If you are a fan of recreational ATV riding, you have no doubt heard about the legendary Hatfield-McCoy trails in West Virginia. These massive ATV trails in West Virginia now encompass more than 1000 miles of trail, spread across six West Virginia counties.
The Hatfield-McCoy trail system is known as one of the best and most robust off-roading ATV trail systems in the entire world, and the system is constantly evolving and growing.
This huge trail system makes up the majority of ATV trails in West Virginia, and many of the trails connect ATV-friendly towns, campgrounds, and accommodations, making it possible to plan an epic off-roading vacation that your family will never forget.
Here’s a complete overview of the Hatfield-McCoy trails, as well as some ideas for lodging and camping near the Hatfield-McCoy system. We’ve also got a few suggestions for other ATV trails in West Virginia.
Where are the Hatfield-McCoy Trails Located?
This extensive trail system is located in southern West Virginia.
It is a joint project between many counties and municipalities and encompasses private and public land in the counties of Logan, Kanawha, Wyoming, McDowell, Mercer, Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, and Boone.
Do you have to wear a helmet on Hatfield-McCoy Trails?
Yes. Helmets are required on all Hatfield-McCoy Trails for both drivers and passengers.
How much does it cost to ride Hatfield McCoy trails?
Hatfield-McCoy Trails permits are required for both riders and passengers to ride trails. Permits must be displayed on users’ helmets at all times while they are riding the trails.
Annual permits are valid from purchase until December 31 of the current year.
The cost to ride on Hatfield-McCoy Trails is currently $26.50 for West Virginia residents and $50.00 for non-residents.
You can learn more about purchasing tickets, including where to purchase them, on the Trails Heaven website.
Can you rent ATVs for Hatfield and McCoy Trails?
The following companies offer ATV rentals for the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system.
What Types of Vehicles are Permitted on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails?
- ATVs – are permitted on all trails within the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
- UTVs (side-by-sides) – permitted on designated trails, including easiest, more difficult, and select most difficult trails. Follow trail signs and stay in designated areas.
- ORVs – only permitted on the Bearwallow trail system.
- Motorbikes – permitted on all trails.
- Dune buggies – only permitted on the Bearwallow trail system.
What is the Best Hatfield-McCoy Trail System?
You could spend months riding the Hatfield-McCoy trail system without riding a single trail twice.
The trickiest part about visiting these incredible ATV trails in West Virginia will be choosing with trails to adventure on and deciding which trail you think is the best Hatfield-McCoy Trail System.
Here’s an overview of the trail networks within the Hatfield-McCoy trail system to help you decide.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System
The Hatfield-McCoy trails are open every day of the year and provide exhilarating riding opportunities for every skill level.
The trails are so popular in West Virginia and around the world that they have been collectively nicknamed Trails Heaven. We couldn’t agree more!
With more than 1000 miles of ATV trail system to date, the Hatfield-McCoy trail system is by far the most extensive in the US. Trails crisscross the mountains, forests, and valleys in this rural and largely wild part of the state.
Because the Hatfield-McCoy trails are so massive, they have been further divided into eight distinct trail systems — Pinnacle Creek, Pocahontas, Bearwallow, Buffalo Mountain, Devil Anse, Rock House, Indian Ridge, and Warrior.
Below you will find an overview of each system, as well as a few suggestions for lodging and camping, but first, a few important details about the Hatfield-McCoy trails.
In December of 2018, it was announced that three connecting trails would be added to connect the Hatfield-McCoy trail system with the Spearhead trails in Virginia.
Bearwallow is the only trail system that is open to all types of off-road vehicles, including dune buggies and ORVs.
Established in 2000, it’s one of the original Hatfield-McCoy trails, and it’s well-known for its awesome single-track and incredibly difficult trails.
That’s not to say that they’re all difficult. Bearwallow’s 100 miles of trails are pretty equally divided between novice, intermediate and difficult trails.
There are two trailheads to Bearwallow. The first is located in Ethel, WV, and features a 2-acre parking lot, restrooms, permits, and merchandise.
