lift kits, snorkels and the gnarly mud lugs. Other than the High Lifter Mud Nationals and a few other places, not too many riding areas of this nature come to mind. The aptly named Mud Bug Park offers some of the deepest and most technical mud bogs in the States.

Often known for their marshy, low-lying terrains, eastern Texas and western Louisiana also serve as the mud rider's heartland. That's exactly what drew us to this location like a moth to a candle for our mud tire foray (on page 104). Mud Bug Park possesses 100 miles of trail, which weaves in and out of the beautiful wooded scenery that covers the gently sloping to steep hills. Instead of just digging a mud pit right outside of the parking area, the facility's owners have managed to create trails that are mixed with "natural" technical mud holes, steep hillclimbs, rocks and even a large, flowing river, where all sorts of activities take place. If you chose to indulge in all of the chocolaty obstacles along the way, it literally could take hours to tackle just a few miles. Remember to take a tow strap along. You will need it. And for the clean freaks worried about getting muddy, we found there is almost always a way around the slop.

Although the park does not offer the luxuries of cabins or even a lodge, there is a plethora of RV spots, and tents are welcome for those seeking the more primitive (less expensive) route of camping. Yes, water and electrical hookups are available for those who require a bit more pampering. All riding areas should follow Mud Bug Park's example and offer such important amenities as hot showers and bike-washing stations. And best of all, these nice features are included in the gate fee-$15 per person, $10 per ATV and $35 for water and electrical hookups, good from Friday 12:00 p.m. to Sunday 6:00 p.m.

Just to prove how special this place is, it has been known to draw in nearly 1000 riders on holiday weekends. MBP enjoys ratcheting up the fun on holiday weekends with all sorts of games like mud-wrestling contests, poker runs, tug of war and wet T-shirt contests. (As they say at MBP, what happens at the river stays at the river.) So strap on your cooler and head out for an intense weekend of Southern-style slop-filled fun.

I've let you in on our secret spot, now you let us in on yours. Send suggestions for future Trailheads to atvrider@primedia.com.

Information
Place visited: Mud Bug Park, Longview, Texas
Riding season: Open every weekend year-round
Maps recommended: Ask at check-in, though not needed
Area information: www.visitlongviewtexas.com, www.longviewchamber.com
Permits/licenses required: NoneCritters: Mud bugs, of course. Deer, bobcats, wild hogs and there have been mysterious panther sightings
While you are there: Shreveport, Louisiana, 65 miles; Dallas, Texas, 130 miles; antique shops, craft shops, coffee shops and restaurants located in town
Road-trip CD: Blue Collar Comedy Tour's"One for the Road"
Best local beer (a little Southern 'shine-just kidding): Shiner Back and Lone Star are both great Texan beers
Digs: Your best bet is to camp at the park. That's where the party is
Local ATV club: Climb ATV Club, Inc., www.climbatv.com
Good eats: Country Tavern, off Highway 81, and Big T's
Useful links: www.mudbugpark.com (check out the forum), www.highlifter.com