South of the Mason-Dixon, an outdoors festival beckons motorized adventurers to West Virginia's all-terrain geography.

In Gilbert, south of Charleston, organizers of 2009 National TrailFest will host an off-road quad-running event on part of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. The Oct. 8-12 festival, held on an ATV trail system billed as the largest on the East Coast, will include quad demo rides, manufacturer and equipment expos, mud bogging, drag racing, poker runs, kids' track, campsites and live entertainment.

TrailFest started in 2000 in Logan, W.Va., before moving to Gilbert. This year, 13 miles of new single-track trails are available for dirt biking on Buffalo Mountain.

The West Virginia Legislature created the Hatfield-McCoy Trial System to attract tourism dollars to nine southern West Virginia counties. The system links six separate trail systems, including more than 500 miles of trails open to the public with riding permits. Festival organizers say a 2006 economic impact study estimated the Hatfield-McCoy Trails added 146 new jobs to southern West Virginia's economy, $2.7 million in income and $7.7 million in output.

"The whole event has really developed a reunion-like atmosphere," said Jeffrey Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail Authority, in a news release. "Our new online community of riders has a large number of folks that identify themselves as 'family adventurers' or people who just like to 'hang with friends.' "

Prices range from a $20 spectator package to a $115 participation fee that includes a trail permit, three breakfasts, two dinners and limited access to restrooms, lockers, showers and a heated pool and hot tub at the nearby Larry Joe Harless Community Center. Register online at www.trailsheaven.com, or call 800-592-2217.

West Virginia ATV facts: From 2000 through 20003, West Virginia had 23 deaths involving ATV use. More than 95 percent of crash victims were not wearing helmets. One-third of crashes involved passengers. About 40 percent of crashes occurred on paved streets and roads. Twenty-four percent of the deaths were among children 16 years and younger, and 12 percent were among men 65 years of age and older. Twenty-two percent of crashes involved the use of drugs or alcohol.

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