This place can be Flatnasty

It's the variety of trails -- those for the novice and those for the more experienced -- and the scenic trails that make it popular.

"There is a 45-foot waterfall trail, the all-day sucker, which takes about all day to complete," Sheila Maximoff said. "We have the White Knuckle trail which is nationally recognized by BF Goodrich with the BF Goodrich Outstanding Trail award."

There are trails for rock crawlers, 4 by 4s, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs and amphibians. There are more than 25 trails, a five-mile Hilly & Gully Course and a 1.3 mile off-road race course.

"Every trail has a challenge, with some more extreme than the others," Sheila Maximoff said.

There were close to 350 people in the park on the opening weekend, and the numbers continue to hold steady. The park is open year around, and clubs throughout the state, such as the West Plains Ozark Mountain Club, hold events throughout the year.

"We have people from all over the country, but the main group of people is from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas and other Midwestern states," Sheila Maximoff said.

The park is an economic benefit to nearby towns and businesses, Sheila said, with close to 5,000 people a year coming through. Most of them spend two to three days in the area.

Those visiting the park are encouraged to use the many trails and to take advantage of what else is offered in the area. For example, Jadwin Canoe Rental picks up guests for float trips, and use of nearby Montauk State Park and its clear waters and trout fishing are promoted.

"This was our vision when we first started," Sheila Maximoff said. "We are in the mecca of the outdoor recreation."

Primitive camping is available, but there is also a two-bedroom, fully furnished cabin on site.

For Ron and Sheila Maximoff, owning Flatnasty is a dream come true.

For years Ron Maximof, a retired combat, commercial and aerobatic pilot, competed professionally in off road competitions all over the country. In 2004 he qualified for the Super Crawl in St. James, Utah. He also served on his son's motocross team.

"Someday we knew we would like to settle down and have our own off-road parks," Sheila Maximoff said.

Then in 2005, their dream came true. They were traveling though the Ozarks and thought this would be a great place for an off-road park.

Sheila said she would never forget how they advertised their need to purchase a large amount of land.

"We advertised for the nastiest piece of land. If it had no value to you then it's exactly what we're looking for," she said.

They had 20 replies and decided to buy 850 acres of rugged forestland in the Ozarks on Rt. ZZ near Jadwin. The two couldn't have been happier.

The property is surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and Montauk State Park.

"The trails look very natural, they are steep, extremely rocky and the hill climbs often include rocky ledges," Sheila Maximoff said.

For more information call 729-6668 or 548-1112 or email Flatnastyoffroad@yahoo.com