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 |
| Official sources | trailsheaven.com |
| 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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Frequently asked questions
Can I run Hatfield-McCoy in a stock 4Runner or Bronco, or is this ATV-only?
The trail system is primarily designed for ATVs and UTVs — most trail sections are too narrow for full-size 4WDs. Some connector roads are passable by high-clearance 4WD, but if you're coming in a truck or SUV expecting to run the full network, you'll be disappointed. Bring a side-by-side or ATV.
When does the trail system open and close — can I ride it in March?
Best riding is April through October. Trails can be muddy and rough in early spring, and some sections see snow or ice through March. The system doesn't fully 'close' but conditions in winter are genuinely miserable and potentially dangerous on the ridgeline sections.
Do I need a permit to ride Hatfield-McCoy, and how much does it cost?
Yes, a trail permit is required for every vehicle. Day passes and annual passes are available through the official Hatfield-McCoy Trails website at trailsheaven.com. As of recent seasons, day passes run around $30 per vehicle — check the site for current pricing before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The trail is rated moderate overall, but 'moderate' in Appalachian coal country means loose shale, off-camber ridgeline runs, and steep descents on old mining roads with 8,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain across the network. The Pocahontas and Rockhouse trail sections are among the gnarlier runs — expect narrow shelf roads and technical creek crossings, not groomed ATV park terrain.
How do I plan fuel stops across 600 miles of trail — is there gas near the route?
Logan, WV is your main resupply hub, and several of the trail towns have gas within a short ride. Cell service is spotty throughout, so download offline maps and know your fuel range before heading deep into the network — there are sections where you won't see a gas station for 50+ miles of trail.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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