Where To Ride: Whissenhunt ORV Park - Trailhead

"Thar's gold in them thar hills" are the famous words Matthew Fleming Stephenson spread in the early 1800s that still echo throughout the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia. Beginning in 1828, thousands of people flocked to what was then Cherokee land snuggled deep inside the rugged North Georgia mountains in search of gold. Due to the massive amounts of the precious metal being uncovered and the invading deluge of gold seekers, Dahlonega was crowned the very first major gold rush in our country's history. Today, thousands of people still come to the town each year to explore the remnants of the old gold mines, pan for gold, shop at the antique stores in the historical town square or kick back at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts. But gold is not the only attraction that draws visitors, as Dahlonega's hidden treasure is actually Whissenhunt ORV Park, which is nestled within in those lustrous green hills of North Georgia.

Whissenhunt is not one of those state-of-the-art facilities with satellite dishes, cabins and modern amenities. No, Whissenhunt is downright simple in terms of modern luxuries but rich in nature, with scenic trails that wind throughout 700 acres of ridges and valleys. The trails are great for those looking for a slower, more technical pace, and both motorcycle (single-track) and wider ATV trails lined with endless trees showing their colorful foliage offer up moderate challenges for amateur and more seasoned riders in the form of obstacles such as rocks; hillclimbs; tight, windy pathways; and even the occasional water drainage humps (better known as jumps). Keep in mind that things roll a little more leisurely in these hills, so if your heart seeks the fast-paced adrenaline of motocross or fifth-gear-pinned, wide-open trails, this might not be the place for you. But if you're looking for a great place to unwind, have a picnic and tackle true backwoods summits, it's worth every minute of it. You could ride nearly all day without ever seeing the same route twice.

Don't make a long trek to Dahlonega without checking out some of the great sites in the area. The town's rich history provides plenty of adventure that could keep you and your family occupied for days. After we had our fill of trail riding, we dropped by the Gold Museum that's housed inside of a 19th century courthouse and explored the legacy of Georgia gold mining. Townspeople even say that each brick was produced locally and contains trace amounts of gold. And who could leave without taking an underground mining tour or trying to strike it rich while panning for gold at the Consolidated Gold Mine. Now that's my kind of ATV adventure.

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

InformationPlace visited: Whissenhunt ORV Park, Dahlonega, GeorgiaRiding season: Early spring until late fall. Open every day during seasonMaps recommended: Ask at check in-not neededArea information: www.dahlonega.org, www.georgiaoffroad.comPermits/licenses required: None Critters: Bear, deer, huge mosquitoes and the occasional snakeWhile you are there: Old town square, antique shops, Gold Museum, gold mines, panning for gold and so much moreRoad-trip CD: Willie Nelson, or something country, I guessBest local beer: The kind made in the hills; just look for smokeDigs: You gotta hang out in town with the North Georgia mountain folkLocal ATV club: The Possum Patrol, www.atvnation.comGood eats: The Smith House-old-fashioned food served with Southern HospitalityUseful links: www.fs.fed.us/conm