Imagine, if you will, a vacation destination where you could ride hours upon hours exploring wooded ATV trails, spotting various local wildlife and whiling the afternoon away fishing in one of the nearby ponds. Imagine cooling off in a swimming hole then heading out for a few exhilarating laps on the MX track. Imagine dropping off your ATV for minor repairs while you test your abilities at a skeet shoot or play a round of pool in the lodge. Imagine wrapping up your day by filling your belly with a fabulous home-cooked meal, sitting around a campfire relaxing with a cold beverage and catching some z's in a beautiful log cabin. Believe it or not, such a place does exist in the backwoods of Union Point, Georgia, and goes by the name of Durhamtown Plantation.
Owner Mike McCommons envisioned the Durhamtown Plantation experience nearly five years ago. His goal was to create a family atmosphere that combined nature, off-road riding and endless amounts of fun and activity for everyone. Originally developed as a local hunting club, the property quickly evolved into one of the largest sportsman resorts in the Southeast. The plantation offers miles of wooded ATV riding trails, adult MX tracks, a kid's MX track, log-cabin lodging, a pro shop, a fix-it shop, hunting, fishing, a restaurant serving down-home meals and countless other activities and amenities. A weeklong vacation may provide ample time to accomplish all of the activities you want to partake in, so you can bet two or three days will certainly keep you and your family on your toes.
Durhamtown Plantation resides on land awarded to Samuel Durham in 1793 in return for his service fighting in the Revolutionary War. His brother added to the grant by helping to create the Trail of Tears, on which Cherokee Indians were infamously transported from Georgia to Oklahoma. The Durham family has lived on and managed to make great use of this property for more than 200 years, so be sure to ask McCommons about its history, as he is always glad to speak of his family's heritage.
Go Ride
Whether you bring your own ATV or rent one from Durhamtown's fleet, be sure you don't miss out on these 8000 acres of riding. The plantation features all types of trails for riders of any skill level from easy, open, scenic trails to tight trails winding through the forest to a beginner's trail for your little one. One of my favorite activities is the guided night ride the staff puts together, held just after dark; it is one of the most-incredible experiences offered. Be sure to stay alert and keep your eyes open for a herd of deer or an old moonshine still that has remained on the property for hundreds of years.
If you enjoy blasting through MX tracks or would like to try your hand at it, I am confident that one of the four tracks accommodating all abilities and ages would be appropriate for you. One of the most-popular attractions is the peewee track, which is perfect for younger riders to get out and have some fast-action fun. Durhamtown also offers a milder adult ATV MX track for those with intermediate skills and a supercross-style track for the more-experienced. Last but not least, the plantation has created an easy MX track hidden deep in one of the ATV trails. It was designed to cater to those who just want to play without the worry of large jumps or fast, experienced riders. McCommons has designed these tracks with riders in mind and offers adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages and skill levels to enjoy.