The second Bearwallow trailhead is at the Country Roads Byway Visitor Center, where you’ll find a large parking area, as well as permits and merchandise.
Where to Stay: Chief Logan Lodge in Chief Logan State Park is the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the trails.
The lodge features an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness room, and trail permits are available at the front desk.
While offroading is not allowed within Chief Logan State Park, you will find 4,000 acres of hiking trails, a large campground, and a miniature golf course.
The historic Buffalo Mountain trail system opened in 2000 as one of the original Hatfield-McCoy trails and is well known for its great variety of single-track trails for dirt bikes.
The system connects to both the Devil Anse and Rockhouse trail networks, as well as the ATV-friendly towns of Delbarton, Matewan, and Williamson.
There are roughly 95 miles of trails available in the Buffalo Mountain trail network, perfect for thrilling adventures through deep woods.
The Buffalo Mountain trails are well-marked, and highlights included the burial ground of the Hatfields from the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud and numerous mountain views.
Where to stay: There are numerous lodging opportunities near the Buffalo Mountain trails.
For the easiest access, check out the Mountaineer Hotel, which is just ¼-mile from the trailhead (you can drive your ATV to the trailhead from the hotel). Hatfield-McCoy Trails permits can be purchased at the front desk.
The area surrounding the Devil Anse trail system is known for being the heart of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
It is a relatively new system, which opened to the public in 2016. The trail is named after William Anderson Hatfield, who was known far and wide as Devil Anse.
The trailhead is located in Matewan, WV, where you’ll find a large parking area, restrooms, trail information, and permits.
The trail system offers more than 50 miles of trails and combined with the Buffalo Mountain and Rockhouse trails, you’ve got more than 200 miles of serious off-roading.
Where to stay: For direct access to Devil Anse, check out the Blue Goose Inn, which is located in downtown Matewan, WV.
You’ll find upscale lodging at affordable prices, and the trails are just 200 yards away. The town allows riders on public roads, provided they have a trail permit, which is available at the front desk.
Located near Ashland, WV, the Indian Ridge trail system is one of the newest in the Hatfield-McCoy system and connects with the Pinnacle and Pocahontas trails to form a robust 200-mile system with a nice mix of trails for riders of all levels.
The Indian Ridge trailhead in Ashland includes a large parking area and a restroom, but is not staffed and does not sell permits. Most of the tracks within the Indian Ridge system are suitable for intermediate riders.
Where To Stay: Whether you’re looking for cottages, cabins, RV, or tent sites, Ashland Resort is the perfect destination for families.
This is the largest campground within the Hatfield-McCoy trail system and is known as the premier place to stay for ATV enthusiasts.
The Indian Ridge trail system passes through the campground, and you can buy gas and permits on-site.
The Pinnacle Creek trail system connects to both the Pocahontas and Indian Ridge trails and is located just outside of Pineville, West Virginia.
This system includes 60 miles of trails but combined with the other trail system, you’ll find more than 200 miles of offroading opportunities.
The Pinnacle Creek runs alongside the trail, with a few crossings along the way. It’s a particularly scenic trail system, with lots of rhododendrons alongside the trails and beautiful scenic vistas.
The trailhead in Pineville features a large staging area, a staffed office selling permits, and restrooms.
Where To Stay: There are several hotels and inns in Pineville that are very ATV-friendly, and the downtown area is about four miles from the trailhead.
Pinnacle ATV Lodging is very close to the trail, and you can access the network without having to trailer your ATV.
Cabins feature full kitchens, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, firepits, and an outdoor picnic table, and permits are available on-site.
The Pocahontas trail system links the Pinnacle Creek and Indian Ridge ATV trail systems and is the most eastern of the trails within the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
The Pocahontas trailhead is located in the historic town of Bramwell, which is known for its millionaire homes that were built in the early 20th century.
The Pocahontas trailhead is not staffed, but you can buy permits and nearby local businesses.
The Pocahontas trail system provides 50 miles of trails, most of which are suitable for novice and intermediate riders.
Together with the Indian Ridge and Pinnacle Creek trails, this system makes up the largest system of ATV trails east of the Mississippi River.
