West Virginia Trails

Bearwallow is a network of trails in the Hatfield-McCoy trail system in West Virginia. Catering to full-size vehicles, it's no wonder it is part of the Jeep Badge of Honor list of trails. The Green Outer Loop includes five different trails and offers an excellent opportunity to test your 4x4 skills through a rollercoaster landscape of hill climbs and descents. If you are looking for more, the Green Outer Loop connects to a handful of the toughest offroad trails in the state. It's a perfect route for beginners and those looking for their Badges of Honor.

Located near Thomas and Davis, Canaan Loop is situated in a wonderful area. Both towns feature a lovely atmosphere focused on outdoor recreation, with local shops, breweries, and restaurants. Blackwater Falls State Park has a wonderful selection of trails and waterfalls. Nearby, Dolly Sods contains plants and animals found nowhere else south of Canada. It truly is a nature lover's dream. Although many people experience the area by sticking to the towns and well-trod paths, being able to drive in and find a plethora of dispersed camping spots makes Canaan Loop a wonderful experience. It's easy to escape into nature while being close to amenities. From many of the campsites on the trail, Davis is less than 20 minutes away. Being able to leave a local brewery and be back at camp that quickly is a fantastic experience. The trail itself is absolutely beautiful, and weeks could be spent driving and stopping to explore the surrounding hiking trails, fishing spots, and nature viewing areas. Although it provides some measure of difficulty, it provides inexperienced drivers a beautiful place to test their skills.

Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Canyon Rim is nestled in some of the most spectacular wilderness in West Virginia. The higher elevations offer very special scenery full of unique plants and animals. Many people visit the area and stick to the state parks. While these are great, and it's nice to see the well-known places, it's even better to be away from the crowds. Canyon Rim doesn't see a lot of traffic, and it's a great escape. The area is great for the off-road community and the people they may be traveling with. The campsites are beautiful and secluded. There are hiking trails with creeks, forests, and waterfalls to explore. With few people coming through and plenty to explore, it's a great place to take your dog.

Located one hour east of Charleston and traveling through the Gauley River National Recreation Area, Panther Mountain is a great road filled with picturesque moments that will leave your camera crying for more memory. This road is well-traveled and used by many outdoor enthusiasts. The road offers several access points to the world-renowned Gauley River, where you can partake in or watch numerous water activities. Panther Mountain also passes multiple hiking trails and astonishing waterfalls. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, a great fall color drive, or an incredible lunch spot, Panther Mountain definitely has everything you are looking for.

Traveling through West Virginia's only national park and the country's newest national park, McKendree Road is a cliff-hugging rough and rugged, narrow road that travels along the eastern banks of the New River Gorge, connecting the towns of Thurmond and Prince. This is a straight-through, 13-mile trek that begins along a hard-packed gravel road. Once crossing the Stonecliff Bridge, the road narrows to 1.5 vehicles wide and pounds across an untold number of potholes with spectacular views down to the river. Past the old town of Thayer, which offers awesome picnic and camping opportunities next to the river, the road becomes extremely narrow along the cliff edge with long stretches where passing is impossible, and pinstriping is guaranteed. Small creeks and shaded coves within the gorge produce picturesque waterfalls. The road conditions become rougher with small rocks, shallow mud holes, and eroded embankments until your final descent down Stretchers Neck to Highway 41.

This road is best suited for high clearance SUVs and pickup trucks and drivers with previous off-road experience.

Three primitive New River Gorge National Park campgrounds sit along McKendree Road, including Stone Cliff, Thayer, and Army Camp. Most of the sites within those campgrounds are walk-in only. Backcountry camping is allowed within the park as long as you stay more than 100 feet from state roads, parking lots, developed trails, trailheads, boat launch areas, etc.

Trails 23 and 25 are a nice reprieve and a hideaway from other areas of Bearwallow. They allow you to escape narrow roads and feel secluded amongst the trees and imposing rock structures while being lower on the mountain. As a bonus, these trails provide a glimpse into how auger mining takes place.

