A cyclocross bike would be great for you, IMO. You are used to road bike geometry and handling, so the switch to a 'cross bike will be very natural for you. Cross bikes are great for many different things - they're fast on roads, comfortable on dirt/trails, handle well on singletrack, are dependable in the rain, and really comfortable to ride. I use my Surly Steamroller, set up as a single speed crosser, for everything from 40+ dirt road rides, to single-track mountain biking, to commuting, to cross racing.