Where To Stay: Trailhead ATV Resort offers cabin and cottage rentals, as well as RV and tent sites, as well as a fleet of Polaris RZRs that are available for rent.
The resort is located in Bluefield, Virginia, and provides access to both the Spearhead trail system and the Hatfield-McCoy trails.
With more than 100 miles of trails, Rockhouse is the largest ATV trail system in the Hatfield-McCoy trail network.
It is also one of the original trail systems and a favorite among locals and tourists.
It is well known for its extreme off-roading experience, providing hairpin turns and plenty of rocks for good measure.
The Rockhouse trails connect to both the Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain trail networks to form a system of 200+ miles of wooded trails.
Rockhouse trails provide direct access to the ATV-friendly towns of Gilbert and Man, West Virginia, where you’ll find every manner of amenities, including gas, eateries, souvenirs, and lodging. Gilbert hosts the National Trailfest each year in October where you’ll find multi-day riding events, music, and family-friendly fun.
Where To Stay: There are numerous lodging options in both Gilbert and Man. For easy access to the Gilbert connector trail, Rockhouse Trails, and Devil Anse, check out the Devil Anse Trailhouse.
They are located right downtown — within walking distance of several restaurants, and they have several different types of lodging, from cabins and cottages to single rooms.
The Trailhouse is pet-friendly, and trail permits are available on-site. If camping is more your style, check out Twin Hollow Campground & Cabins, which provide direct access to Rockhouse, Devil Anse, and Buffalo Mountain.
The Warrior trail system has 65 miles of wooded trails located between the southern West Virginia towns of War and Gary.
This brand new trail network opened in August of 2018 and features mostly novice trails with spectacular views.
There is a fully-staffed trailhead in War, with a 2-acre parking area and restrooms.
Where To Stay: Eva’s House Bed and Breakfast is located in Gary, WV, and provides direct access to the Warrior trail system
Eva’s is pet-friendly and has several room configurations for small or large families or groups.
More ATV Trails in West Virginia
While the Hatfield-McCoy trails are certainly the biggest and most well-known trail system in West Virginia, there are a few more trails worth visiting for offroad adventures.
The following list includes privately-owned trails and ATV parks in WV.
- Burning Rock Offroad Park – More than 100 miles of trails through 8,000 acres of forest in Tam, WV. The trails are very well maintained, and camping is permitted.
- King Knob Motorsports Park – Open on select weekends throughout the summer, this ATV park in Philippi, WV, boasts more than 200 miles of trails crisscrossing 1,300 acres.
- Mountwood ATV Trails – 23 miles of marked trails and a full-service campground in Waverly, WV.
- Good Evening Ranch – Located in Canvas, WV, Good Evening Ranch welcomes all vehicle types to ride on their 500 acres of forested trails with rolling hills. Amenities include a campground, restaurant, bar, cabins, and a horse stable.
West Virginia is an epic outdoor playground for the offroading enthusiast.
If you’re looking for exhilarating trails, breathtaking scenery, and southern hospitality, you won’t want to miss riding the Hatfield-McCoy trails in West Virginia.
Fun ATV Riding Clothes
While protective gear is essential on the trail, it’s ok to look cute and share your wilder riding side with the world. I’m a big fan of ball caps and love this adorable “ATV hair, Don’t Care” hat from Sew Vivid Design on Etsy. Be sure to Check out all this cute ATV apparel.
Download This FREE ATV Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist!
Recommended ATV Riding Resources
- Top ATV Trails Near Me in the Southeast
- Must-Have ATV Accessories
- ATV Riding Clothes– Everything you need to get started
- ATV Trails Near Me Facebook Group
More Recommended Resources
If you’re looking for more trails to go off-roading, you should check out these ATV trails in Virginia that you need to ride!
Also, since the weather is getting cooler, you might be interested in checking out this list from PhotoJeepers on the best fall hikes at US National Parks. But before you do that, be sure you have the best hiking shoes for your hike!
Kathy@DavesTravelCorner
Tuesday 26th of March 2019
ATVing on the Hatfield-McCoy trails looks awesome. Worth a trip out there this summer.