How Many Trail Systems Hatfield-McCoy Has
Hatfield-McCoy is often described as a network of 13 trail systems, but that number can be confusing when you’re planning a ride. A trail system is a riding area, not a single trail or trailhead, and the systems differ in terrain, access, and nearby towns. This guide explains what the count means and how to choose a system for your trip.
How many Hatfield-McCoy trail systems are there
The network is commonly described as having 13 trail systems. That figure refers to distinct riding areas within the larger Hatfield-McCoy Trails network—not 13 individual trails, towns, or entrances.
A system may contain many connected routes, trail ratings, and access points. So a single system can fill more than one day of riding, while a trailhead is simply a place where riders enter that system. If you’ve seen different counts in older trip plans or online discussions, the wording may refer to a different point in the network’s growth or to a narrower list of systems.
What counts as a trail system
Think of a trail system as a named riding area with its own network of routes and access points. Rockhouse, Bearwallow, Buffalo Mountain, Pinnacle Creek, and Pocahontas are examples riders may encounter while planning a Hatfield-McCoy trip. Each offers a different combination of terrain and nearby communities.
A trail within a system is one route through that riding area. A trailhead is an access location where you can begin or end a ride. These terms are easy to mix up: someone might say they rode “Rockhouse,” for example, when they mean they rode several trails within the Rockhouse system and started at a particular trailhead.
The distinction matters when you’re estimating drive time and planning a route. Two systems that sound close on a regional map may still require separate planning, and the name of a nearby town doesn’t necessarily tell you which routes are open or how a particular trail connects. For an overview of the named areas, see [West Virginia's Thirteen Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems].
Why you may see different numbers
Trail networks change as new routes are developed, connections are added, or access arrangements shift. In addition, articles and maps may group areas differently. One source may count named systems across the full network; another may focus on the systems available from a particular town, the areas covered in a riding guide, or the routes a visitor can access during a specific trip.
For practical planning, treat the 13-system figure as the broad network-wide count—not as a promise that every system is open, connected to every other system, or equally convenient for your lodging. Confirm the current system inventory, access details, and closure notices before you leave home.
It also helps to separate the system count from total mileage. A network’s overall trail mileage describes the combined routes across its riding areas; it does not tell you how much you can comfortably ride in a day. For that distinction, [Hatfield-McCoy Trail Mileage by System] can help you think about the scale of individual areas.
What the systems mean for choosing where to ride
Having 13 systems gives riders options, but it can also make choosing a starting point feel like homework. The right choice depends less on the headline number and more on your group’s riding experience, machine size, preferred terrain, and where you’re staying.
Some riders want a challenging day on rocky or steep routes. Others want a more relaxed ride, straightforward access from lodging, or a trail town where they can stop for food. Start with those priorities, then compare the systems that fit them.
Compare a few well-known riding areas
The table below offers a starting point, not a complete system directory. Nearby towns are useful for trip planning, but they don’t replace checking the trail map for the particular trailhead and route you plan to use.
| Trail system example | Nearby area often used for trip planning | A useful planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Rockhouse | Gilbert and Man | Which trailhead works best for your lodging and planned ride? |
| Bearwallow | Logan | Does the route difficulty suit everyone in your group? |
| Buffalo Mountain | Williamson and Delbarton | How will your group handle the terrain and route length? |
| Pinnacle Creek | Pineville and Mullens | What access point and loop fit the time you have? |
| Pocahontas | Bramwell | Are your chosen routes appropriate for your machine and experience? |
This is only a sample of the network. Names, nearby towns, and access locations can overlap in riders’ descriptions, so don’t assume that booking a cabin in one town automatically means a particular trailhead is right around the corner. Check [Hatfield-McCoy Trailheads and Where to Start] alongside your lodging information.
You can also use [Which Hatfield-McCoy System to Ride First] as a way to narrow your choices. A first-time visitor often benefits from choosing one system and getting comfortable with its map, signs, and terrain instead of trying to cover several distant areas in one day.
Match the system to your group
Before settling on a system, talk through what each rider is comfortable with. A group of experienced riders may be eager for technical routes, while a family with newer riders may want a less demanding day and plenty of time to stop. If you’re riding with children, the adults’ comfort level isn’t the only one that matters: choose a plan that accounts for each young rider’s age, machine, and experience.
Machine size should factor into the decision too. A trail that looks appealing on a map may be unsuitable for a wider side-by-side or for a rider who isn’t ready for narrow, steep, or rocky sections. Check machine restrictions and route information rather than relying on a general description of the system.
