Hatfield McCoy Little Coal River Trail System

Apr. 01, 2003 By Pattie Waters

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Wish you were here
Have you ever had such a fantastic time on a trail ride, that you just can't wait to tell someone about it, and wished that all your best riding buddies could have been there with you? I returned less than one week ago from Chapmanville, West Virginia, and even one day on the Hatfield-McCoy new Little Coal River Trail, was enough to slap a smile on my face that is still stuck there. We are already checking the calendar to plan a longer trip back.

What started as the Press Introduction of the new 2004 Suzuki Lt-Z250 (which, by the way, is a fabulous quad, worthy to join the hugely popular Lt-Z400), turned out to be one of the best riding days ever. Great company, great early spring weather, great trails. Just a few days after a good rain meant there were mudholes if you wanted them, but very little dust. Fast trails and great scenery, no bugs, 70+ degree sunshine. Just 24 hours later, the Dealers got to experience their launch in a typical Southern spring thunderstorm and all-out mudfest. Pack for variable weather!

Since it's official public launch October 9, 2000, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has provided a much-needed well-managed recreational opportunity in the Eastern United States. That first season, more than 300 miles of maintained trails were made available for motorized and non-motorized users alike, and with the addition of the Little Coal River Trail system in the Fall of 2002, there are now over 400 miles of marked and mapped miles.

Trails marked "Easy" on the Little Coal River system are still scenic, taking riders by examples of the many minerals this area is known for.

M ore than just a series of trails, the Hatfield-McCoy system stands out with lofty goals to provide trail systems, town accesses and connector trails in all eight counties of the project area. With State support and recognition, the Regional Recreation Authority not only oversees the Trails for local riders, but also strives to market the riding opportunity outside the immediate area, to bring in those much-needed tourism dollars. As users of the area increase, the HMRRA plans to control trail overuse or congestion by continually increasing trail miles, signing licensing agreements with key landowners.

What does that mean to you? What will you find when you load up your trailer and head for West Virginia or Kentucky? What makes this trail system stand out in the country, is an easy-to-navigate multiple-loop system, with all trails rated and clearly marked for difficulty. On the Little Coal River system, for example, it's quite easy to start on a 10 - 12 mile easy loop, have an advanced rider take off midway for a 2-mile steep rocky section, and pick them up on the other side 20 minutes later. Maps are available at each permanently staffed trailhead, and each intersection on the trail is marked with a corresponding number and color. You have to try pretty hard to get lost!

You have the opportunity to experience the area on your own with the detailed maps, or with one of four annual organized events. Major Jamboree-style events take place in April, June, August and October, drawing from 750 - 2,500 participants. Regular activities like bonfires, mud pits, poker runs, and of course multiple trail rides, bring together riders of all ages and riding experience levels. Throw in ATV-drag racing, Tug-of-War and even a golf tournament, and you have 2 - 7 days of pure mountain fun.

Early spring, and the trees are just beginning to bud. In only a few weeks, the trails will provide breathtaking overlooks of rolling mountains of green.

Access and usability for all - some people come equipped with all the goodies necessary for a plush ride.

Still in early stages of development, the Hatfield-McCoy trail system web site, www.TrailsHeaven.com, provides excellent maps of the area and of the trails themselves. You'll also find local lodging resources, a discussion group to find out trail recommendations or general trip information, and details on the upcoming organized Jamboree events.