Located in central Fayette County, Beury Mountain Road is a twisting and winding gravel road that weaves through oak and hickory forests in the highlands east of New River Gorge. This road passes through the Buery Mountain Wildlife Management Area, connecting the towns of Maplewood and Thurmond. The road is an easy gravel road, one to two vehicles wide the entire way, with plenty of passing opportunities. The road's western end descends down the hillside rather quickly, losing 860' of elevation in 3 miles. You'll make your way through three tight switchbacks before ending at the historic coal town of Thurmond, which boasts only 5 year-round residents. Camping is prohibited in the management area but can be found nearby in the Babcock State Park and the national river area. This road is suitable for any stock SUV or pickup truck.

Perhaps the "coolest" trail in the entire state of West Virginia. The Cooler gets its name from a natural vent that blows cold air out into the open. Its blast is potent enough to call it the most powerful air conditioner you have ever witnessed. The vent is right where the fun begins on the trail, just before you tackle obstacle after obstacle to reach the top.

Located just east of Swiss, in Nicholas County, Bowls Creek is a hard-core rock crawling trail with endless obstacles and options suitable for any type of build. You'll traverse large boulders, waterfalls, downed timber, and deep water holes while trying your best to stay in the creek as much as possible. With many entry and exit points, this trail makes for a great group run where everyone can decide how much they want to push their limits.

Crossing between Clay County and Nicholas County, this off-road trail is a must-do if you enjoy water crossings. The trail is a straight-through, 17-mile-long trip that begins on Dundon Road just east of Clay, next to Buffalo Creek. The trail is rough and rugged with many cobble rock sections as it snakes its way through the hollows and begins following Lilly Fork. Around 5 miles in, the trail starts the first of nearly two-dozen water crossings, with several crossings being long stretches of driving up the creek. As you enter Nicholas County and begin following Beech Fork, the trail surface becomes very sandy outside the creek bed. Eventually, it becomes Twenty Mile Creek Road before intersecting with County Road 19/8.

Lodging and camping are available at the J.G. Bradley Campground & Lodge on the west end, just outside Clay. No camping along the trail exists, but this is an excellent overland alternative to the paved county roads between Clay and Summersville. The road is suitable for any high clearance SUV or pickup truck. Take caution during heavy rain events, as water levels can rise to several feet deep.

Deadfall in Bearwallow is an aptly named most difficult double trail. The trail wraps around and through a gully with dead and fallen timber overhead, down on the ground, and all around you. If you enjoy driving under timber that once stood tall, this is your kind of trail. The short but steep loose hill climb will surely give you a moment to remember!

Bearwallow 73, within the Hatfield-McCoy Trails System, is a hardcore rock crawler's dream trail. The first two hundred yards of this trail appear to be just another boulder-filled ravine, but that is only a tease of what lies ahead. As you make your way up a narrow ravine between trails 44 and 26, the rocks and boulders slowly increase in size until you finally encounter a formidable obstacle with car-sized boulders sure to challenge even the biggest 4x4s. After weaving through these enormous rock features, you will next encounter an extremely steep, loose, and dugout hill climb determined to keep you from conquering this obstacle, by adding a surprise 3-foot ledge midway up the hill. 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.

County Road 60/12, located just west of Babcock, is an easy and short gravel road to a stunning waterfall and an old railroad bridge. You could drive along the bridge at one time, but it has been recently closed to motorized traffic. You can still walk along the bridge and get spectacular views of the waterfall. Hike down a short distance to the water for a nice reprieve from the summer heat. The road can be combined with County Road 41/3 to make an easy loop connecting Highway 60 and Highway 41.

The road is well-maintained and suitable for any passenger vehicle.

Shavers Fork Road mostly follows its namesake, the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. You can include this scenic route in a more extended overland trip, but the road weaves in and out of public land, and dispersed camping is very limited. A good swath where it goes through public land is listed as day use only. The road is almost entirely gravel with a few potholes and narrow sections, suitable for any street-legal vehicle.

