Hatfield-McCoy Trails FAQ

How much is a Hatfield-McCoy trail permit in 2026?

$65 for non-residents and $26.50 for West Virginia residents, tax included. Current or former U.S. military pay the resident rate. See the 2026 permit guide.

Is there a day pass?

No. Permits are annual and run from purchase through December 31. See the permit guide.

Do passengers need a permit?

Yes. Every driver and every passenger needs their own permit. Read the permit and passenger rules.

Where does the permit go?

On your helmet, left side, below the goggle line. See the permit guide.

How long does an online permit take to arrive?

The Authority says 10 to 14 days and warns not to order online if you ride within two weeks. Buy at a trailhead or vendor instead; see the permit guide.

Can I pay cash for a permit at a trailhead?

No. Hatfield-McCoy trailhead facilities accept credit/debit cards only, with no cash accepted or available onsite. The policy also names the Hatfield-McCoy Welcome Center and Country Roads Visitor Center. See the Authority's card-only notice; check payment options directly with other permit retailers.

How many miles are the Hatfield-McCoy Trails?

Over 1,200 miles across 13 trail systems in nine southern West Virginia counties, per the Authority. Browse the system guides and map guide.

When are the trails open?

Every day of the year, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. No night riding. See the season and timing guide.

Can I camp on the trails or at a trailhead?

No. There is no camping on the system and no overnight parking at trailheads. Stay in a town or a private campground; the rules guide has the full list.

Is alcohol allowed on the trails?

No. You can't drink or carry alcohol on the trails, and glass containers are banned. See the trail rules.

How old do kids have to be?

At least 6, and they must meet the machine maker's age and size rules. Riders under 16 must stay within sight of a parent or guardian. Read the family and first ride guide.

Can I carry a passenger on an ATV?

Only if the machine was built for two. Add-on passenger seats, car seats and booster seats are not allowed. See the passenger guide for families.

Which systems allow Jeeps and full-size ORVs?

Bearwallow, Big Coal River, Cabwaylingo and Ivy Branch. ORVs have extra rules for helmets, seat belts, roll cages and passengers; see the full-size ORV rules.

Do the trail systems connect?

Buffalo Mountain, Devil Anse, Rockhouse and Braveheart connect (over 300 miles). Pinnacle Creek, Warrior, Indian Ridge and Pocahontas connect in the south. The rest stand alone. See the Williamson trail-town guide for the Mingo-Logan group.

What are outlaw trails?

Undeveloped trails, often on private land, outside the managed system. The Authority tells riders to stay off them; rescue crews may not find you. Read about other West Virginia riding areas.

Does the Authority rent ATVs?

No. Rent from private outfitters near the trailheads. Use our ATV and UTV rental guide to plan.

Is the system open in winter?

Yes, all year. December and January are slower and some businesses close for the season. See the seasonal riding guide.

Is state registration, a driver's license or insurance required on the trails?

The published trail rules do not list state registration or a driver's license to operate an ATV or UTV on the trails, though WV CSR 204-1-6 requires every trail user age 16 and older to carry a valid driver's license or state-issued photo ID at all times. Full-size ORV drivers must hold and carry a valid driver's license, and WV CSR 204-1-4 requires operators of any licensed ORV or motorcycle to carry their motor vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance on the trails. For unlicensed ATVs and UTVs, the Authority's November 2021 notice says it does not require machine title or insurance, while its insurance page gives general coverage advice rather than a trail-specific exemption. Confirm current requirements with the Authority; road travel has separate requirements. See our street-riding guidance.

Is there a UTV width limit or whip-flag requirement?

The Authority publishes no UTV width limit or whip-flag requirement on its trail rules page. Check the current rules before riding. UTVs must stay on designated trails: Easiest, More Difficult and select Most Difficult trails signed for their use.

Where are e-bikes allowed?

Tornado is for dirt bikes and e-bikes only, according to the Authority's Tornado page. Confirm e-bike access on other systems with the Authority before riding.