Hatfield-McCoy Trail System
Appalachian coal country's epic trail network
Built on a foundation of abandoned coal mining roads, the Hatfield-McCoy system sprawls across 600+ miles of Appalachian ridges and hollows in southern West Virginia. The network connects nine separate trail systems from Bearwallow to Warrior, threading through active mine sites, ghost towns, and terrain so steep you’ll question your sanity. Buffalo Mountain and Indian Ridge offer some of the most technical sections, with rock ledges and drop-offs that’ll test even modified rigs.
Most routes suit stock ATVs and UTVs, but full-size vehicles need serious clearance and armor for the gnarlier sections. Trail permits are required and strictly enforced—buy them online or at local dealers. Best riding runs April through October, though mud season can turn moderate trails into slick nightmares. The real payoff isn’t just the riding—it’s camping at trail-accessible sites and soaking up the culture of coal country, where locals still wave and ask if you need help.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 600 mi / 965.6 km |
| Duration | Multiple days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | ATV/UTV or high-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Logan, West Virginia |
| Land manager | Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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
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