If you are looking for the Charleston version of "Top of the World," this is it! Starting at Hughes Creek, on the north side of the Kanawha River, Cob Hollow runs northwest past numerous gas wells. The road is hard-packed dirt with a few gravel and muddy sections. The trail twists and turn for nearly 7 miles, following the ridgelines to the southwest and passing Rubes Hollow. After a large steel tank, you'll come to a large parking area at the base of a chewed-up, rocky hill climb. This hill is not as challenging as it may appear from the bottom, and any high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle should not have any problems. After the hill, the trail shoots west, following the power lines leading to a wide section of the ridgeline booby-trapped with deep, bottomless mud holes. Sneaking between the mud holes is extremely tight and very dangerous if the soil is wet in any way. Full-size vehicles should consider stopping at this point. Thirty yards beyond the mud, the ridge drops off at a fantastic overlook known as the Devil's Tea Table. This overlook provides astonishing views of the Kanawha River and US 60 below. Return the way you came, or take Rubes Hollow down to Kelly's Creek Road.

Fort Seybert, also known as Rough Run Road, is a mountain road that crosses the George Washington National Forest and connects West Virginia to Virginia. The road climbs 1700 feet to the state line and then descends 1500 feet to Little Dry River Road. It is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, is comprised of dirt, and has minor water crossings. There is one campsite on the West Virginia side.

Middle Mountain is a longer north-south running gravel road suitable for any vehicle. It can be combined with other areas' roads for an overland-style trip. Most of the road is under tree canopy, but there are a few distinct areas where logging has taken place, opening up unparalleled views. There are four designated dispersed campsites and a dozen dispersed sites on Little River Road. Alternately, the Middle Mountain Cabins are popular, and the Laurel Fork Campground is not far from the road.

Big Ten Mile Road is an easy, hard-packed dirt road that connects Campbell's Creek and Kelly's Creek. The road is two vehicles wide most of the way and offers no challenges. There is one short section along the road where small protruding rocks will cause you to reduce your speed, but the rocks are not large enough to damage a vehicle. Various maps label this road as Big Hollow Bench Road as it approaches Kelly's Creek. Views are minimal due to thick tree coverage. There is no camping along this road, but it is a popular OHV riding area for locals. Cell service is very spotty along this trail, so come prepared with pre-downloaded maps since utility companies own many spur roads, and it is very easy to get lost in this area. This road is suitable for any high-clearance SUV or pickup truck.

Mill Creek Road is an easy dirt road used mainly to access hunting grounds between Mill Creek and Fivemile Fork. The road connects Campbells Creek to Indian Creek and passes several gas and oil pads. The road is generally 1-1.5 vehicles wide and is graded dirt/gravel nearly the entire way. There is one short, 30-yard-long incline out of Right Fork Mill Creek with several loose rocks that could present a traction challenge to a slow-moving vehicle, but otherwise, this road is suitable for any stock SUV or pickup truck.

County Road 41/3 is an easy, short gravel trail just west of Russellville and Babcock. The road passes several ranches and churches and makes for a nice country drive. The road can be combined with County Road 60/12 to make an easy loop connecting Highway 60 and Highway 41.

The road is well-maintained, with occasional potholes and very narrow erosion ruts. It is suitable for any passenger vehicle.

At each end of the road, a sign greets you and offers you a choice. It reads, "Two historic pathways await you — it's your choice! You are about to travel through a forest landscape steeped in logging and railroad history. Over a century ago, the West Fork was unspoiled and inaccessible. Thick forests of spruce and hemlock reigned supreme. The coming of the railroad and the woodsman's axe in the early 1900s transformed and reshaped this now-tranquil land."

Glady Durbin, Forest Road 44, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and US Forest Service in the 1930s and 1950s. It is a 20-mile scenic mountain drive that parallels areas of the West Fork Rail Trail. The road is entirely gravel and suitable for any high-clearance vehicle. It crosses Lynn Divide, which is a natural dividing line between the headwaters of two major water systems in the Monongahela National Forest. Precipitation falling a few feet to the north, towards Glady, Is destined for the Cheat River. Precipitation falling to the south, towards Durbin, flows into the Greenbrier River.