Trail difficulty markings can guide your choice, but riders in the same group may experience the same route differently. Weather, fatigue, visibility, and confidence all affect how a ride feels. Review [West Virginia Trail Difficulty and How It Is Marked] before setting your route, and agree on an easier alternative if someone wants to turn back.
How to plan a ride across the network
A good Hatfield-McCoy ride starts with a realistic plan—not a wish to “see as much as possible.” Systems can cover substantial terrain, and access, trail conditions, and your group’s pace all affect how much ground you can cover. Build your day around a system, then decide how far your group wants to ride within it.
Check access, maps, and closures before leaving
Start with information for the specific system and trailhead you intend to use. Look for current access instructions, route maps, posted closures, and any machine-size restrictions that apply. A route shown on a map doesn’t necessarily mean it is open or appropriate for your machine today.
Carry a map or a dependable navigation option, and take time to understand how trail markings correspond with the map. Some riders use a mapping app such as onX Offroad to help orient themselves, but a digital map should support—not replace—official trail information, posted signs, and good judgment. Download or prepare what you’ll need before you reach areas where mobile service may be limited.
Check for updates again close to your ride. A closure or changed access point can disrupt a plan that looked straightforward when you first booked your stay. [Trail Closures on West Virginia's Trail System] and [West Virginia Trail Maps and Signage] are helpful topics to review as you prepare.
Make permits and logistics part of the plan
Don’t treat permits as a last-minute detail. Review the requirements for the riding area and the machines in your group, and confirm what paperwork or display requirements apply. If you’re renting, ask the outfitter directly whether a permit is included or whether you need to arrange it separately. A rental reservation and a trail permit are not automatically the same thing.
Sort out transportation and staging too. If you’re hauling your own machines, confirm where the trailer can be parked and whether your planned starting point has room for your vehicle and trailer. If your group is staying in a cabin or campground, ask how riders reach the trail access point and whether riding directly from the property is allowed.
A permit requirement, lodging package, or rental arrangement can differ from what another rider experienced on a previous visit. Read [West Virginia's Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit Explained] and verify details for your own trip rather than assuming an old receipt or a friend’s plan covers your group.
Use a navigation app as a helper, not the whole plan
An app can be useful when you’re comparing access points, keeping track of your position, or trying to understand how a route fits into a day’s ride. onX Offroad is one option riders use for off-road navigation. Before you ride, become familiar with the map and make sure you can use it in the conditions you expect.
Still, don’t let a phone become your only backup. Battery life, device damage, poor reception, and confusing intersections can all turn a simple ride into a stressful one. Carry a paper map if available, know the route you intend to follow, and agree on a meeting point in case the group gets separated.
Most importantly, stay on marked routes and follow posted instructions. A line on a screen is not permission to ride wherever it appears to lead. Use the trail network’s signs and official information to guide decisions, and turn around if conditions or the route feel wrong for your group.
Common questions about Hatfield-McCoy’s 13 systems
A few practical questions come up repeatedly when riders hear that the network has 13 systems. Getting these details straight helps prevent a common trip-planning mistake: assuming that one number tells you everything you need to know about where, when, and how you can ride.
Can you ride all 13 systems on one trip
You can plan a trip around more than one system, but trying to ride all 13 in a short visit is usually a poor goal. The systems are separate riding areas, and driving between access points takes time. You’ll also want time to unload, review the map, ride at a safe pace, and handle meals or unexpected delays.
A more satisfying plan is to choose one or two systems that fit your lodging and the experience your group wants. If you have several days, you can add another area once you’ve checked the drive between trailheads and confirmed that the systems match your machines and skill levels.
For example, a group staying near a trail town may decide to spend a full day in the nearby system, then choose a second system for another day rather than cramming both into one long ride. That leaves room for breaks and makes it easier to adjust if the weather, trail conditions, or group energy changes.
Does one system include every nearby trail
No. A system’s name doesn’t mean every route in the region belongs to it, and a nearby town may provide access to more than one riding area. Use the official trail map and trailhead information to confirm which system a route belongs to and where you can enter.
This is especially important when lodging pages, social posts, and conversations use broad descriptions such as “near Hatfield-McCoy.” Ask for the specific system and access point, not just a general claim of trail access. That simple follow-up can save you from arriving with a trailer at a location that isn’t the starting point you expected.
Is the system count enough to choose a destination
Not by itself. The number tells you the scale of the network, but it doesn’t tell you whether a route suits a beginner, whether a wide machine is permitted, how far you’ll travel from your cabin, or whether conditions have changed.
Use the count as context, then make your decision from the details that affect your ride: system, trailhead, difficulty, machine fit, permit requirements, lodging location, and current access information. That’s what turns a big network into a manageable plan—and helps your group spend more time riding and less time trying to figure out where it’s supposed to go.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
