West Virginia’s Thirteen Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems

West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy trail network can feel like a lot to plan: multiple systems, different trail styles, mountain roads, and access points spread across several counties. This guide explains how the systems fit together, what distinguishes the best-known destinations, and how to choose a ride that matches your machine, experience, and travel plans.

How the Hatfield-McCoy trail network works

Trail systems are destinations, not one continuous trail

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails are a managed network of off-road routes in southern West Virginia. Riders often talk about the network as one destination, but it is made up of distinct trail systems, each with its own access points, terrain, nearby towns, and riding character. A trailhead for one system may be a long drive from another, even when both are part of the same network.

That distinction matters when you’re planning a weekend. If you book a cabin near Gilbert and expect to start your ride at a trailhead near Pineville, the distance between your lodging and your intended starting point may change the shape of the day. Before choosing a place to stay, match your lodging, trailer parking, fuel stops, and ride plan to the specific system you want to explore.

The systems are also connected in some areas, while other rides require you to trailer your machine between trailheads. A map can make two areas look close together without telling you whether a legal, open trail connection exists. Read the current official map and closure notices rather than assuming that a route between two systems is rideable.

Why the number of systems can be confusing

The network has grown over time, and the way a rider counts an individual trail system, a new riding area, or a connection can lead to confusion. Older guides may list fewer destinations than newer descriptions, while a trail system’s boundaries and connections may change as the network develops. That is one reason to treat an older printed guide as helpful background, not as the final word on access.

You may also see destinations described by a nearby town, trailhead, or system name. For example, a lodging listing may advertise access to the Rockhouse area, while a ride plan might focus on Gilbert as a staging town. These names can point to related parts of a trip without meaning they are interchangeable. Confirm the actual trailhead and system before setting your GPS.

For an up-to-date view of the network, check the official trail map and status information before leaving home. A route-planning app such as onX Offroad can help you understand the surrounding roads and terrain, but it should complement—not replace—the current official trail information. For more background, see West Virginia's Thirteen Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems and Hatfield-McCoy Trailheads and Where to Start.

A guide to the best-known trail systems

The table below compares well-known Hatfield-McCoy destinations by the kind of planning question they help answer. Trail difficulty is not a promise that every route will feel the same to every rider; conditions, weather, machine width, and experience all affect how a trail rides.

Trail system	Nearby area often used for planning	What to consider
Bearwallow	Logan	A convenient option to research when planning around Logan
Buffalo Mountain	Williamson and Matewan	Look closely at trail connections and your intended starting point
Cabwaylingo	Cabwaylingo State Forest area	Check forest-specific access and current conditions
Devil Anse	Logan area	Consider how it connects with nearby riding plans
Ivy Branch	Hamlin area	Confirm access and the day’s intended route before traveling
Indian Ridge	Ashland and McDowell County	Pay attention to the terrain and machine-width fit
Pinnacle Creek	Pineville and Mullens	Plan around the selected trailhead and local lodging
Pocahontas	Bramwell area	Research its terrain and its place in a multi-day itinerary
Rockhouse	Gilbert	A popular choice for riders planning around Gilbert
Warrior	Mingo County area	Check current access details and your riding group’s comfort level
Braveheart	Gilbert area	Confirm current trail information and how it fits your route

Rockhouse and the Gilbert area

Rockhouse is frequently associated with Gilbert, a southern West Virginia trail town where riders can plan for lodging, meals, and trail access. That can make it appealing for a group that wants a convenient home base rather than moving accommodations between rides. Still, “staying in Gilbert” does not by itself settle which trailhead you’ll use or which routes are suitable for your group.

A first-time visitor should resist the urge to pick a trail solely because its name sounds exciting or because it appears close to town. Look at the route map, the machine-width restrictions, and the trail difficulty ratings, then consider how long your group is comfortable riding. A rider who is nervous on steep, rocky terrain may enjoy the day more by choosing a manageable route and leaving time for breaks than by trying to cover as much ground as possible.

Rockhouse is also a useful base for thinking through practical details: where the truck and trailer will be parked, whether the lodging has enough space for them, and how the group will get from the property to the legal trail access point. For more targeted planning, see Riding the Rockhouse Trail System, Parking at the Rockhouse Trailhead, and Cabins on the Trail in Gilbert.

Buffalo Mountain and the Williamson–Matewan area

Buffalo Mountain is associated with Williamson and Matewan, towns that can make a ride feel like more than a day spent on the machine. A group might plan a morning departure from a nearby access point and then spend time in town afterward. But don’t assume that a town’s location automatically means you can ride every road through it or that every lodging property offers direct trail access.

