WV Riders

Trip planning

Plan a Hatfield-McCoy riding trip

When to go

The Authority's brochure lists year-round riding. Compare spring, summer, fall and winter in our best time to ride guide, including daylight hours, holiday staffing and fall color.

Getting there

US-119 is the main road through the Logan and Mingo County side. Williamson is on the Tug Fork at the Kentucky line. The Hatfield-McCoy Welcome Center is about 20 miles south of Charleston on US-119. Check your route for trailer-friendly roads.

Flying in

The Authority's No Machine, No Problem guide suggests flying in and renting from local outfitters. It links to West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston. Arrange ground transportation and your machine rental around the trail system you plan to ride.

What to bring

  • DOT or Snell helmet and eye protection for every rider, with the permit on the helmet.
  • Gloves, over-the-ankle boots, and layers. Mountain mornings run cold.
  • First aid kit, tools, tire plug kit and a tow strap. Ride with a partner.
  • Offline maps: onX Offroad or the official maps. Install what3words so you can tell 911 exactly where you are.
  • UTV owner's manual (required), and a spark arrester and muffler on every machine.

Trailers and parking

Trailheads have about two acres of day parking, but no overnight parking and no camping. Book lodging with room for the trailer, or stay in a connector town and ride from the door.

Fuel and food

The connector towns have gas, food and lodging. Plan your fuel stops around them, because there's none on the trail.

Renting machines

The Authority doesn't rent machines or endorse outfitters. Private outfitters near most trailheads rent ATVs and UTVs; book ahead in peak season.

More planning guides

See the best time to ride, our group trip guide, and the events calendar as you set your dates.

Browse our planning guides for help with permits, maps, rentals and your first ride.

Sources: HMT welcome centers · WV Tourism on winter riding · 2025 brochure (PDF) · No Machine, No Problem · Yeager Airport

The trails explained → · Permits and rules → · Where to stay →

Map guide → · First ride guide → · Williamson itinerary → · Machine rentals →

Stay in Williamson

Ride from town, sleep in town

Williamson is the trail town for Buffalo Mountain: you can ride from town onto the trails, then come back to food, fuel and a real bed.

Full disclosure: the two houses below are ours. We built this guide because we ride here too.

Williamson, WV · sleeps 16

Buffalo Mountain Retreat

Four bedrooms for 16 riders, a private pool, and a locking garage and carport for your machines. Ride out on Williamson's town connector routes to Buffalo Mountain.

4 bedrooms · 2 baths · 3-night minimum · no pets

  • Locking garage and carport for ATVs and UTVs
  • Room for trucks and trailers
  • Private outdoor pool
  • Game room and full bar
  • Firepit and BBQ grill
Check dates & book direct

Williamson, WV · sleeps 22

Linkous House

An 1896 home downtown with 11 bedrooms and 7 baths for groups up to 22. Walk to restaurants, ride out on the connector routes, and events are welcome.

11 bedrooms · 7 baths · 3-night minimum · no pets

  • Room for trucks and trailers
  • Walk to downtown restaurants
  • Washer and dryer
  • Events allowed
  • Historic home built in 1896
Check dates & book direct