West Virginia Off-Roading Adventures | Men’s Journal

This posting was made in partnership with West Virginia Division of Tourism.

The wild and rugged landscapes of West Virginia have extended served as a playground for final thrill-seekers of just about every wide range. From its rolling hills and rushing rapids to its pristine lakes and rambling forests, it’s no speculate this location is known as “Almost Heaven.” There is no denying the Mountain State is a dream vacation spot for anyone pursuing a full-throttle getaway—but a person of its most epic adventures is also a person of its very best-held tricks.

Not many vacationers notice it, but West Virginia is an unbelievable ATV and off-roading vacation spot. The mountainous terrain creates excellent situations for endless backcountry escapades and a person-of-a-type excursions. But the true jewel is the famous Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program, a person of the premier off-highway auto programs in the environment.

1,000+ miles to examine

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program is composed of 10 distinct trailheads that encompass a lot more than 1,000 miles really worth of environment-course trails. Some even interlock, creating hundreds of miles of uninterrupted routes. The trails zigzag by means of stunning mountain landscapes, loaded with thrilling elevation alterations, remarkable twists and turns, and jaw-dropping overlooks at just about every convert. It’s all undeniably impressive, but not just due to the fact of the network’s impressive measurement. The way the trails are marked, managed, and maintained make them a true work of natural art. Currently, they’re revered as the blueprint and benchmark for other trail programs. And it’s also a person of the very best means to examine West Virginia’s uncooked attractiveness and historic heritage.

Wanting to know exactly where the identify arrives from? The moniker was derived from the renowned feuding involving the Hatfield and McCoy people, which unfolded across West Virginia subsequent the Civil War. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program officially launched in October 2000, with 300 miles of trails, and has expanded a number of periods considering the fact that its inception.

So, if you’re wanting for an autumnal escape with some horsepower, glance no even more than West Virginia. This off-road paradise is packed with spellbinding sites and coronary heart-racing routes for riders of just about every talent stage.

 

10 Trails in Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program You Want to Know

1. Bearwallow

Opened in 2000, Bearwallow holds the honor of staying a person of the authentic 3 programs of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. And it’s however as common as ever, thanks to its abundance of one-monitor trails. Bearwallow accommodates adventurers of all encounter levels and offers a mix of easy using and a lot more hard trails. It’s also the only trail open to ORVs in addition to ATVs, UTVs, and off-road motorbikes, so it routinely attracts a numerous established.

two. Buffalo Mountain

The most historic of the bunch is Buffalo Mountain, with its trails crossing by means of a number of sites exactly where the environment-renowned Hatfield and McCoy feuds took location. It also features a bevy of one-monitor trails, luring dirt biking daredevils all calendar year extended. The procedure conveniently connects to 3 ATV-helpful cities in West Virginia: Matewan, Williamson, and Delbarton. From Buffalo Mountain, riders can also examine interconnected trails like Devil Anse and Rockhouse—so the choices are endless.

three. Devil Anse

Devil Anse back links up with Rockhouse and Buffalo Mountain, making it easy to explore a lot more than 300 miles of using possible. The majority of these trails skew on the a lot more hard facet, but it’s properly really worth the obstacle. With immediate access to gas, foods, and right away accommodations, Devil Anse is a stable starting up place for any extended-haul off-road adventure.

4. Rockhouse

An additional a person of the 3 authentic Hatfield-McCoy trails, Rockhouse essentially offers the premier one trail procedure, with a lot more than 100 miles in total. Rockhouse is not the very best for newbies and tends to draw the most intense riders in lookup of a coronary heart-pounding encounter. In addition, it offers immediate access into the cities of Male and Gilbert, the two known for their warm perception of Southern hospitality.

five. Indian Ridge

In the market for a multi-working day expedition? Then contemplate wanting into Indian Ridge. It happens to be a person of the premier constant spots of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program network, connecting with the Pocahontas, Pinnacle Creek, and Warrior trails. Found in McDowell County around the town of Ashland, this procedure offers a wide range of trail forms and is excellent for all problem levels.

six. Pinnacle Creek

Identified for its jaw-dropping scenery and scenic outlooks, Pinnacle Creek is image-excellent in the tumble. It’s linked with 3 other programs (Indian Ridge, Pocahontas, and Warrior), so it’s excellent for prolonged off-road escapes. Pinnacle Creek is also in just an hour’s travel from other environment-course West Virginia adventures like climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing throughout the winter season months.

