Hatfield~ McCoy Trail System
September 14, 2012Is your idea of fun riding an ATV or dirt bike? Or maybe you want to give it a try on your next vacation? If so, then a trip to southern WV should be in your future. The Hatfield~McCoy Trail System offers riders the best terrain in the East, and it only continues to get better.
What Is It All About?
The Hatfield~McCoy Trail System project was developed by the WV Legislature in 1996 to provide trail based recreation
opportunities in 9 southern counties. The first trails were opened in 2000, and 300 miles of riding was available to users. There are 6 trail systems within the system, which will eventually encompass 9 counties and contain 2,000 miles of trails.
Here’s a bit more about each system:
• Bearwallow Trail System – Located near Logan. Contains 67 miles of trails.
• Buffalo Mountain Trail System – Located between Williamson, Delbarton, and Matewan. Contains 102 miles of trails.
• Indian Ridge Trail System – Located near Ashland, WV. Contains 63 miles of trails.
• Little Coal River Trail System – Located near Danville and Madison. Contains 55 miles of trails.
• Pinnacle Creek Trail System – Located near Pineville. Contains 80 miles of trails.
• Rockhouse Trail System – Located between Man and Gilbert. Contains 90 miles of trails
• Pocahontas Trail System– The newest trail system, located near Bramwell. Contains 57 miles of trails.
Where Can I Ride?
When the Hatfield~McCoy System is complete, it will run through 9 southern West Virginia counties: Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, Logan, Boone, Kanawha, Wyoming, McDowell and Mercer. These counties are in the heart of the southern coalfields of West Virginia and much of the trail system lies on old coal mining land.
Today, trail heads can be accessed near many small communities in these counties. This makes it easy for riders to get gas, food, and to find places to stay while enjoying the Hatfield~McCoy Trail system.
Why You Should Go
Whether you like to ride ATVs , UTVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, horses, or you just like to hike, these trails provide plenty of fun for all. They were developed to accommodate all types of riders and safety is always first.
The Hatfield~McCoy Trail System interacts with many of the local communities to promote cultural resources. The Shawnee Living History Trail, Coal Heritage Trail, Chief Logan Civil War and Indian Museum, and Hatfield Cemetery are all within close proximity to the trail. You should make plans to stop by one (or all) of these attractions.
The Hatfield~McCoy Trail system really does have it all. Come and check out some of the nation’s best trails right here in southern West Virginia.