Can you ride ATVs in a West Virginia state forest?

Cabwaylingo State Forest has a dedicated Hatfield-McCoy system. State law limits ATV riding elsewhere in state forests, so check before you ride.

Are Jeeps allowed on Cabwaylingo?

Yes. The system is open to ATVs, UTVs, ORVs such as Jeeps, and dirt bikes.

What are the Cabwaylingo trailhead hours?

The trailhead is staffed 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week, and the 2021 Authority FAQ says the facility is open 365 days a year.

Hatfield-McCoy trail system

Cabwaylingo Trail System

Cabwaylingo is the Hatfield-McCoy system inside Cabwaylingo State Forest: about 8,300 acres, open to ATVs, UTVs, ORVs and dirt bikes. Over half the trails are rated Easiest.

County: Wayne County
Difficulty: Mostly green
Trailheads: 39 Tick Ridge Road, Wilsondale, WV 25699

Trailhead

39 Tick Ridge Road, Wilsondale, WV 25699. Staffed 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week, with parking, restrooms and permit sales.

Difficulty mix

Trail rating	Share of trails
Easiest (green)	54%
More Difficult (blue)	29%
Most Difficult (black)	9%
Single Track (orange)	5%

Per the Authority's trail page and brochure. Ratings are per trail; machines and riders must match the rating.

The official breakdown adds up to 97%; the rest is not published.

State forest rules

Some forest roads are for cabin and campground traffic only, and some trails are hiking and horse only. Follow the signs.

Cabins and camping

Cabwaylingo State Forest offers cabins and established campgrounds for an overnight stay. Tick Ridge has rustic camping. Spruce Creek has sites with electric and water hookups and nearby showers. Check the state forest lodging page for availability. Camping is not allowed on the Hatfield-McCoy riding trails. See our guide to other West Virginia riding areas for more destinations.

Things to do off the machine

The forest has hiking trails with wildflowers, trees and overhanging rock cliffs. The west fork of Twelvepole Creek offers trout fishing. Check the state forest activities page for stocking information and the required fishing licenses and stamps.

Preparing a full-size ORV

Cabwaylingo requires rollover protection on its black trails. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets, eye protection and seat belts. The driver needs a valid driver's license, and everyone in the vehicle needs a trail permit.