Due to the route's historical significance, a few ghost townsites remain following logging and rail activity, although no original buildings can be seen. In these townsite areas, interpretive signs will be visible for those curious about what became of the towns. These areas are also filled with summer wildflowers.

The road has 15 designated dispersed campsites, with sites 7-10 being the premier locations.

Peters Creek Ridge is an easy dirt road that travels a ridgeline along the northern boundary of the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The road starts at Laurel Creek and runs nearly 5 miles before reaching a closed gate at a private property near Stillhouse Branch. The landowners of this property do allow public access through their property, but you must call or visit them for egress. The gate has a waiver you must sign and contact information for the landowners. If you receive permission to travel the remaining 0.6 miles, the road ends at Peters Creek, directly across from Panther Mountain Road. This road provides several viewpoints of the Gauley River and is generally one to one and a half vehicles wide. It is suitable for any high clearance vehicle, but 4-wheel drive might be needed during wet conditions.

When you drive Old Mine, you will quickly forget you are in West Virginia. Built on an old mine site and logging area, the road offers expansive views reminiscent of the western United States. Directly from its northern start, the road begins to tell a story of mining and logging activity from years ago and the subsequent restoration of the area in recent years. It offers over 20 plus well-spaced dispersed campsites, all with variety, from ones with ponds to others with 360-degree views or even a handful nestled in the pines

As you drive the road, there are two forks. The first fork in the north takes you sharply uphill to an overlook. The second fork towards the southern end takes you to several wooded and non-wooded campsites and hiking trails. Both forks are worth taking simply for the views.

There is no trash service, and as always, please pack out more than you packed in.

Spruce Knob and the highest point of "The Mountain State" stands at an elevation of 4,863 feet. The portion of the road to the north of the knob is paved, and everything else is gravel and suitable for any vehicle. At the top, you can walk to the Spruce Knob Tower; the hiking trail is approximately 1/2 mile long. The only camping is just off the main road and on Forest Road 1, at the Spruce Knob Lake Campground. Many of the sites in the campground are first-come, first-served, while others require a reservation.

The Little River dispersed camping area offers 14 designated dispersed campsites and a group area with five sites. Most sites, minus the group sites and site 13, are directly on the road. Caution: Due to mud, site 13 will require 4WD access in wet weather. Sites 7-9 are near or next to the Little River. Due to size limitations, travel trailers and camper trucks can fit into about half of the sites.

The road is gravel and suitable for high-clearance vehicles, but it can flood during heavy rain. It is a great road to include when overlanding around the area for camping and a quick crossover between Glady Durbin and Middle Mountain.

Trail 47 is listed as a black trail per the Park's measurement. Although listed as black, it is a fairly straightforward drive where you only need to contend with steep pitches, which the south end is very steep. Traveling uphill in wet weather could be a chore. Suitable for any stock SUV with low gearing.

A gentle road crosses the Cheat Wildlife Management Area. Cheat Mountain provides lush forested views and, in select spots, views off into the distance. The road surface is entirely gravel and suitable for any high clearance vehicle. The non-gated side roads lead to Shavers Fork and fishing opportunities. The road does cross a few patches of private land, and there are no pre-disturbed dispersed campsites along the way. However, if you are looking for spectacular camping, combine this road with Old Mine Road, which is a continuation of this route on its southern end. It would make for a good overland-style trip.

Mountaineer Drive is a short and scenic forest road through the hills of Kanawha County, north of Charleston. The road is one vehicle wide and travels through thick foliage as it parallels a small creek. There are numerous slippery mud holes along the road, many of which never dry out. The mud is shallow in most cases, and a stock high clearance 4x4 will do just fine traversing these obstacles.

Stoney Run parallels Reddish Knob as it meanders its way past a half dozen or more sizeable dispersed campsites. It is primarily a gravel road with sections of baseball-sized rocks, a few ruts, and minor water crossings. During wet weather, many of the side runs could be quite scenic as they begin to flow with water. There is evidence of a forest fire or two, so pay attention to local restrictions. This trail is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, but airing down will aid in comfort.

