Driving in a winter wonderland … on an ATV!

The best off-road trails in America are open, right here in Southern West Virginia!

Most of Southern West Virginia is forest — a postcard opportunity if we’ve ever heard one, especially during winter. Take to the horizon on an ATV, and fill your day with stunning scenery, history and quirky destinations! Playtime is now in season.

Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park

With 10,000 acres at its disposal, you can bet this off-road attraction has a winter wonderland waiting for

you.

For starters, Burning Rock’s trails — more than 100 miles of them — cater to riders of all levels. You can try “Tam’s Loop” if you’re inexperienced or take things up a notch with steeper climbs. Regardless, you’ll get treated to valley vistas, scenic overlooks, and thick forests.

In case you need another excuse to visit, check this out: Burning Rock has a Valentine’s Special from Feb. 1-

14. Cabin rentals are just $99 per night and you won’t have to pay any passenger fees, either.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Meet the East Coast’s largest, most extensive off-road system.

Spanning multiple counties and covering more than 600 miles of paths, Hatfield-McCoy Trails has more

wonderland than you could visit in a day. That’s not a bad thing, either. In fact, it means snowy Southern West Virginia is yours for the weekend!

Since there’s so much ground to cover, pick a trailhead that appeals to you. Most have nearby convenience stores, gas stations, lodges, and hotels. Others have historical interest, like the Pocahontas Trail System in Bramwell. It’s minutes from decadent coal baron estates. Under a coat of snow, this Victorian town is enchanting.

For something a little more challenging, take the Bearwallow Trail System. One of the routes takes you close to the Battle of Blair Mountain, where miners revolted in 1921. As snow falls and the woods get silent, it’s tempting to believe you’ve left modern times.

Trailside trips

Nothing spurs your appetite like brisk mountain air. Fortunately, Southern West Virginia has all the fuel you need.

Buffalo Trail Cabins, Cottages and Campground is less than 4 miles from the Pocahontas Trail System. It’s also where buffalo really roam— just check out the pastures! Arrive for a casual dinner from 4-9 p.m., Thurs-Sat; the menu boasts upscale appetizers, pizza … and bison burgers!

As Buffalo Trail’s name suggests, you can spend the night, too. The modern cabins have kitchenettes, full baths, wifi and TV.

And if you’ve never been to Bramwell, stop by after a morning ATV ride. It’s a Victorian gem with charming streets, shops and — best of all — 19th-century mansions. In fact, more millionaires lived here during the coal boom than anywhere else in America.

Another Bramwell highlight is The Corner Shop, an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor. Waiters in pillbox hats make ice cream on the premises, so it’s worth getting a scoop or 2. Flavors include coffee, strawberry, cookies n’ cream, and butter pecan. You can also order sundaes, banana splits, malts and milkshakes, plus burgers and sandwiches.

What’s your favorite ATV destination in Southern West Virginia?