|
By: Tim Donaldson
Hatfield-McCoy Trails – Rock House
(Part of
ATVSource.com’s Feature Coverage of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails)
In 1989, a vision was established to build a
premier trail system. Likened to a “field
of dreams”, developers of the concept wondered
whether people would support the project.
After years of study, legislative research, and
land development – the Hatfield-McCoy Trail
System was born. With the trails first
opening in 2000, the trail system has grown to
include 500+ miles of trails that span southern
West Virginia. Through continued expansion
efforts, future plans include the networking of
additional trails with an estimated escalation
to over 2000 miles of trails.
Over the past year, ATVSource.com has had the
opportunity to investigate the 6 trails systems
that make up the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
Consisting of
Little Coal River,
Indian Ridge,
Bearwallow,
Buffalo Mountain,
Pinnacle Creek, and Rockhouse – each trail
system has distinguishing features that makes
each one unique in their own right.
Little Coal River is the family-friendly venue
with a variety of recreational activities nearby
and easier trails. Indian Ridge is the
place to escape, providing a sense of remote
isolation. Challenge-seekers and the less
faint-of-heart can tackle the extreme, rocky
terrain at Bearwallow. Centered in the
middle of a historic district and taking a step
back in time is Buffalo Mountain, and Pinnacle
Creek is full of stunning scenery and
breathtaking views.
With such diversity, yet conformance to the
world-class standards which separate the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails from any other trail
system, it is only fitting that we’ve completed
our journey with the Rockhouse Trail System –
the place where it all started. Located
centrally to all of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails,
it is a hub of activities, and the two local
community connectors, Man and Gilbert, make for
great base camps when visiting the other trail
systems. It is just a short journey
through either town to lodging, food, fuel,
attractions, and other convenient amenities.
Gilbert is especially notable, boasting the
self-proclaimed title of most ATV-friendly
community in the U.S. and host to
Hatfield-McCoy’s
National Trail Fest.
While there is plenty to do in both towns,
it’s all about the trails for ATV enthusiasts.
The Rockhouse Trail System features the most
mileage of any of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
Showcasing 92+ miles of trails – there are
family-friendly easy trails, pulse-pounding
difficult trails, and plenty of scenic
overlooks. Trail breakdowns include 53%
greenest (easiest), 22% blue (more difficult),
13% black (most difficult), 5% red/black
(extreme difficult), and 7% orange (single-track
only). The Rockhouse Trail System is
really the culmination of all of the other
Hatfield-McCoy Trails, combining all the
individual distinctiveness of the other trail
systems into one.
After 9 years, visionaries of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails can be sure that the trail
system has been a hit. 2009 is turning
into a record year for permit sales, reflecting
the efforts of the Trail’s management,
administrative, and support staff. Though
the end of the year is quickly approaching, fall
is one most scenic times to visit the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails. A 2009
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit costs $26.50 (WV
residents) and $50.00 (non-WV residents) and are
good for the balance of the year. Make the
Rockhouse Trail System your central stop when
visiting each of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
A special thank you goes to Bill Reed, one of
the original trailblazers of the Hatfield-McCoy
Trails, for being my personal guide while
visiting the trails. When in Gilbert, be
sure to check out Bill’s Mountain Breeze Motel (www.mountainbreezemotel.com)
– a place where you can sit around a campfire in
the parking lot talking about the day, learning
about the local lore, or just hanging out with
newfound friends. It’s just another day at
the office, for these guys!
For more information about the Rockhouse
Trail System, local amenities, and other
information about the Hatfield-McCoy Trails,
visit
www.trailsheaven.com.
|
