Riding Buffalo Mountain to Matewan
A ride from Buffalo Mountain to Matewan can sound like a simple trail-to-town outing, but the practical route depends on open trails, permitted connectors, and where you plan to start and finish. This guide explains how to plan the trip, check whether a Matewan visit fits your ride, and avoid assuming every road or trail link is legal for an ATV or UTV.
Planning a Buffalo Mountain to Matewan ride
Confirm your route before unloading
Buffalo Mountain is part of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails network in Mingo County, while Matewan is a nearby trail-town destination with its own streets, traffic, and local rules. That proximity makes a ride toward town appealing, but it does not mean every trail leads directly into Matewan or that every road between the trail system and town is open to off-highway machines.
Before leaving home, choose a specific trailhead and identify your intended destination. Then check the official trail map and current notices to see which routes are open and whether a designated connector reaches the town area you want to visit. The trail system can change through closures, maintenance, or access updates, so an old screenshot or a route someone rode last season is not a reliable substitute for current information. For general orientation, see [Buffalo Mountain Access From Williamson] and [Hatfield-McCoy Trailheads and Where to Start].
If you are using a navigation app such as onX Offroad, treat it as a planning aid, not permission to ride. Compare the route it displays with official Hatfield-McCoy maps, posted signs, and local directions. A line on a screen can help you understand terrain and distances, but it cannot tell you that an access agreement has changed or that a particular road is restricted today. Keep [West Virginia Trail Maps and Signage] in mind when planning around marked intersections and closures.
Decide whether Matewan is your destination or a waypoint
A trip “to Matewan” can mean different things. You might want to ride a trail route in the Buffalo Mountain area and then visit Matewan by a legal, designated connection. Or you may be planning to drive your ATV or UTV to a trailhead, ride the system, and visit town separately in a street vehicle. Those are different plans, and separating them can save a frustrating detour if a permitted route into town is not available.
Make your finish point specific. “Matewan” could mean a place to park, a business, a downtown street, or a meeting point outside town. Do not assume that reaching the edge of a municipality means you may ride wherever you like inside it. Check local access information, posted signs, and any route restrictions before entering a town street. If your plan requires using public roads, review [Riding an ATV on the Road in West Virginia] and [West Virginia Rules for Riding Trail to Trail].
A return plan matters just as much as the outbound route. If you are riding a point-to-point trip, confirm whether you have a shuttle, a second vehicle, or a legal route back to your starting trailhead. A ride that looks short on a map can take longer when the terrain is rough, the group includes newer riders, or a trail is temporarily closed. Don’t count on a phone signal or a quick roadside pickup as your only backup.
Allow for route changes and slower riding
Mountain trails can involve steep grades, loose rock, mud, tight turns, and short stretches where the group needs to move carefully. A route that seems manageable on a screen may feel very different when you are navigating a narrow section or waiting for a larger machine to pass. Build more time into the day than the map’s estimated distance might suggest, especially if you are riding with children or anyone new to the area.
Keep a paper map or an offline map available in case your phone loses service. If you use onX Offroad, download the map area before you leave a reliable connection and confirm that your device can still show your location offline. Carry a power bank, and make sure someone in the group knows the planned start point, destination, and return time.
A good plan also includes a clear turnaround point. If a connector is closed, a group member is uncomfortable, or the weather makes a steep section unsafe, turn back rather than improvising a route through an unmarked road or private property. The right route is the one that remains legal and manageable for your group—not the one that saves the most distance.
Getting from the trail system toward Matewan
Use designated connectors only
Trail riding and road riding are not interchangeable. A public road that looks like the easiest connection may not allow ATVs or UTVs, and a trail that approaches a road does not automatically authorize crossing or traveling along it. Follow marked routes and posted instructions, and verify road access before setting out. The overview in [West Virginia's Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems] can help you understand the managed trail network, but always check the specific route you intend to ride.
For any section that leaves the managed trail, find out exactly where riders may travel and what conditions apply. These may include a designated connector, a permitted stretch of road, or a particular point for crossing. Avoid relying on informal directions such as “everyone rides that way.” A route can be popular and still be off limits, or a local access arrangement may apply only to a specific segment.
When using onX Offroad or another mapping tool, inspect the route at a close zoom level and compare it with official signs and maps. If your route appears to leave marked trails or use a road, pause and confirm the connection before riding it. It is much easier to adjust your plan at the trailhead than to discover a restriction after you have reached a junction.
Treat Matewan streets as a separate part of the ride
A trail system and a town street are different riding environments. In town, you may encounter vehicles, pedestrians, intersections, parking areas, and local restrictions. Do not assume a trail permit makes a machine street legal or grants permission to ride every street. Check local rules and the requirements for any road riding before entering Matewan.
If a legal route into town is available for your trip, follow it exactly and keep the group together. Use extra care at intersections, stop where required, and do not block traffic while deciding which way to turn. A larger side-by-side may need more room to maneuver or park than a single ATV, so consider whether the planned destination has suitable space before you go.
If you cannot confirm a legal connection, make Matewan a separate stop by vehicle rather than trying to force a trail-to-town route. That may feel less adventurous, but it avoids trespassing, unexpected road exposure, and the risk of leaving a marked route. For a broader look at riding through trail towns, see [West Virginia Trail Towns You Can Ride Into].
Know what your permit does and does not cover
A Hatfield-McCoy trail permit is part of planning a managed-trail ride, but it should not be treated as permission to ride anywhere beyond the marked system. Review the permit rules, display requirements, and trail-specific restrictions before you arrive. If you are bringing multiple machines, confirm the requirements for each one rather than assuming one rider’s paperwork covers the whole group. The guide [West Virginia's Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit Explained] offers more detail about what a trail permit is for.
