ATV enthusiasts have a new option when it comes to exploring the West Virginia back-country—guided ATV tours on the New River Gorge.

Opening in May near the rim of the gorge at Minden, New River ATV Tours is introducing its seven-day-a-week service with a fleet of state-of-the-art all-terrain vehicles that travel a 100-mile trail system, according to owner Brandon Shaw.

Guests can now enjoy all the muddy fun ATV touring entails less than 15 minutes from whitewater rafting, exceptional restaurants, and world-class attractions such as the New River Gorge Bridge and the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.

"The New River Gorge region is part of one of the best-known outdoor-recreation areas in all West Virginia, so it was the ideal place to open the service," says Shaw, who decided to open the touring service after an ATV tour near Denali National Park in Alaska.

"I was talking with the owner, and I thought to myself, 'Why in the world is this guy living my dream?' " Shaw said.

So he sold his consulting firm in Cleveland and returned to West Virginia, where he'd helped manage ATV tours for ACE Adventure Resort a decade ago.

"With all there is to do in the area, ATV tours were a perfect fit. Now you can spend a half day with us and the rest of the weekend rafting, climbing, hiking, fishing, or just relaxing," he said.

"We make all the arrangements, and you and your group can just let go and enjoy."

The four-hour excursions include half-hour orientations and helmets. Participants must be 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license.

For more information on the tours and scheduling, visit New River ATV Tours.