Directly in the middle of the Fernow Experimental Forest, Elklick is the perfect road for rare breeds interested in forestry and ecology. The Fernow Experimental Forest was established in 1934 to address water quantity and water and timber quality issues. As you drive the road, interpretive signage tells a story of various timber regrowth methods used, each showing different results in the health of the forest. As bland as the topic sounds, it is pretty interesting to see the results for your eyes in a side by side comparison. There is no camping along this road.

Residing in the Monongahela National Forest, Stuarts Drive connects the Alleghany Parkway to Shavers Fork Road. It quickly gains elevation, with its high points being Stuarts and Bickle Knobs, and is suitable for any vehicle. Dispersed Camping is limited to two hidden sites, but near the middle of the route lays the Bear Heaven Campground, which is seasonal and on a first-come, first-served basis with eight sites. The road is mostly under a tree canopy, with a few open areas where it passes through grazing allotments.

Rubes Hollow is a short and relatively easy trail that starts at Kelly's Creek Road in a small neighborhood and slithers its way up the holler connecting with Cob Hollow. You'll follow a small creek, driving in the creekbed most of the way. The holler is very narrow and tight, leaving the road only wide enough for one full-size vehicle most of the way. However, there are plenty of pull-out opportunities to pass oncoming traffic. There are small rocks along the way and one short but slick ledge climb. This road is suitable for any stock 4x4 vehicle.

Cranberry follows the Cranberry River. It is popular for its 14 dispersed camping sites scattered along the edge of the river. The sites are first come, first served and cost a fee. Sites 7 and 12 are double sites and double the fee. The fee stations are sporadically placed along the road. In addition, the Big Rock and Cranberry improved campgrounds are accessed via this road. The road is suitable for any vehicle.

Located right next to Laurel Creek near the town of Swiss, Waterfall Trail is a 0.6-mile long trail that can take several hours. The trail starts with a large, 7-foot, double ledge climb and then follows a narrow holler with numerous large boulders, off-camber leans, and steep hillsides. The biggest obstacle is the waterfall, marked with a sign at the beginning. Many people come just to attempt the obstacle at the beginning and then turn around, but the entire length of the trail is a continuous challenge good for any modified vehicle with large tires, traction aid devices, and heavy skid plate armor.

Located within the Gauley River National Recreational Area, Wood's Ferry leads to a popular put-in and take-out site for the Gauley River and is home to the namesake rapid Wood's Ferry, which is the first major rapid along the Lower Gauley Canyon. The road is an easy gravel road, suitable for any vehicle. The road is wide, thus passing oncoming traffic is not a problem. There are two large parking lots and two restrooms/changing areas at the river put-in. There is also a large beach where you can stop, relax, and enjoy watching rafters and kayakers paddle through the rapids.

Upper Williams sits directly off the famous Highland Scenic Highway and connects to the now-paved Williams River Road and its numerous designated dispersed campsites. It is entirely gravel and has five picturesque designated campsites south of the improved Day Run Campground. It is suitable for any vehicle; however, warning signs stand that the area is subject to flash flooding.

The Gauley River is one of the natural jewels of the Central Appalachians, and its tributaries are just as spectacular. Mason Branch is a popular river access point with several small waterfalls to view on the way down to a large parking area. The road down to the river is an easy, wide gravel road suitable for any vehicle. Once at the parking area, Panther Creek Falls is located just a short hike to the north, along with a grotto fall nicknamed "Jannie Hole" just a bit farther up the foot trail. Bring your camera and bathing suit and enjoy a magical picnic lunch in the Gauley River National Recreation Area.

Allegheny is a maintained gravel road that connects Buffalo Fork and Smoke Camp and is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle. There is no camping along the drive, but the road does pass several hiking trailheads. Views are limited to the hardwood forest you are driving through.

Ivy Branch 46 is a slow-going, easy trail that is extremely bumpy, rutty, and rough, with an endless number of potholes. This trail slowly climbs the ridgeline to the west above trail 45 but only reaches a 12-degree pitch. This trail is best when combined with trail 45, making a nice loop in the southeast corner of the Ivy Branch Trail System. Trail 46 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.

