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 | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock lifted truck handle Buffalo Creek, or do I actually need armor?
You need armor — this isn't a trail where skid plates are optional. Exposed rock shelves and tight technical sections will punish unprotected undercarriage, and a stock lift alone won't save your differentials or transfer case skid from direct hits.
When does Buffalo Creek typically close for the season?
The trail runs April through November. West Virginia winters bring freezing conditions, ice over the rock sections, and swollen stream crossings that make it dangerous and often impassable — don't push it late into the season without checking current conditions with the WV Division of Natural Resources.
Do I need a permit to run Buffalo Creek ORV Trail?
Yes, a permit is required. Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before your trip to confirm current permit requirements, fees, and any access restrictions specific to the Logan County area.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it technical?
The rock crawling sections are the crux — solid rock faces, shelf drops, and tight lines that demand precise wheel placement and a spotter. The stream crossings add a second layer of difficulty, especially after rain when water levels rise fast and rocks underneath get slick.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there cell service if something goes sideways?
Gilbert, WV is your last real fuel stop before heading in — fill up there. Cell service is spotty at best inside the trail system, so load offline maps, file a trip plan with someone reliable, and carry a satellite communicator if you're running it with a small group.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.