7. Pocahontas

Pocahontas is a different perennial favored. The trailhead can be tracked down in Coaldale, and architecture geeks flock to nearby Bramwell to witness the charming town’s assortment of grand Victorian mansions dating back again to the twentieth century. This solution tends to provide tougher trails, but there is also a fair share of a lot easier using chances.

eight. Warrior

The aptly named Warrior trail procedure originates in the metropolis of War—the southernmost metropolis in West Virginia. Mixed with the 3 previous trails, it (together with Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, and Pocahontas) creates the most comprehensive constant trail procedure east of the Mississippi. Jam-packed with scenic sights, Warrior also accesses the ATV-concentrated metropolis of Gary.

nine. Cabwaylingo

This recently minted Cabwaylingo trail opened to riders in March 2021 and marks the first in Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program to be situated in just a condition forest. Cabwaylingo State Forest sprawls more than about eight,300 acres in southern West Virginia. The identify is a blend of the 4 closest surrounding counties: Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, and Mingo. Right here, riders can examine virtually 100 miles of pristine trails.

10. Ivy Branch

Found just twenty minutes from West Virginia’s capitol metropolis of Charleston, Ivy Branch is a different newcomer to the trail procedure. Its stable blend of tough trails offers a true perception of adventure for riders of full-sized, off-road motor vehicles like Jeeps and land cruisers together with ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.

What to Know Just before You Go

It all appears very epic, ideal? Very well, prior to you pack up your baggage and head off on your off-road quest, there are a few a lot more matters to hold in head. You can obtain the full checklist of principles and restrictions online, but right here are some starter strategies and tips that’ll assist make your vacation a entire great deal a lot more pleasant.

Pack Your Protecting Gear

When it arrives to any daring pursuit, security often arrives first. Those hoping to hit the trails will have to wear a DOT- or Snell-accredited helmet, together with appropriate eye safety. It also allows to bring together water resistant outfits, more than-the-ankle footwear, gloves, and loads of drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

Do not Neglect Your Allow

Consumer permits are needed for all motorists and passengers on the trails. You can order a seasonal consumer allow online ($50 for non-inhabitants), or in-individual at choose trailheads, at the Hatfield-McCoy Trails Welcome Middle, and at a lot more than 100 authorized retail places through West Virginia. Verify the Trails Heaven internet site for all the particulars.

Regard the Age Boundaries

Any operator or passenger younger than 16 will have to be under the immediate supervision (and in just eyesight) of their guardian or guardian at all periods while on the trails. No children younger than six many years old are allowed on the trails.

Adhere to the Procedures

Certain, it can be exciting to obstacle the principles at times, but not on the trails. Obey all indicators, gates, boundaries, and hold to the marked trails (they’re only open throughout daylight hours). You will also be anticipated to stay away from littering and lights fires, and you should really leave your glass containers at household.

Often Work Responsibly

There is a great deal of liberty on the trails, but really do not break that believe in. Riders are anticipated to run at realistic speeds and keep on being in manage of their auto at all periods. And be guaranteed to hold your eyes peeled for oncoming visitors, in particular when it arrives to blind curves and hills. No alcohol can be eaten or possessed by anyone accessing the trails. It goes without the need of expressing, but really do not drink and drive—you’ll only develop a risky surroundings for oneself, your passengers, and other riders.

