WV RidersHatfield-McCoy Trails · Williamson, West Virginia

Riding from Hatfield-McCoy into Virginia's Spearhead Trails

In October 2025 the Authority announced a connector between its Pocahontas system and Spearhead Trails in Virginia. You can ride across the state line, but you need two permits.

The connection

The Authority announced on October 30, 2025, that a newly built connector on Trail 34, reached from the Town of Bramwell, joins its Pocahontas system with Spearhead's Original Pocahontas system. Spearhead's own page for that system notes the connection to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. The updated maps are on the Authority's trail maps page.

Pocahontas is part of the southern connected group, which also takes in Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek and Warrior. The Hatfield-McCoy trailhead for Pocahontas is at 11110 Coal Heritage Road, Bramwell, in Coaldale.

Two permits, both required

The Authority is direct about this: riders need a valid trail permit from both organizations to ride each system. A Hatfield-McCoy permit doesn't cover Spearhead, and a Spearhead permit doesn't cover Hatfield-McCoy.

Hatfield-McCoySpearhead
OperatorHatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority (WV)Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (VA)
Permit typesAnnual, through December 313-day, annual and youth
Who needs oneEvery driver and passengerEvery driver and rider, including children
ProofSticker on the helmet, left sideCarry the permit confirmation email or receipt and photo ID matching the permit name; rangers can also look up permits
Where to buyOur permit guideSpearhead online permits

Check current prices on each operator's site before you buy. Our permit guide has the 2026 Hatfield-McCoy fees.

Spearhead basics

Spearhead Trails is run by the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority, which Virginia's General Assembly created in 2008. Its site lists seven ATV trail systems across Southwest Virginia: Coal Canyon, Mountain View, Ridgeview, Jawbone, Original Pocahontas, Laurel Creek and Stone Mountain.

The Original Pocahontas system is in Tazewell County. Spearhead lists two trailheads for it:

  • Pocahontas: 210 W. Railroad Ave, Pocahontas, VA 24635. No trailer parking.
  • Miners Park: 132 Miners Park Lane, Boissevain, VA 24605. Trailer parking available.

Spearhead says the system includes 10 miles of single track. Mileage figures for the system differ between Spearhead and Virginia tourism pages, so use the current map rather than a published total.

Spearhead rules that differ

Once you cross the line, Spearhead's rules apply. Several are stricter than, or different from, Hatfield-McCoy's:

  • Speed limit of 25 mph on all Spearhead trails.
  • Riders under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian who holds a valid Spearhead permit and waiver.
  • You must carry a state-issued or photo ID that matches the permit name.
  • Helmets for everyone (DOT, Snell or Virginia-approved), plus eye protection.
  • Firearms, fireworks, drugs and alcohol are prohibited. So are fires.
  • Stay out of water areas not designated as play areas, and enter and leave only at trail access points.
  • Trails are open sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted.

Spearhead's posted trail policy also says machines shall be equipped with a manufacturer's steering wheel, a roll-over protection system and seatbelts. If you ride an ATV or a dirt bike, confirm with Spearhead what you can ride before you cross: Spearhead trail policy.

Planning the day

  • Buy both permits before you leave. Spearhead sells its permits online.
  • Download both operators' maps. Spearhead tells riders to load maps before they go.
  • Check Spearhead's site and social pages for trail closures on the morning you ride.
  • The connector starts from Bramwell. The rest of the southern group is reached from towns such as Pineville and War; check the map for routes.

Remember that Hatfield-McCoy rules apply again once you ride back into West Virginia, including its daylight hours and its helmet sticker. For other riding beyond the Hatfield-McCoy network, see other West Virginia trails.

Sources

Questions riders ask

Do I need a Spearhead permit to ride from Pocahontas into Virginia?

Yes. The Authority says riders need a valid permit from both organizations to ride each system. Source: Hatfield-McCoy announcement.

Where does the Hatfield-McCoy to Spearhead connector start?

From the Town of Bramwell on Trail 34, linking the Pocahontas system to Spearhead's Original Pocahontas system, per the October 2025 announcement. See our Bramwell guide.

Does Spearhead mail a helmet sticker?

No. Spearhead emails the permit instead of mailing a sticker. Carry the confirmation email or receipt and a photo ID matching the permit name; rangers can also look up permits. Source: Spearhead trail policy.

What is the speed limit on Spearhead Trails?

25 mph on all Spearhead trails, according to the Spearhead trail policy.

Who runs Spearhead Trails?

The Southwest Regional Recreation Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2008. Sources: Spearhead, Va. Code 15.2-6016.

Where to stay in Williamson

The Spearhead connector is a long trailer drive south. Closer to home, Williamson connects you to more than 300 miles of the Mingo-Logan group.

These two houses are ours.

Williamson, WV · sleeps 16

Buffalo Mountain Retreat

Four bedrooms and two baths, sleeping 16, on Mulberry Street in Williamson. The house has a private pool and a locking garage and carport for machines, and Williamson's town connector routes lead to Buffalo Mountain.

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

View house & availability

Williamson, WV · sleeps 22

Linkous House

An 1896 house in downtown Williamson with 11 bedrooms and 7 baths, sleeping up to 22. Restaurants are within walking distance, riders can use the town connector routes, and events are allowed.

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

View house & availability