West Virginia Off-Road Trails

Ivy Branch 67 is a quick connecting trail to the eastern side of the trail system. This is listed as a black trail per the park system's standards. The trail is generally 1-1.5 vehicles wide with a hardpacked, rocky trail surface. There are two steep hills reaching 24 degrees of pitch, but no obstacles along the trail. This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle with low gearing.

There is no camping onsite, but there are many cabin rentals nearby.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails are open 365 days a year, from sunup to sundown. Permits are required for all operators and passengers. Additionally, all drivers and passengers must wear a helmet on the trails. This includes full-size vehicles such as Jeeps.

Ivy Branch 38 can be traveled in either direction. The southern half of the trail traverses the ridgeline west of the Little Coal River and leads past the Sunset Overlook, with great views down to the river and Highway 119. The northern half of the trail has optional mud hole obstacles along the ridgeline near the gas wells before dropping down a steep, loose, and rocky descent on your way to Ivy Creek. This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle with low gearing.

There is no camping onsite, but there are many cabin rentals nearby.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails are open 365 days a year, from sunup to sundown. Permits are required for all operators and passengers. Additionally, all drivers and passengers must wear a helmet on the trails. This includes full-size vehicles such as Jeeps.

Ivy Branch 66 is a consistent climb between trails 13 and 46. From the moment the trail crosses Ivy Creek, it immediately climbs to the top of the ridgeline at a consistent 15-20 degree pitch, with parts as high as 27 degrees of pitch. Near the top of the ridge is a gas pad with several outlaw trails surrounding it. Remember to stay on legally marked trails per the trail system map, and do not travel outlaw trails you may see. 66 is narrow in places but has plenty of passing opportunities. The trail surface is hard-packed, rock and gravel with limited rutting and no off-camber sections. This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle with low gearing.

There is no camping onsite, but there are many cabin rentals nearby.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails are open 365 days a year, from sunup to sundown. Permits are required for all operators and passengers. Additionally, all drivers and passengers must wear a helmet on the trails. This includes full-size vehicles such as Jeeps.

Sugar Camp connects Shavers Fork Road with the Fernow Experimental Forest. It is slightly more rugged than the surrounding roads, but only high clearance is required. It resides entirely under a tree canopy, and there is not much to see, and camping is not allowed.

At the end of this out-and-back road reads a sign: "This unassuming spot marks the birthplace of the Monongahela National Forest." The sign goes on to tell the story of how the US Government purchased this parcel of land, which was the cornerstone of the Monongahela National Forest, established on April 28th, 1920. Interestingly enough, as you drive the road, you will pass through an undisturbed tract of trees that was last clear-cut in 1905 and provides a stark contrast to the cutting that has taken place in later years. The road is suitable for any vehicle, and there is no camping.

Goodwin Run (FS 933) is a quiet, out-and-back forest road that gently winds through the heart of the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area. Open year-round and lightly traveled, this short gravel trail offers a peaceful alternative for visitors looking to access nearby hiking trails and picnic spots nestled deep within the West Virginia hardwood canopy. The route maintains a steady, gentle grade and sticks to lower elevations, making it a relaxed and enjoyable drive through a lush, shaded corridor.

The road is relatively flat and well-maintained throughout, with only a few narrower sections that might require some attention when passing other vehicles or turning around. Despite its seclusion, the trail remains accessible to any vehicle, with no technical driving required. There are no designated camping areas along this route, so it’s best suited for a quick scenic drive or a gateway into deeper outdoor recreation in the area. With its calm surroundings and easygoing terrain, Goodwin Run is an ideal route for first-time off-roaders or casual explorers who want a taste of forest solitude without venturing too far off the beaten path.

The Bickle Knob Observation Tower is open during daylight hours and when the roads are snow-free. The road is a quick side trip from Stuarts Drive. Once at the end, it is a short walk to the tower, where one can take in panoramic views of the Monongahela National Forest. There is no camping on or off the road in this area.

Smoke Camp leaves Allegheny and quickly climbs to the top of Fork Mountain. At the top, there is room for six vehicles to park and enjoy the picnic table and amazing views of the surrounding mountains. As you drive up, there will be areas with zero passing, so watch for oncoming traffic. There is no camping along the way.

Ivy Branch 37 is an easy connector trail between trails 35 and 39, mainly used to access extreme trail 97. 37 takes you through a mossy green landscape from Ivy Creek to the Little Coal River, traversing a hard-packed surface with occasional protruding rocks and a few shallow mud holes. The trail is generally 1-1.5 vehicles wide, with plenty of areas to pass oncoming traffic. This trail is suitable for any vehicle.

There is no camping onsite, but there are many cabin rentals nearby.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails are open 365 days a year, from sunup to sundown. Permits are required for all operators and passengers. Additionally, all drivers and passengers must wear a helmet on the trails. This includes full-size vehicles such as Jeeps.

Shenandoah Mountain Road, also known as County Road 32, is a simple gravel road traveling across the West Virginia and Virginia State Line, connecting Stoney Run, Reddish Knob, and North River together. There is no camping along this road, but if you continue south onto North River, you will find some of the best camping in the area. This road is suitable for any vehicle.

Cranberry Dyer is a dusty gravel road that leads up and over Bishop Knob to Cranberry. It is an important stretch of road as it connects the paved Williams River Road with all its campsites to Cranberry, allowing for a more extended overland-style trip. At the high point is the Biship Knob Campground, with improved sites and vault toilets. The road is suitable for any vehicle.