Seize a Trail Map

No subject how great you are with instructions, we suggest buying up a trail map when you snag your allow. You can also obtain maps stashed at the trailheads. All the trails are properly-maintained and evidently marked, but you are going to want to have a map on-hand, just in circumstance. You can also obtain electronic trail maps, if you prefer.

Journey into Town

Although it’s tempting to stick to the trails all working day extended, you’d be dishonest oneself if you really do not acquire some time to examine the surrounding cities. Basically all the cities about the trail procedure are historic, so be guaranteed to carve out some time to look at out the neighborhood sites, grab some foods, and shop for the excellent souvenir. You will be happy you did.

Program a Tumble Getaway

The trails are unbelievable all calendar year extended, but they acquire on a certainly unforgettable ambiance in the tumble. From the trails on their own to the surrounding cities, it all bursts to existence with dazzling tumble foliage and storybook attraction in the autumn months. Want to time your vacation completely? Verify out the West Virginia Tumble Coloration Map.

Extra Off Roading Locations

Sure, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program gets a great deal of (a lot-deserved) hoopla, but the off-road adventures really do not stop there. If you’re seeking for a different way to place the pedal to the steel, then you’re in luck, due to the fact West Virginia offers loads of other choices to get off the beaten path and examine. We’ve rounded up a few recommendations underneath that are really worth introducing to your checklist.

Burning Rock Off-Highway Park

Found just a few miles from the town of Sophia, Burning Rock Off-Highway Park encompasses 10,000 acres with more than 100 miles of trails suited for just about every sort of rider. Problem spans the spectrum from relatives-helpful operates like Tams Loop to the “enter-at-your-have-risk” solution, The Amazon. Deliver your bike, ATV, UTV, or Jeep to see it all for oneself. Or you can decide to vacation gentle and acquire edge of their on-website rentals. Soon after, invest the evening at a person of their rustic rental cabins, just a stone’s toss from all the action. They also provide glamping accommodations, system tents, RV sites, and a lot more.

New River ATV

Certain, the New River Gorge region is renowned for its whitewater rafting, but this slice of Almost Heaven is also a kick-ass vacation spot for off-road fans. New River ATV is an expert clothes shop with top-of-the-line equipment that’ll assist any rider examine the area’s very best concealed gems. From rookie to professional, there is anything for every person to explore.

The Greenbrier Off-Highway Adventures

The Greenbrier (known affectionately as “America’s Resort”) has a sparkling name, boasting a guestlist brimming with presidents, royals, and famous people alike. But regardless of its complex legacy, they also know how to get down and dirty. White Sulphur Springs is a hub for outside adventure, and their private 11,000-acre vacation resort offers the excellent playground for off-road fans. Hire tricked-out Jeep Wranglers or Polaris RZRs to cruise across creeks and whip about towering hills with Greenbrier Off-Highway Adventures.

Chaos Off-Highway Park

Craving a full-throttle adventure that you are going to blabber on about for decades to appear? Then book it more than to Chaos Off-Highway Park, situated in Capon Bridge. The park addresses four hundred acres of West Virginian wilderness and has all the makings for the adventure of a lifetime. Deep mud pits, scattered rock gardens, and miles on miles of seemingly endless mountain trails make this a will have to-see place.

Mountwood Park

Those in lookup of a a lot more relatives-oriented encounter should really look at out Mountwood Park. Nestled in the picturesque Mid-Ohio Valley region, this country park opened Mountwood ATV Adventures in 2014. This portion includes about twenty miles of thrilling, properly-marked trails that range in grade from easy to reasonable (with a few of hard choices for a lot more seasoned riders). There is also a roomy forget that serves up impressive panoramas of the mountains ablaze in all their autumnal glory. Soon after, examine the park’s 50 miles of climbing, biking, and horseback using trails splash about in the 50-acre lake or invest the evening at a person of the 87 campsites.

