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The Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trail system is regarded as one of the premier off-road trail systems in West Virginia, offering over 1,000 miles of interconnected trails for beginners, families, and expert riders. This guide breaks down the trails based on skill level and experience. Everyone, from first-time riders to seasoned adventurers logging their thousandth mile, will find something at Hatfield-McCoy.
Built in the early 2000s by the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority, this network of trails transformed this area of West Virginia, connecting rural towns, boosting the economy, and providing recreational use to tourists and residents alike.
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- Beginners: Pinnacle Creek Trail System
- Intermediate: Buffalo Mountain Trail System
- Experts: Rockhouse Trail System
- Long-distance: Indian Ridge Trail System
- Variety: Pocahontas Trail System
- History: Devil Anse Trail System
- Families: Bearwallow Trail System
What is the best ATV trail for beginners?
Pinnacle Creek Trail System
The best trail system for beginners is Pinnacle Creek. These trails have a high percentage of green (beginner) trails, wide open terrain, and minimal obstacles. It’s great for those of you just starting to dip your toes into ATVing and looking for a more relaxing, scenic ride.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 60+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Pineville, Mullens
This trail system takes you through two towns, including Pineville and Mullens. In Pineville, make sure you stop at the Metro Diner or Tudor’s Biscuit World for a bite to eat. For souvenirs, stop at the antique shop called Christy’s on Main. Nearby Mullens also offers a local favorite called The Rusted Musket.
What is the best ATV trail for intermediate riders?
Buffalo Mountain Trail System
The Buffalo Mountain Trail System is the best choice for intermediate riders because nearly half of its trails are rated blue (intermediate). You’ll also find a mix of windy, rocky terrain that are more challenging than that found in Pinnacle Creek. This is where you’ll ride through wooded, remote terrain and towns like Matewan, Delbarton, and Williamson.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 100+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Matewan, Delbarton, and Williamson
While in town, check out points of interest in Delbarton, including a local favorite, Maria’s Drive In, or accommodations like the Billy Goat Mountain Village in Williamson.
What is the best ATV trail for expert riders?
Rockhouse Trail System
Expert riders will love the Rockhouse Trail System. As one of the original Hatfield-McCoy trails, the Rockhouse Trail System offers advanced riders technical, steep terrain, rocky paths, and fun obstacles. While you’re on your expert-level adventure, you can stop for lunch in either Man or Gilbert. Riding around Rockhouse makes connecting to other trails, like Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain, easier.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Expert/Advanced
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 100+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Man, Gilbert
Ride your ATV right up to local favorites in Gilbert, including dining at Las Brasas or staying at the Bear Den Lodge.
What is the best ATV trail for long-distance riding?
Indian Ridge Trail System
For long-distance off-trail riding, use the Indian Ridge Trail System. The Indian Ridge Trail System acts as the central hub for all of the trails in the Hatfield-McCoy area. Though the Indian Ridge Trail System itself takes only a few hours to complete, its central location gives riders the best chance of connecting to other trails. This is where you can connect to the Pocahontas and Pinnacle Creek Trail systems.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Mixed
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 400+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Norfolk, Bramwell
Norfolk and Bramwell both offer several options for food and lodging. In Bramwell, which flanks Pinnacle Rock State Park, check out Casa Familia or Cooper House, a historical landmark.
What is the best ATV trail for variety?
Pocahontas Trail System
For the best variety, head to the Pocahontas Trail System. Also known as the “Southern Gateway”, the Pocahontas Trail System offers a ton of mixed-level terrain that will bring you to ATV-friendly towns. It links up several other trail systems, including Warrior, Pinnacle Creek, and Indian Ridge.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Mixed
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 40+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Montcalm, Bramwell
To explore the rich mining heritage in Montcalm, make a stop at the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum during your off-road adventure.
What is the best ATV trail for historical landmarks?
Devil Anse Trail System
The Devil Anse Trail System is the most historically significant, thanks to its proximity to the sites of famous mine-war battles. It’s known as the epicenter of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy Feud, which pitted two American families against each other in the 1800s. The Devil Anse will also take you past a historical cemetery, linking up other trail systems, including Buffalo and Rockhouse.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 300+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Matewan
In Matewan, make a pitstop to explore the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum or tour the Matewan Massacre marker.
