September 11th, 2025 by Seward Folly Staff

Seward has a new addition to its adventure scene and its community. Cynthia and Shawn “Porkchop” George, originally from Tennessee, are the owners of ATV Seward Tours and have just made Seward their year-round home. After a quick visit a few years ago, the Georges fell in love with the area, deciding to leave behind their busy ATV business in St. Croix for a quieter, more meaningful life in Alaska. Now, they’re bringing their family, experience, and a deep respect for the outdoors to Seward’s historic Iditarod Trail. 

ATV tours on the Iditarod Trail might raise eyebrows for some, but the Georges have gone out of their way to do things right. From the start, they worked closely with the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers, the local group responsible for maintaining and protecting the trail. Cynthia and Porkchop limit the number of vehicles on each trip, keep speeds below eight miles per hour, and make frequent stops for sightseeing.

“The biggest thing for us is to keep the number of machines small, so people can enjoy the trail. We don’t want a cattle run of twenty machines. We go slow to see everything,” says Porkchop.

They are looking forward to working with the Seward Nordic Ski Club this winter to help maintain the trail for winter use.

Education is a big part of the experience. During stops, Porkchop shares stories about the trail’s history and its role in the gold rush, its importance as a mail and supply route, and its connection to the famed serum run. Every fact is grounded in research and advice from the Trail Blazers. The Georges are quick to credit the group for their help and guidance, and they give back: for every tour booked, $2 is donated to the Trail Blazers.

Conservation is more than a talking point.

“We are not here to destroy the trail, and we take it very seriously to maintain the area. The campers and crackheads are now gone. There is less dumping and garbage. We are promoting Seward as a destination with so many options for recreation,” Porkchop says.

The Georges are the only commercial outfit permitted on the southern portion of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, and they feel the weight of that responsibility. They’ve removed trash, discouraged illegal camping, repaired muddy spots that could otherwise turn into ruts, and cut back the many alders continually growing along the trail.

Since launching on Memorial Day, ATV Seward Tours has seen steady business, with riders ranging from five to eighty-six years old. The rain, which might spell disaster for some tour companies, only adds to the sense of adventure, according to Cynthia.

“We ask people to dress as if they were kayaking,” she laughs.

Their clientele is a mix of locals and visitors from around the world, some of whom stumble upon the tours when poor weather cancels their fishing trips.

For now, the Georges are content to keep things small and personal. Construction is in process for a new shop on Nash Road, where they will rent a space. They plan to add a museum-style area dedicated to the history of the Iditarod Trail, thanks to materials from the Trail Blazers. Expansion isn’t off the table, but the couple seems happy with their current pace.

“It’s so great to see people light up as they go through the old-growth forest. The Spirit of Alaska runs through here,” says Porkchop.

For more information or to book a tour, visit atvseward.com, call (907) 422-7599, or email ATVSeward@gmail.com.