Discover one of the world’s largest off-roading trail systems

If you want the best off-road terrain, the Mountain State’s rolling hills harbor one of the nation’s largest trail systems.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System forms a sprawling tangle of well-maintained mountain trails for ATV, UTV and other recreational riding. The wild terrain creates a natural obstacle course, with rides for all levels winding through each system all over Mercer, Logan, Kanawha, Wyoming, NcDowell, Mercer, Wayne Lincoln, Mingo and Boone counties. 

The system is one of the largest in the country with more than 700 miles of trail, separated into distinct regions (some interlocking). Here’s what to explore on each ride:

1. Rockhouse

Trailhead in: Man, WV

For a riding getaway, Rockhouse offers the widest selection of places to stay as well as the longest total trail mileage to explore. With a great mix of beginner and intermediate trails, it’s great for every rider, or to start simple and work up your skill level. You can enjoy some amazing scenic surprises like a waterfall, and fun obstacles along the trails to make the ride more exciting.

2. Bearwallow

Trailhead in: Logan, WV

Bearwallow’s most notable rides are not for beginners. Though there are a few easy runs, this system shines for its intermediate and challenging trails. The true mountain terrain is littered with rough, rocky riding and hairpin turns— a thrill for riders looking for a challenge.

3. Buffalo Mountain

Trailhead in: Williamson, WV

The most historic system along the Hatfield-McCoy rides, Buffalo Mountain offers amazing views of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud and Matewan Massacre sights. With a fairly even spread of beginner to challenging trails and 3 ATV-friendly towns along the trailheads, Buffalo Mountain offers a great mountain rider retreat.

4. Indian Ridge

Trailhead in: Ashland, WV

This remote, heavily forested section of trails is perfect for beginner or intermediate riders, looking for a scenic adventure. Right at the trailhead, you’ll find Ashland Resort, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System’s largest campground, with a range of lodging options and amenities.

5. Pinnacle Creek

Trailhead in: Pineville, WV

Enjoy a full adventure immersion at Pinnacle Creek, tucked into the mountains right beside world-renowned skiing and whitewater rafting. This stunningly scenic trail system neighbors Twin Falls State Park, known for its majestic waterfalls and jaw-dropping scenery.

6. Pocahontas

Trailhead in: Bramwell, WV

With trails that get a little more challenging, the Pocahontas system is perfect for riders looking to advance their skills. After your ride, explore Millionaire Row in the historic town of Bramwell, which was once home to the most millionaires per capita in the country.

The Hatfield-McCoy trails are open 365 days a year, so don’t let a little nippy weather stop you from embarking on your wild and wonderful off-road adventure. Trail conditions can vary widely in the winter, making each ride unlike the one before. On any given day you might encounter frozen ground, a foot of snow, or oodles of magnificent, messy mud. Plus, the woods after a new-fallen snow are especially beautiful, and you can find great deals on lodging during the winter. So bundle up and enjoy your ride! And at the end of the day, stop in one of southern West Virginia’s friendly trail towns to warm up and grab a bite to eat.

7. Devil Anse

Trailhead in: Matewan

This trail system links up with two other Hatfield-McCoy Trails: Rockhouse and Buffalo Mountain! That means it totals more than 300 miles. This system has direct access to gas, food and lodging. The trailhead is located in Matewan, which is known for being the heart of the Hatfield and McCoy feud.

Have your helmet? Get a trail permit. Then start your off-roading adventure!

8. Warrior

Trailhead in: Welch

This trail system also accesses the ATV-friendly City of Gary, and it offers numerous scenic views with direct access to gas, food and lodging.

Which trail will you ride?

This post was last updated on March 1, 2022