What is the best ATV trail for families?
Bearwallow Trail System
The best ATV trail for families is the Bearwallow Trail System, thanks to its scenic views, beginner trails, and mountain vistas. It also provides direct access to amenities such as gas, restaurants, and lodging.
Key Details:
- Difficulty: Mixed
- Permits: Required
- Trail Length: 300+ miles
- Nearby Towns: Logan and Ethel
In Logan, you can take a break from riding and explore Chief Logan State Park, or listen to live music at the Coalfield Jamboree.
Trail Difficulty Ratings
Similar to other adventure sports, ATV trails are rated by color. Green is for beginners, blue is for intermediates, and black is for experts.
Key Details:
- Beginners (green): wide, smooth gravel trails, minimal climbs, minimal obstacles
- Intermediate (blue): uneven, windy trails, moderate climbs, moderate obstacles
- Advanced (black): steep, windy trails, deep mud, and rugged obstacles
Plan Your Trip
Getting There
To reach the trail systems at Hatfield-McCoy, you’ll either fly or drive to West Virginia. The nearest airport is West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV, a 1.5-hour drive from Hatfield-McCoy.
What to Bring
You’ll need to bring all appropriate gear, tools, and Hatfield-McCoy offline trail maps for every trail, no matter what your skill level. While you’re out in the trails, you might not have cell phone service. The TrailIntel app helps you customize your adventure with offline maps, points of interest, and photos.
Where to Stay
There are several ATV-friendly campgrounds and hotels in the Hatfield-McCoy area. It’s recommended to stay at a campground that offers direct access to the trails you’re looking to ride. For example, Ashland Campground offers 1,600 acres of cottages and lodges, and great access to Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, and Pocahontas. The Devil’s Backbone Adventure Resort sits right on the Devil's Anse trail system.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
It’s important to prepare properly if you are a first-time visitor to the Hatfield McCoy trail system, or if you’re a beginner to riding ATVs on trails. Make sure you always ride within your skill level and do not attempt to do a harder trail than you’re prepared for. Avoid common mistakes, including riding without proper gear or an off-road navigation app, riding too fast for your skill level, and improper body position, which could cause a rollover.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
The Hatfield-McCoy trails operate on more than 250,000 acres of privately owned land in previously mined and logged areas. These trails are reimagining and repurposing the land, since many mining operations in the 1800s caused topsoil loss and depleted nutrients, making reforestation extremely difficult. The state continuously works to manage soil erosion and water quality and to balance tourism and recreation with conservation.
Conclusion
The massive scale of Hatfield-McCoy alone makes it one of the most unique trail systems in the United States. Simply put, this area is a prime example of modern-day outdoor recreation development: it started small and quickly grew in popularity and size while still maintaining its environmental impact. With rugged terrain to wide-open stretches and tough obstacles, these trails offer hundreds of miles of adventure. Thanks to these trails, riders can visit historic coalfields dating back to the 1800s, former mining communities, and local restaurants that once flew under the radar, but now offer proper southern hospitality in a small-town atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ATV trails in West Virginia?
The Pocahontas Trail System in Hatfield-McCoy offers the best variety of ATV trails. The Rockhouse Trail System is the best for advanced and technical riding.
Where can I find rentals?
You’ll find rentals in specific towns, including Gilbert, Bluefield, and Delbarton in the Hatfield-McCoy area.
Is a permit required to ride ATVs in West Virginia?
Yes, trails at Hatfield-McCoy require a permit. These can easily be purchased online or at local vendors like rental shops. Permits cost $26.50 for residents and $50 for non-residents.
When is the best time to go ATV riding in West Virginia?
The best time is spring through fall (April–October), when trails are open, and weather conditions are safest.
Do you need insurance to ride an ATV in West Virginia?
No, insurance is not required to ride the trails in Hatfield-McCoy. However, having personal insurance is always a good way to play it safe in the worst-case scenario.
Are helmets required on WV trails?
Yes, helmets are required on all West Virginia ATV trails. Helmets need to be SNELL or DOT-approved.
Can beginners ride on Hatfield-McCoy Trails?
Yes, beginners can ride on the Pinnacle Creek Trail system, which has a high percentage of beginner-rated (green) trails.
