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By: Tim Donaldson
Hatfield-McCoy Trails – Little Coal River
(Part of ATVSource.com’s Feature Coverage of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails)
Video - Hatfield McCoy Trail System
Hatfield-McCoy Trails Visitor Center
Mud holes can be found
60% of the Little Coal River trails are
categorized as green (easiest) |
One of the best things about a vacation is
spending time with family. Many times,
though, the schedule and pace are so rigid that
family interaction is exchanged for passing
glances when asking Dad for a few more bucks to
fund the day’s activities. I know, because
I’m “Dad.” That’s one of the reasons why
ATV riding is such a great family vacation
alternative. Typically, the expenses
incurred during an ATV vacation are less
extensive than some of the more traditional, and
the family has a chance to spend more time with
each other. It’s perfect for creating
lasting memories.
Serving as a great venue for one of these
memorable family adventures is Hatfield-McCoy’s
Little Coal River Trail System. The Little
Coal River Trail System is one of six trail
systems that make up the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
Located off of WV Route 119 near Madison and
Danville, the Little Coal River Trail System
offers more than 65 miles of trails of which 60%
are categorized as green (easiest)–making this a
great place for novice riders. Also, with
a water park and numerous lodges and cabins
nearby, there are enough alternative activities
and comforts to keep the entire family happy.
Tucked behind the newly constructed
Hatfield-McCoy Trails Visitor Center, Little
Coal River is just 20 miles south of Charleston
and serves as the first stop in the gateway to
Hatfield-McCoy country.
Even though many of the trails at Little Coal
River would be considered easy by most
enthusiasts’ standards, there are more difficult
trails to test the merits of the more advanced
riders. Rounding out the rest of trail
breakdowns are 30% blue trails (more difficult),
4% black (most difficult), and 6% orange (single
track only). Riders visiting the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails for the first time will
quickly notice the trail mapping and marking
system that has been designed to be easy to read
and understand, as safety is a primary concern
of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Visitors
are also encouraged to be sure to check out the
updated trail information that is posted at each
of the trailhead/ranger stations.
Occasionally, a trail may be closed due to
impassable terrain from fallen trees or soil
erosion.
Since the inception of the Hatfield-McCoy
Trails, there has been an emphasis on expansion
and growth, and Little Coal River is no
exception. According to Jeffrey Lusk,
Executive Director of the Hatfield-McCoy
Trails, “Future plans for Little Coal River are
to add more single track trails, and once our
Lincoln County, which adjoins Boone County where
Little Coal is located, trail system is built,
we plan to link the two.” Also, in the
very early stages of development is a plan to
implement a full-sized, 4wd park in Kanawha
County which will include trails and obstacle
courses. So, with all of improvements in
the works, it is worthwhile to stop back often.
To gain access on any of the Hatfield-McCoy
Trails, all riders are required to purchase a
trail permit. That means driver and rider
in a side by side will be required to have the
permit. For 2009, Hatfield-McCoy Trail
permits are $26.50 (WV residents) and $50.00
(non-WV residents) and are good for all of 2009,
allowing entry onto each of Hatfield-McCoy’s
Trail Systems. That’s access to 500+ miles
of trails! This summer, do something a
little different and take the whole family on an
ATV adventure at Little Coal River. While there
and wanting to tackle a little tougher journey
with the guys, send the kids over to the
Waterways water park with Mom, and trailer the
quads over to Bearwallow or one of the other
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems–making it a
weeklong adventure. Your family will thank
you!
Even though there are six separate trail systems
that make up the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, don’t
think that each one of them is the same.
Every Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has its own
personality and offers something unique to ATV
enthusiasts, so stay tuned to ATVSource.com, as
we continue our in-depth coverage of the
individual trail systems that make up the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails!
For more information about the Little Coal River
Trail System and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails,
visit
www.trailsheaven.com.
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