Ivy Branch 45 is a bumpy and rutty trail with steep 22-degree declines that snakes its way through a thickly wooded forest before parallelling the railroad tracks on the west side of the Little Coal River. This trail makes a great loop when combined with trail 46. 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.

River Road provides access into and/or out of Old Mine and connects to US Highway 250. It travels alongside the Shaver Fork and is typically lined with thick rhododendrons. Maps show this road as a forest service road, but it appears to be used mostly for local access. Hard-packed gravel makes the road suitable for high-clearance vehicles. Camping is limited to just two pre-disturbed sites, and do note that a rail line next to the road could disrupt your night of sleep.

On the northern end, towards Highway 250, a spur takes you to Cheat Summit Fort, where a fort was built by Union forces to protect the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad during the Civil War. In 1861, the Confederates attempted to take control of the fort and failed. The failure is believed to be one of the main reasons General Robert E. Lee's west Virginia campaign failed. The fort has little left to see, but it is worth the quick side trip to walk the grounds.

Located in the northeast corner of the Ivy Branch Trail System, Ivy Branch 97 hides a monster hill climb deep within the thick trees, fit for only the bravest wheelers. This trail is best run starting from trail 37 and traversing the climbs in the uphill direction, traveling south towards trail 38. The trail is marked as a double black diamond trail, and rightfully so. Beginning immediately, the trail climbs a small series of rocks, making its way up a steep, 24-degree hill with a peppering of loose rock and shallow tire ruts. This first hill climb is a bit deceptive because it is only a taste of the real challenge coming along the last 400 feet of trail at the second hill climb. The final climb of the trail is a daunting 35-degree pitch with deep, 18" tire ruts and large, flat, moving rocks scattered across the hillside. Lockers, big tires, and a heavy throttle will be needed to conquer this hill successfully.

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.

Buffalo Fork is known for Lake Buffalo and its designated dispersed camping. The 22-acre lake is regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The half-dozen sites are numbered, and most are directly on the side of the road. The road surface is gravel and is suitable for any street-legal vehicle. Near the lake, there is room for additional parking and a vault toilet.

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.

Camp Run crosses the border of Virginia and West Virginia, traveling from the east to the west; it starts as Criders Road, turning to gravel, then eventually morphs into Camp Run Road, meeting Sweedlin Valley Road at its end. The road is steep and has plenty of twists and turns. There is one potential rough spot where it crosses "Camp Run" that could be problematic in weather events. Once in the George Washington National Forest, it flattens out and connects to Mitchel Knob and the quaint Camp Run Campground, which the Forest Service dubs "1950s style camping" popular with hunters.

Ivy Branch 59 is a difficult hill climb shortcut between trails 45 and 46. The 1,000-foot-long trail is best run east to west, in the uphill direction. This trail is only wide enough for a single vehicle, with large berms or drop-offs on both sides. Passing oncoming traffic would be extremely difficult. Starting at the railroad tracks along trail 45, 59 climbs sharply at 25 degrees of pitch as you traverse large loose rocks and small boulders. Deep ruts along the route will create traction issues for stock vehicles. This trail is best suited for modified 4x4s with larger tires and skid plate protection.

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.

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.

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.

Winding through the heart of Cabwaylingo State Forest, Trail 29 is a short but rugged backway to Tick Ridge Campground that packs in more scenery than many longer rides. Don’t let its “green” Hatfield-McCoy rating fool you. This is a narrow, rocky climb with sandstone-lined corridors that demand a slower pace, giving you time to soak in towering rock formations, mossy ledges, and some of the best views in the trail system. For campers or explorers looking for a quick yet adventurous route, this little stretch delivers big rewards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ivy Branch 60 is a simple hill climb obstacle along trail 35. It is marked as a black trail per the park's standards. The hill climb portion is 200 feet long and climbs sharply at 25 degrees. The trail surface is smooth, hard-packed dirt. When dry, the climb presents little challenge to a vehicle with low range. If wet, the soil becomes slick and snotty, presenting a bigger challenge. 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.