As with every system, check the actual route and the trail’s status before you travel. Mountain terrain can make straight-line distances misleading, and access may depend on the trailhead you choose. If your group is planning a ride that connects with another area, verify that the connection is open and permitted rather than sketching a route from memory.

Buffalo Mountain may suit riders who want to explore the local riding area and build in time for nearby town stops. The best plan is still the one that fits your group’s machine and experience. Review Buffalo Mountain Trail System and Its History, Riding Buffalo Mountain to Matewan, and Buffalo Mountain Access From Williamson when putting the trip together.

Other systems to consider for a multi-day visit

Pinnacle Creek, Pocahontas, Indian Ridge, Bearwallow, Devil Anse, Ivy Branch, Cabwaylingo, Warrior, and Braveheart all offer different planning contexts. Some riders choose an area because of its nearby community, while others start with a desired terrain type or a particular trailhead. These are useful starting points, but none should be treated as a substitute for checking the map and current conditions.

For example, a group staying near Pineville may investigate Pinnacle Creek, while riders planning around Logan may look at Bearwallow or Devil Anse. Someone interested in the Bramwell area may research Pocahontas. These are location-based examples, not guarantees about the shortest access route, open connections, or trail suitability. Check the exact location, not just the system name.

A multi-day trip can make it possible to ride more than one system, but that does not mean you should try to squeeze several into one day. Include time for loading, fueling, parking, and regrouping. If your group wants to move between areas, plan the trailer route ahead of time and confirm that your lodging can accommodate the vehicle and trailer.

Choosing a system for your riding group

Match trail difficulty to the least-experienced rider

It’s easy for a confident rider to choose a route based on what they enjoy most. A better approach is to plan around the person in the group who is least comfortable with steep grades, rough surfaces, tight turns, or long hours in the seat. That rider’s needs are not a nuisance; they are a key part of making the outing safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Trail ratings can help you compare options, but they don’t erase differences in machine handling or individual experience. A route that feels manageable to someone who rides every weekend may feel demanding to a person who is new to off-roading. Weather can change that experience too: rain may make a familiar section slicker, while a dry stretch may feel dusty and tiring.

Before the ride, agree that anyone can ask to slow down, stop, or turn back. Build in regular breaks and avoid making the group feel that it has to finish a route just because it was on the original plan. Helpful background includes Green, Blue and Black Trails at Hatfield-McCoy and West Virginia Trail Difficulty and How It Is Marked.

Check machine width and trail fit

Side-by-sides and ATVs don’t fit every route in the same way. Trail width restrictions matter, especially for a wide UTV, and a rider should confirm that the machine is allowed on the intended trails before loading the trailer. A trail can be open to one machine type and unsuitable or restricted for another.

This is especially important for groups bringing more than one type of machine. A route that works for a narrow ATV may not work for a wider side-by-side, and a group can lose valuable riding time if it discovers a restriction only after reaching the trail. Confirm the dimensions of your machine and compare them with the current rules for the specific system.

If you are renting, ask the outfitter which systems and trails are appropriate for the machine you booked. Do not rely on a casual description such as “we ride everywhere” when a size restriction could affect your plan. Start with West Virginia Trails Too Tight for a 64-Inch Machine and Wide Machine Restrictions on West Virginia Trails.

Decide whether you want one base or several

A single lodging base can make a trip easier. You unpack once, keep meals and supplies in one place, and avoid repeating the check-in process. That simplicity is especially welcome when you are traveling with children, a large group, or a trailer full of equipment.

The trade-off is travel time. If the system you want to ride is far from your cabin or campground, you may spend more time on the road than you expected. A group that wants to ride different areas on consecutive days may prefer accommodations that make those trailheads practical to reach, or it may choose to move lodging between legs of the trip.

Make the decision with a map and a realistic schedule. Include loading time at the start and end of each day, as well as any stop for fuel, food, or supplies. If you’re deciding between a fixed base and a moving itinerary, Planning a West Virginia Riding Weekend can help you structure the trip.

Permits, maps, and riding rules to sort out

Understand what your trail permit covers

Trail access comes with rules, and riders should understand the permit requirements before reaching the trailhead. Don’t assume that a machine’s title, registration in another state, rental agreement, or insurance policy automatically replaces a trail permit. These documents serve different purposes.

If you’re renting, ask whether the permit is included or whether you need to arrange it separately. If you’re bringing your own machine, confirm what you need for the rider, machine, and type of trip. For a group, make sure each person understands the plan rather than assuming that one person’s permit covers everyone.

