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By: Tim Donaldson
Hatfield-McCoy Trails – Bearwallow
(Part of
ATVSource.com’s Feature Coverage of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails)
I don’t know about you, but when I go ATV
riding, there are very few times that I return
from a trip where I feel satisfied with the
miles or hours that I just logged for the day.
It seems that someone in my group gets tired,
needs to take a break, stops every few miles to
shoot the breeze, or simply wants to go for a
short, leisurely ride. You know, that’s fine,
and I love doing that, too. Yet, there are times
when I just want to push the envelope to the
point where, when finished with the ride, I have
to crawl to my vehicle from exhaustion. It’s all
about the conquest, accomplishing a mission, and
blowing off some steam while seeing what’s
around or over the next corner or hill.
If you enjoy similar types of adventures from
time-to-time, then Hatfield-McCoy’s Bearwallow
Trail System is the place for you. Bearwallow is
noted for its most-difficult level and rocky
trails and will easily test the limits of
seasoned ATV enthusiasts. However, don’t get the
wrong idea. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails (HMT)
takes safety very seriously, and the trails at
Bearwallow are clearly and well marked. With
signage indicating easiest, more difficult, most
difficult, extreme difficult (double-black
diamond), and single track trails, ATVers can
stick to routes that suit their experience and
skills.
While knowing trail difficulty is vital to
rider safety, It is important to note that
though each of HMT’s trail systems use the same
incremental trail difficulty ratings, not all
“black diamond” or “most difficult” labeled
trails are created equal. “What does that mean?”
you ask. It means that a black diamond trail at
Little Coal River–a markedly easier trail
system, due geographic topography–is not the
same as a black diamond trail at Bearwallow.
Trails at the HMT’s are rated according to their
respective scale for each trail system. So, with
that in mind, the black diamond trails at
Bearwallow are tough and the double-black
diamond (Trails 59 and 88) are exceptionally
difficult–arguably the most demanding of the
HMT’s.
With trails like 59 and 88 as keystones for a
day of extreme riding to get the heart pounding
and blood flowing, it is nice knowing that
instead of crawling into your vehicle from
exhaustion, you can simply ride into the town of
Logan to enjoy the local amenities to get
charged up for more riding. Logan is an
ATV-friendly community that allows ATVs to drive
legally inside the city limits. Riders must
observe traffic laws and wear the appropriate
safety gear. As one of the larger community
connectors within the HMT region, the Bearwallow
Trail System has direct access to gas, food, and
lodging. The Logan area is rich in historic
interests, as well.
Since Logan offers so many accommodations,
attractions, and is easily accessible from the
trail system, ATVers visiting Bearwallow will
have time and want to explore the more than 71
miles of trails. Of those trails–28% are green
(easiest), 41% are blue (more difficult), 17%
are black (most difficult), and 14% are orange
(single track only). Having one trailhead/ranger
station (Dingess Rum), there is an ample parking
and unloading area. The trailhead/ranger station
posts important trail information so riders have
the latest information on conditions or trail
closures. Riders can also purchase souvenirs or
use the available restroom facilities, which are
nice and warm in the winter, at the
trailhead/ranger station. Points of interest
along the trail include abandoned mining
entrances, scenic overlooks, and regal rock
formations.
While Bearwallow already serves as a great
venue for ATV riders, Jeffrey Lusk–Executive
Director of the HMT’s–says, “Future plans for
the trail system include a link to Chief Logan
State Park, which is a 4000-acre park located
just outside of Logan, WV. That will give our
riders access to a 25-site campground, outdoor
amphitheater, picnic shelters, a wildlife
center, a swimming pool with water slide,
tennis, and miniature golf.” Through such
diverse community offerings, the Hatfield-McCoy
Trails are hoping to support the needs of the
entire family’s ATV adventure. Bearwallow is
also located very near the Little Coal River
(LCR) Trail System, so if you think the trails
may be a little too much for the whole family,
be sure to stop by so everyone in the family can
get some seat time at the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
As we continue our journey through the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails, it is evident that each
trail system has its own personality. Bearwallow
steps in as “Beauty and the Beast” by
complimenting great scenery with some of the
best white-knuckle trails of the east coast.
Take time to visit the Bearwallow Trail System
and don’t forget, Hatfield-McCoy Trail permits
allow entry onto each of Hatfield-McCoy’s Trail
Systems. For 2009, Hatfield-McCoy Trail permits
are $26.50 (WV residents) and $50 (non-WV
residents) and are good for all of 2009. Make
this the year that you visit all of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails and the Bearwallow Trail
System. It will be an adventure that you never
forget!
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 Bearwallow Trail
System and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, visit
www.trailsheaven.com.
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