Keep required documents and emergency contact information accessible, but avoid carrying the original title in a place where it could be lost or damaged. Make sure each rider understands the route boundaries and agrees to stay on marked trails. Gates, signs, and barriers are there to protect access agreements and rider safety; going around a closure can put future access at risk.
Use current trail status information on the day of the ride. A route that was open when you planned the trip may be closed after heavy rain, maintenance, or a land-access change. For additional planning help, review [West Virginia Trail Conditions After Rain] and [West Virginia Trail Etiquette on Shared Routes].
Choosing a practical ride plan
Match the route to your group and machine
Buffalo Mountain terrain may be more demanding than a beginner expects, particularly if the group has different riding experience or machine sizes. Before starting, talk through the route, likely riding time, and the most challenging conditions your group is comfortable handling. A confident rider on a familiar machine may move quickly through a section that feels intimidating to someone newer, so set the pace for the least experienced person rather than letting the group stretch out.
Check the width of your UTV against the trail restrictions for the route you are considering. A machine’s width can matter on tight trails, and a map that looks like a continuous network does not guarantee every branch is suitable for every vehicle. Verify any machine-width limitations before unloading. For broader route-planning context, see [West Virginia Trail Systems You Can Link in One Day].
For families, keep riders within sight and agree on what to do if someone gets separated. Choose a meeting point at a clearly marked junction rather than an unnamed spot on a phone map. If a child or newer rider is along, make sure the route and pace are appropriate, and build in stops for water, gear adjustments, and rest.
| Planning question | What to confirm before riding |
|---|---|
| Where are you starting? | Identify the trailhead and its access instructions |
| How will you reach Matewan? | Verify a marked, legal connection or plan a separate vehicle visit |
| Where will you finish? | Confirm whether you have a shuttle, a loop, or a return route |
| Is your machine suitable? | Check trail width limits and the group’s riding ability |
| What if conditions change? | Choose a turnaround point and review closure notices |
| Will you have navigation? | Download offline maps and carry a backup map |
Plan fuel, food, and rest stops realistically
Do not base fuel planning solely on a route’s apparent length. Slow trail riding, steep climbs, mud, and repeated stops can affect how much fuel you use, while a detour or closure can add distance. Start with an adequate fuel supply and know where you can refuel without relying on an unverified stop along the route. Check [Fuel and Food Along West Virginia Trails] for broader trip-planning considerations.
Decide whether you plan to eat in Matewan, carry food, or stop elsewhere. If the town visit depends on riding a connector, confirm the route and destination before promising the group a meal stop. Business hours and availability can change, and a trail ride that starts late may not leave enough time for a relaxed town visit.
Pack water, snacks, basic first-aid supplies, and weather-appropriate layers. The weather on a mountain ride can feel different from conditions in town, and wet clothing or a long wait after a breakdown can make a comfortable day unpleasant. Keep food and wrappers secured so they do not fall onto the trail.
Make a backup plan for navigation and communication
Cell service can be inconsistent in mountainous areas. Before departure, tell someone who is not riding with you where you expect to go and when you plan to return. Share your intended trailhead and finish point, not just “Buffalo Mountain,” so that person has useful information if plans change. For more on connectivity, see [Cell Service on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails].
Save key details offline: trailhead directions, maps, lodging or meeting-point information, and emergency contacts. If your group uses onX Offroad, open the downloaded map before entering an area without reliable service and make sure everyone knows how to read it. A GPS track is helpful, but it does not replace paying attention to trail signs or following closure instructions.
Agree on simple group procedures before starting. For example, wait at each major junction until the last rider arrives, stop in a safe place if someone has a mechanical problem, and do not split up to search for a missing rider without a clear plan. These small habits are especially useful when the route includes unfamiliar turns or a town visit at the end.
Riding responsibly around Buffalo Mountain and Matewan
Stay on marked routes and respect access boundaries
The managed trail experience depends on riders staying on authorized routes. Cutting around a gate, riding a closed section, or following an unmarked track can damage property and jeopardize access for other visitors. A route shown in an older file, a social media post, or a third-party app should never override a current sign or closure notice.
If you come to a closure, stop and read the posted information. Do not assume a short detour through a nearby road, driveway, or field is acceptable. Backtrack to a known junction or contact the appropriate trail authority for guidance. The safer choice may mean changing the day’s itinerary, but it helps preserve access and keeps the group out of trouble.
Be considerate of other trail users. Slow down near people, give other machines room, and avoid spinning tires or creating unnecessary noise near homes and businesses. In shared areas, courteous riding is practical: it reduces the chance of a collision and helps maintain a positive relationship with local communities.
Prepare for a problem before it happens
Carry basic tools that match your machine, along with water, a first-aid kit, a charged phone, and a way to contact help. Riders should know where the group is on the map and be able to describe the nearest marked junction or trail sign. If a machine breaks down, move it out of the travel path when possible and keep the group together while deciding what to do.
Weather deserves special attention. Rain can make slopes slick, obscure ruts, and change creek crossings. If the forecast or trail condition makes the route unsafe for your group, postpone or choose an easier ride. Do not let the desire to reach Matewan turn a recreational trip into a risky push through poor conditions.
For a first visit, leave flexibility in the schedule. The best day may be a shorter ride with time to check maps, enjoy the trail system, and visit Matewan by a separate legal route if necessary. Planning around the actual access available is more reliable than treating a town destination as guaranteed. You can also read [Planning a West Virginia Riding Weekend] for ideas on organizing the wider trip.
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.
