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By: Tim Donaldson
Hatfield-McCoy Trails – Indian Ridge
(Part of
ATVSource.com’s Feature Coverage of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails)
As we all know, the pace of life in today’s
world is hectic and chaotic. Almost every
breathing moment of our existence has been
further entwined by new advancements in
communications technology. With cell phones,
computers, and cell phones with computers–we can
stay “connected” 24/7. However, it seems like we
have really become disconnected, especially with
our families. Kids do not audibly speak, but
they communicate via portable electronic devices
in a texting language that is barely
interpretable to anyone over 30 years-old. Even
if those of us who are “texting illiterate”
wanted to get in on the action, it would take 15
minutes to just punch in “TTFN”–as our kids rush
off to school or some other activity. So, we
don’t even try, because we are pressed to
complete our own multitude of activities.
Anyhow, the boss is calling wanting to know if
that report is finished.
Can you relate? The point is that our lives are
infused with all kinds of anxiety-induced
stresses, and sometimes, it’s nice to just get
away and turn things off. For ATV enthusiasts,
the Hatfield-McCoy Trails’ Indian Ridge Trail
System is a great place to escape from the
flurry of endless disorder that has filled
today’s busy lifestyles. Situated near the
communities of Northfork and Keystone, West
Virginia, the Indian Ridge Trail System is the
newest and southernmost trail system of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Deep in the heart of West
Virginia coal-mining country, this destination
offers visitors the feeling of remote isolation
while providing all the local amenities
necessary for a peaceful, relaxing trip.
The Indian Ridge Trail System boasts
approximately 75 miles of trails. As with all of
the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, the trails at Indian
Ridge are clearly marked and indicate the
relative difficulty of each section. Trail
breakdowns are 30% green trails (easiest), 41%
blue (more difficult), 20% black (most
difficult), 1% red/black (extreme difficult),
and 9% orange (single track). With unique
topography, this trail system offers a wide
variety of riding difficulties to suit
individual preferences. Along with steep hills
and variable terrain, Indian Ridge has a large,
hilltop plateau that is unique to all of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails and yields plenty of
scenic overlooks. It is also common to see deer,
wild turkey, black bear, and a host of other
wildlife while out on the trails at Indian
Ridge.
One of the attractions of the Indian Ridge Trail
System is the Ashland Company Store. Many years
ago, the Ashland area was developed by a
coal-mining company for their employees and
served the area by providing the basic
necessities of the community. What a deal–for
the coal company! The company would pay
employees, and then open a store so employees
could spend their money. In effect, employees
returned all their money back to the company!
When the coal company left or closed for
whatever reason, the remaining community was
left impoverished. Today, the company store
houses historic pictures and artifacts from the
era and has a great café which is conveniently
located near the trailhead. While striving to
build a world-class trail system, the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails also serve as a tool to
bring tourism to areas such as Ashland and Northfork and restore economic vitality.
When one is done riding the trails, the Ashland
Resort serves as a great retreat for the day.
Providing lodges, cabins, RV and camp sites,
camp store, and a whole lot more–the Ashland
Resort lets ATVers “rough it” without having it
so rough. While they do offer wireless internet
access, you may want to remain disconnected on
the trip. With direct access to the Indian Ridge
Trail System, the Ashland Resort Camp Store
sells Hatfield-McCoy Trail permits. 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!
As we have discovered from each trail system
that makes up the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, each
trail system has something unique and special to
offer. So, if you’re looking to get away from
the daily rat race, try out Hatfield-McCoy’s
Indian Ridge Trail System.
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 Indian Ridge
Trail System and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails,
visit
www.trailsheaven.com. Visit
www.atvresort.com for more information about
the Ashland Resort.
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