Discover rugged southern West Virginia on this expansive, hand-crafted trail network.
written by ALISHA JARRETT
photo courtesy of HATFIELD-MCCOY TRAILS
THE HATFIELD–MCCOY TRAILS (HMT) SYSTEM boasts over 1,000 miles of trails spanning multiple counties across southern West Virginia, serving adventurous trail riders now for 25 years.
“Our trails are currently housed on one million acres of land,” says John Fekete, the trail system’s deputy director. “Guests can come and drive their ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, Jeeps, and even full-sized vehicles.”
Last year, the trail system sold nearly 95,000 passes, 80% of which were purchased by outof-state residents—a significant boost to the economy of southern West Virginia. “Tourists spend money here at local gas stations, restaurants, apparel shops, equipment rental stores, and lodging,” explains Fekete. “That economic trickle effect helps create jobs in our area.”
Further expanding the trail system’s reach, Fekete led the charge for a new motorcycle and e-bike single track trail in Tornado, in Kanawha County, which opened to the public in August 2024.
The entire HMT system is divided into three categories: easiest, more difficult, and most difficult. The 60-mile Tornado Single Trax Trail System, specifically designed for motorcycles and e-bikes, lands further down the scale, a winding network of challenging trails that Fekete emphasizes are not for learning to ride motorcycles or e-bikes—previous experience is recommended.
Trail passes, required for each rider, are available for in-state and out-of-state riders, valid from the time of purchase to the end of the purchase year for as much excitement as you can handle—they provide access to all Hatfield–McCoy trails from sun-up to sundown, seven days a week. While riders must be 18 years or older to purchase trail passes, children aged 6 and up are welcome to join the adventure if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on the new motorcycle and e-bike trail, and I’m proud of what we’ve developed in the past 25 years,” says Fekete. “Plus, it’s always fun to sell fun.”
More information about purchasing trail passes can be found on the Hatfield–McCoy Trails website, at any Hatfield–McCoy Trailhead facility, or at an authorized HMT permit vendor location. Tornado, trailsheaven.com, @trailsheaven on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2025 ISSUE
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