Buffalo Creek ORV Trail
Coal country rock crawling with serious obstacles
Buffalo Creek ORV Trail sits on reclaimed strip mine land in Logan County, offering 15 miles of purpose-built 4×4 routes through steep hollows and across exposed coal seams. The trail system includes the infamous Rock Garden—a quarter-mile technical section with truck-eating boulders and off-camber climbs that separate weekend warriors from serious wheelers. Multiple loop options range from beginner-friendly mine roads to expert-level rock crawling, with the main trail following Buffalo Creek through three substantial water crossings.
This difficult trail demands serious 4×4 capability with rock sliders, skid plates, and aggressive tires for the technical sections. The Rock Garden requires spotters and a willingness to scrape paint. Open year-round except during hunting seasons (check dates), with summer being peak season for the creek crossings. Day-use permits required and available at the entrance station. No camping on-site, but nearby Gilbert offers lodging and the famous ATV-friendly restaurants. Bring recovery gear, spare parts, and patience—this place will humble you quickly.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1850 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Gilbert, West Virginia |
| Land manager | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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