That was around 1988, the year the Consumer Product Safety Commission sounded the death-knell for three-wheel production in the United States. It seemed my dreams of whizzing through dense woods without a helmet or driver's license would suffer a similar fate.

When a window closes, they say, a door opens.

As production trikes were phased out or scrapped for parts, a better product took their place. Equipped with a fourth wheel (who knew?!) and numerous safety features, these machines were far less dangerous. A shift to a four-stroke engine made them quieter and more efficient, too.

Eventually, what arose was a much more practical vehicle for a novice to ride in the woods. These are what you'll find at Hocking Hills Nature Trails, a new full-service ATV operation and the region's latest spin on outdoor adventure.

"We've had grannies in here with their bucket lists. We've had birthdays, weddings, anniversaries," owner Karry Gemmell said last week from his Logan headquarters. "When you come out of here, you come away with skills to ride and knowledge of safety."

Most can't afford to buy and maintain their own ATV, and off-road trails open to motorized vehicles aren't common in Ohio. To the rescue come Gemmell and a fleet of safe, comfortable four-wheelers built to accommodate even those who grew up in fear of them.

Years ago, Gemmell worked as a guide in the Canadian outback. Now he's exploring a new frontier and trying to rid the sport of its noisy, reckless, inconsiderate reputation.

Designed for those who have never ridden, a day at Hocking Hills Nature Trails starts with hands-on safety orientation. Instructors cover brakes, ignition, throttle and other mechanical features, then ask you to maneuver slowly through a few novice twists, turns, banks and stops.

I learned how to shift my weight through turns, stand up for bumpier rides and navigate ups and downs. I was a bit jumpy on the throttle and reluctant to trust the machine - which can easily run through thigh-deep water and climb hills of loose gravel.

Before long, you'll feel one with the trail - the way you can drive a car and still enjoy the countryside.

"Everyone rides at their own pace," instructor Doug Morris said. "That's what makes it adventurous."

Single-seat ATV rental costs $70 for the first hour and $60 for additional hours. The clock gets ticking only once a rider gets the hang of things, Morris said.

The main park includes a network of trails through familiar southeastern Ohio landscape: gradual hills, rock formations, tall trees, scrubby underbrush and great views. Riders can also tool through an open field with a hay-bale slalom course and deep mud pit.

Each section is coded like a ski resort: green (easy), blue (intermediate) and black (expert). Beginner trails are relatively flat and gentle, while harder ones offer steep sections and banked curves.

If you're looking for more action, Gemmell opened another 150-acre park this month. He's also the only outfitter authorized to put riders into Wayne National Forest, the state's ATV mecca and home to 121 miles of trails.

Motorized access to Wayne ends Dec. 15, though Gemmell's parks remain open all year.

"This is a real hub down here for ATVs," he said before giving his quad some gas and running the slalom. "People are looking for season passes."