Permit requirements and procedures can change, so check the official information before you travel. A permit bought too late can lead to unnecessary delays, while a mistaken assumption can keep a group from starting its ride as planned. Related guides include West Virginia's Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit Explained, Where to Buy a Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit, and Does a West Virginia Rental Include the Trail Permit?.

Use maps as planning tools, not permission to improvise

A trail map helps you understand where routes go, what systems are nearby, and where access points sit in relation to towns and roads. It is also useful for explaining the plan to your group before you arrive. That preparation can prevent the familiar parking-lot debate over which way to go after everyone has unloaded.

A map does not necessarily tell you that a trail is open today or that every route is suitable for your machine. Closures, weather impacts, and other changes can affect access. Check official trail status close to departure, and keep a current map available during the ride instead of relying only on a screenshot taken weeks earlier.

Digital tools can help with orientation and offline preparation, while a paper map remains useful if a phone battery runs down or service is limited. onX Offroad may be useful for understanding nearby roads and terrain, but use the official network map and posted signs for trail access and closures. Read West Virginia Trail Maps and Signage, Checking West Virginia Trail Status Before You Drive, and Carrying a Paper Trail Map in West Virginia.

Stay on marked routes and follow posted instructions

The most important navigation habit is to stay on marked trails. A route that looks like a convenient shortcut may cross private property, a closed area, or a route not intended for recreational riding. The fact that another rider used it in the past does not make it an authorized route today.

Pay attention to signs, gates, barriers, and trail markers. If a route is blocked or a closure notice is posted, don’t go around it. A closure may protect riders from unsafe conditions or respect a landowner agreement. Ignoring it can put access at risk for other riders, too.

If your group gets uncertain about a turn, stop somewhere safe and check the map rather than guessing. Keep the group together and make sure the lead rider knows the planned route. For more detail, see Trail Rules Every West Virginia Rider Signs Up To and Staying on Marked Trails in West Virginia.

Planning a safe, comfortable ride

Prepare for changing mountain conditions

Southern West Virginia’s terrain can make a ride more demanding than the mileage suggests. A short route on a map may include climbs, descents, rough surfaces, and repeated changes in pace. Plan around the kind of riding involved, not just a distance estimate.

Weather can affect traction and visibility, and conditions may vary across a system. A route that was easy to follow on a dry day may feel more challenging after rain. If the forecast or trail status raises concerns, be willing to choose a different plan or postpone the ride rather than treating the itinerary as fixed.

Pack for a day away from the truck: water, food, appropriate clothing, basic first-aid supplies, and a way to navigate are sensible starting points. Tell someone where you plan to ride and when you expect to return. For a more thorough checklist, read What to Carry on a Remote West Virginia Ride and West Virginia Trail Conditions After Rain.

Make a plan for fuel, food, and breaks

A trail day often takes longer than riders expect. Loading, unloading, permit checks, parking, regrouping, and breaks all add time. Build those details into the schedule instead of treating them as minor interruptions.

Fuel planning deserves particular attention. Do not assume that a convenient station is open, close to your route, or accessible by machine. Decide whether you will fuel before leaving the staging area, carry what is appropriate for your machine, or return to a town for supplies. The right plan depends on your itinerary and the rules that apply.

Food and water can also shape how the group feels late in the day. A snack break before everyone is tired and irritable is often better than pushing until someone is ready to call it quits. Explore Fuel and Food Along West Virginia Trails and Gas Stops Along the Hatfield-McCoy Trails as part of your planning.

Be realistic about communication and help

Cell service can be inconsistent in remote mountain areas, so don’t make a working phone your only safety plan. Charge devices before departure, keep important contacts accessible, and let someone outside the ride know your intended route and return time. If the group separates, everyone should know where to regroup and what to do if a rider has a problem.

Before starting, make sure the group knows how to stop safely, signal a problem, and avoid blocking the trail. Riders should also understand that a mechanical issue or injury may take time to resolve, particularly away from a road. A calm group with a basic plan will handle a delay better than a group that has never discussed one.

Check your machine before unloading: tires, brakes, lights where relevant, fuel, and any other items that may affect safe operation. Carry the tools and supplies appropriate to your machine and trip. Useful additional reading includes Cell Service on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, Trail Rescue in West Virginia and Who Responds, and Pre-Purchase Inspection Before You Sign.

Lodging and trip logistics by area

Choose lodging based on the actual trailhead

“Near the trails” can mean different things to different lodging providers. Ask which trail system and access point the property is near, whether riders can reach the trail legally from the property, and whether a trailer can be parked on site. A cabin may be close to a trail area but still require you to load the machine and drive to an authorized trailhead.