Exactly where to Stay

Soon after an adrenaline-fueled working day put in navigating the trails, you’re heading to want a comfortable location to rest your head. Luckily, West Virginia has no lack of lodging choices to contemplate. From cozy cottages to rugged condition park campgrounds, there is anything to in good shape what ever you’re seeking for. Right here are a few concepts to get the ball rolling, but really do not overlook to examine all the other lodging choices waiting for you in Almost Heaven.

Appalachian Outpost (Lyburn)

Get pleasure from the refreshing air and wide-open spaces of Appalachian Outpost. This retreat features twenty five rustic cabins that are sparkling cleanse and outfitted with all the fashionable comforts of household (like free significant-speed net). Right here, privateness is essential, and every cabin offers a furnished kitchen area, 3 different bedrooms, and two full bogs. But the true deal with arrives when you undertaking over and above the cabin walls. The compound overlooks the Guyandotte River together with breathtaking sights of the majestic mountain scenery. It’s situated in just a quarter-mile of the Rockhouse Trail Program, which connects to the Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain trails.

Chief Logan State Park (Logan)

Found in the coronary heart of West Virginia’s southern coalfields, Chief Logan State Park offers visitors an authentic Mountain State escape. Right here, it’s all about reconnecting with Mom Nature and appreciating the surrounding natural attractiveness. The campground includes 26 units in total, many of which have full drinking water, sewage, and electric hookups. It’s a person of the most frequented facilities in the West Virginia State Parks Program, possible aided by its proximity to the Hatfield-McCoy trails. Other treasures right here include a swimming pool, an outside amphitheater that hosts seasonal performances, a distinctive Museum in the Park attraction, numerous picnic sites, and a lot more.

Buffalo Trail Cabins (Bluefield)

Tucked absent in Bluefield, Buffalo Trail Cabins is the unofficial headquarters for ATV fans. Found just three.five miles from the Pocahontas trailhead, visitors can basically begin kicking up dirt in a subject of minutes. The serene location includes 26 cabins (ranging from one-space choices to six-bed room rentals) and six full-hookup RV sites. For an even a lot more Instagram-deserving keep, book a person of their seasonal rustic treehouse campsites, or snag an final treehouse (total with all the bells and whistles). When you have to have to gasoline up for a different daring working day ahead, swing by their on-website cafe and brewery.

Twin Falls Vacation resort State Park (Mullens)

Set together a charming wooded ridge in the craggy mountains of Wyoming County, Twin Falls Vacation resort State Park offers a certainly idyllic getaway that’s also conveniently situated to the Hatfield-McCoy trailheads. Friends can decide on involving paying the evening at the 47-space lodge, scheduling a person of the 14 secluded family vacation cabins, or location up camp a person of the 50 sites (twenty five of which provide electric hookups). The park also capabilities an eighteen-gap championship golf program, swimming pool, and the absolutely practical Pioneer Farm, which provides visitors a peek at what existence seriously appeared like for early frontier settlers.

Cabwaylingo State Forest

The Cabwaylingo State Forest encompasses about eight,300 closely forested acres in southern West Virginia. Right here, visitors can get cozy in a person of the thirteen legacy cabins, manufactured from stone or wooden frames. For a a lot more fashionable keep, there is also a standalone family vacation cabin outfitted with a fire, television, absolutely outfitted kitchen area, outside firepit, and heating and air conditioning. Most cabins are offered from mid-April by means of the stop of October. ATV, UTV, 4×4, and dirt bike riders will have a blast venturing together virtually 100 miles of unspoiled trails.

So there you have it—everything you have to have to know prior to you go and embark on the off-road adventure of your goals. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail Program is open 365 days for each calendar year, so you can plan your vacation anytime you want (but we really suggest squeezing in a pay a visit to as shortly as possible to capture the unbeatable tumble foliage use this map to look at the standing). For even a lot more vacation concepts and inspiration, you can get a free West Virginia family vacation information mailed straight to your door, or click by means of the electronic version. And for an immediate hit of wanderlust, look at out the #AlmostHeaven hashtag on social media to see true-time consumer-generated written content from the trails and over and above.

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