Hatfield McCoy trails

[FHF]

Tell me what you know about the trails. Where is good place to stay? Where has good access to trails? What towns to visit? Or what about this trip to avoid?

[Buckhunter99]

I just went there in Sept. Are you pulling a camper, renting a machine or bringing your own? We stayed at the Devils Backbone Adventure Resort and it was so nice. Had a couple pools and a place to eat and a general store that you could get anything you needed including your permits to ride. It was gated and had security at night. We pulled a camper but they also have cabins to rent. There is direct access to the trails and i felt the Devils Anse trails were better than Rock House trails. I think you can rent machines there but had my own.

When are you planning to go?

Feel free to PM if you need anything else.

[ProvidenceSC]

My wife booked a trip for my birthday a few years ago. We stayed at the Matewan Bed and Breakfast in Matewan, WV.

The devil anse trail head is across the road. They had trailer parking, wash station and a gated place to park your side by side. There's your typical small town Mexican restaurant within walking distance and a pizza place that delivers. The coal miners museum is in town too.

We literally had the place to ourselves. The woman that runs it is related to Devil Anse. She told us to lock up when we went to bed and asked what time we wanted to eat in the morning. We lit a fire and watched a coal mining documentary on the big TV in the dining room. There was a big group from Pennsylvania the next night.

We did devil anse trail and a little of rockhouse. I preferred devil anse. Everyone we met was over the top nice. I have a honda pioneer 1000. It did great. I had fun and am itching to go back

We stopped by the devils backbone atv resort to get a beer. It looked like a cool place with campsites, cabins, pool, etc

[FHF]

Planning on going sometime this coming spring. Will be taking SxS and wanting to rent cabins. There is a lot of info online but I like to hear from people who have been there. Thanks!

[Jozie & Me]

Went up two years ago for fall break with the family. Probably the single best trip we have taken in years. We went with one other family with teenage sons and we had a ball. We stayed in Gilbert at twin Hollow campground and rented machines. we pulled a camper, but they have cabins as well.

We rode rock House and devil anse. Cant Remember the little town we rode over to, but the Hatfields graveyard is there. Another group tried to get us to ride up to see the wild horses, but they are on outlaw trails, on which rented machines cannot go.

Highly recommend. We are trying to figure out how we can get back up there when it’s not 10,000° in the summertime. We are actually talking about spring break.

[Old River Rat]

I’ve stayed in Logan and Matewan, and both are solid options because they’re close to the trails and have a good mix of accommodations, from cozy cabins to basic hotels. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, Williamson’s a good spot too. Just a heads-up—weekends during the peak season can get pretty busy, so if you’re after some peace, try to avoid those times.

[lowbudget]

We went up to trail fest years ago and had a blast. Would definitely recommend going on an off day or off season. No specific recommendations as I personally haven't been in years, but I have friends that make a trip 2-3 times a year and talk highly of it.

[FHF]

What is considered “off season”? We thinking about going next April or May

[DG34YF]

Been up there half a dozen times.
Brought our own machines.
Make reservations well in advance & buy rain gear, it'll rain if ya have my luck.
Stayed in Ashland Resort & Outlaw Houses. Route 52 Northfork, WV. GPS: put in Northfork Fire Dept. to find correct road (Cherokee Rd) to turn off 52.
Internet is sketchy....
We pull a 22' trailer, no problem. Big RV's pulling long-ass trailers have to be careful on Cherokee Rd., narrow, washed out on right side in many areas.
Indian Ridge, Pocahontas & Warrior trail heads close by. Fuel sold @ Ashland Resort (unless they are out or doing repairs so bring a few cans per machine)
No night riding on HM Trails but lots of folks run the Outlaw trails at night. Do the goggle thing to find them.
Read the rules, their 'DNR' patrol & check things. (vehicle owners manual must be carried)
Pro: no jeeps to slow ya down, all riding levels of terrain, well marked trails.
Not cons but heads up: trails often are 1 vehicle wide, off to one side vertical up the other side vertical down. Meeting opposing traffic sometimes gets sporty. minimal restaurants,
Buy a roll of clear contact paper & swipe a few maps from Ashland Resort General Store, water proof them & roll 'em up & stuff them somewhere on the machine.
We have tablets with all the trails marked & like on a boat GPS, our track is saved. Can't recall the software, waiting on word back from my son.
1 or 2 gallon pump sprayer to keep windshield clean, fill with antifreeze windshield wash fluid if cold @ night. Spray door mechanisms & brake calipers before turning in, sun doesn't get over the hills until 10am.

off topic but needs to be mentioned: Windrock Park, Royal Blue, Tackett Creek & other TWRA areas are great too.
Windrock Park is close to Oak Ridge, TN. We stay @ hotels (son gets discount) but there are tons of cabins & RV places. Trails open to Jeeps, more double black diamond trails. Prior to leaving parking area to hit trails, a ranger/person will check wrist band & COOLER (no beer or booze allowed). Check website to see if special event is going on.
Last time to Windrock it snowed 4". Went thru a lot of washer fluid. Park entry road had 4 vehicles/trailers off the roadside, stuck. Just having 4wd does not make an operator a pro!

I'm sure I've exceeded the SCDucks post limit, PM me if ya got any other ?'s.

Fall/Winter are cold but awesome views. 3 day weekends are usually most busy.

[FHF]

Thanks!