For a group bringing a truck, trailer, and multiple machines, parking details can matter as much as the cabin itself. Confirm the driveway is practical for your towing setup, ask about space for turning around, and check whether there are limits on vehicle or trailer parking. A quick conversation before booking can save a frustrating arrival after dark.

If you are comparing lodging options, think about how much time you want to spend riding versus driving. A property near your chosen system may be more useful than a place with a more appealing listing but a long transfer to the trailhead. See Cabins With Direct West Virginia Trail Access, Overnight Trailer Parking Near West Virginia Trails, and Riding From Your West Virginia Cabin Door.

Build a schedule that leaves room to adjust

A tightly packed schedule can fall apart when a trail is closed, a machine needs attention, or a group ride takes longer than planned. Leave some flexibility between activities. That doesn’t mean you need a vague trip; it means your plan should have room for ordinary delays.

For a weekend, you might dedicate one day to a single system and use the next day for a second area only if the transfer is practical. Some groups are happier with a slower day that includes a long lunch or town visit. Others prefer a full riding schedule. Talk about expectations before you arrive so no one feels pushed into riding farther or faster than they enjoy.

Set a clear end time and check in with the group as the day progresses. If conditions change or a rider is tired, shortening the route is a good decision, not a failed plan. For itinerary ideas, read Southern West Virginia Riding Weekends and Hatfield-McCoy Trail Hours by Season.

Keep a backup plan

A backup plan might be as simple as switching to another open route in the same system, spending time in a nearby town, or using the day for a machine check and a less demanding ride. The important thing is knowing what you’ll do if your first choice is unavailable.

Before your trip, identify where you can get fuel, food, and basic supplies, and know how you will contact your lodging if your timing changes. If you are renting, ask the outfitter how trail closures affect your booking and what options are available. Policies vary, so read the rental terms instead of relying on assumptions.

A flexible plan also helps when the group’s energy changes. A rainy morning, a sore shoulder, or a slow mechanical issue can turn an ambitious ride into a shorter one. Leave space for those realities, and the trip can still be a success. Consider West Virginia Rental Refunds When Trails Close and Questions to Ask a West Virginia Rental Shop if a rental is part of your plans.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing by reputation instead of fit

A system may be well known, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for your group. A popular destination might have a route that suits experienced riders and another route that feels stressful to a beginner. Choose based on the experience you want, the machine you have, and the time you can comfortably spend riding.

Ask specific questions instead of relying on broad descriptions. What kind of terrain should the group expect? Are there width restrictions? Where is the intended access point? How long does the planned outing realistically take? These questions produce a more useful answer than asking whether a system is “good.”

If your group has mixed abilities, agree on a route that gives everyone a reasonable experience. It may be more enjoyable to ride a manageable section well than to push into terrain that creates anxiety or delays. If you’re new to the network, Which Hatfield-McCoy System to Ride First offers a useful starting point.

Assuming trail connections work like roads

A dotted or nearby line on a map is not proof that a route is open to your machine or connects the way you expect. Trail connections may have restrictions, and a route may be closed or unavailable. A mistaken assumption can leave you far from your intended destination or force an unplanned return.

Check the route using current official information, then confirm any relevant machine restrictions. If the plan crosses between systems or includes a town, make sure you understand which segments are legal trails and which parts would require trailering. A road that looks like the obvious connector may not be an authorized ATV route.

This is a good place to use digital maps carefully. onX Offroad can help you orient yourself and review surrounding terrain, but trail access and closures should be confirmed through official sources and signs. When the route is unclear, ask the relevant trail authority or a local outfitter before riding.

Leaving paperwork and practical details until arrival

Arriving at a trailhead without checking permit requirements, the trail status, or parking arrangements is an avoidable source of stress. The group may have to wait while someone searches for information, or discover that a machine isn’t suited to the planned route. It is much easier to resolve those questions at home.

Make a simple pre-trip checklist: confirm the system, trailhead, permit plan, machine fit, lodging access, trailer parking, fuel strategy, and current trail status. Share it with everyone who is coming. That way, one person is not left carrying the whole plan while everyone else waits beside the truck.

Finally, keep enough time to load and secure machines carefully. Rushing at the end of a long ride can lead to mistakes on the trailer or highway. If you’re hauling your own machines, review Strapping a Side-by-Side Down for the Highway and Trailer Registration for Hauling ATVs in West Virginia.

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.