Is Williamson, WV ATV friendly?

Yes. WV Tourism lists Williamson as an ATV-friendly community: ride approved streets from daylight to dark.

How do I get from Williamson to Buffalo Mountain?

Ride the community connector routes from town, or drive to the staffed trailhead at 1472 Buffalo Mountain, Williamson, WV 25661.

Where should a big group stay in Williamson?

We own two group rental houses in Williamson: Buffalo Mountain Retreat sleeps 16 and Linkous House sleeps 22, so together they fit up to 38 riders. For other options, see the Authority's lodging directory.

Williamson, WV ATV Guide: Buffalo Mountain Trail Town

Why base your trip in Williamson

Ride from town. The Authority's Buffalo Mountain web page lists community connectors to Matewan, Delbarton and Williamson; its August 2025 brochure lists only Delbarton and Williamson. Check the current map for approved connector routes before riding.
Connected systems. Buffalo Mountain links with Devil Anse, Rockhouse and Braveheart. Choose a route on the current map that suits your group.
Food, fuel and beds in one place. The Authority's connector towns each offer gas, food and lodging.
Feud country and the Mine Wars. Matewan and the Hatfield sites are close. See the feud sites guide.

Getting to the trail

The staffed Buffalo Mountain trailhead is at 1472 Buffalo Mountain, Williamson, WV 25661. The Authority's August 2025 brochure lists permits, restrooms and staffing from 9am to 2pm, except major holidays. Confirm staffing before relying on a permit purchase; these are facility hours, not riding hours. If you stay in town, check the official map for the approved streets.

Riding on Williamson streets

Hatfield-McCoy town connectors

The Authority confirms Buffalo Mountain's Williamson connectors. WV Tourism describes local ATV, UTV and dirt-bike riding from daylight to dark. Follow approved connector routes, posted restrictions and current local directions; a trail permit does not authorize unrestricted road riding. Use the Authority's maps and WV Tourism's town guidance.

WV Code 17F-1-1 bars ATVs (defined in 17F-1-9 to include UTVs, motorcycles and off-highway vehicles) from interstate highways and generally bars them from center-lined roads or roads with more than two lanes. On non-interstate roads, its crossing exception requires an unobstructed site for a quick and safe near-right-angle crossing, a full stop, yielding to traffic, and illuminated headlights and taillights if equipped. Subsection (b) separately allows non-interstate travel between lodging or a residence and off-road riding areas (including stops for food, fuel, supplies and restrooms) for up to 10 miles at 25 mph or less, on the shoulder or as far right on the pavement as possible when the shoulder cannot safely be used; from sunset to sunrise, the machine must be equipped with illuminated headlights and taillights. Subsection (d) allows local governments to authorize specified non-interstate center-lined roads for parades, exhibitions, special events, emergencies or specified purposes. Operator and equipment rules in subsection (a) still apply, and under WV Code 17F-1-3 municipalities and qualifying counties may regulate or prohibit street riding by ordinance, including local route and daylight-to-dark limits.

West Virginia street-legal special purpose vehicle registration

WV Code 17A-13-1 provides a separate route for qualifying special purpose vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, to operate on streets and highways. It provides for titling, registration and a registration plate, DMV licensing requirements, and equipment such as lights, signals, mirrors, brakes and a horn. Read the complete equipment list before applying; a trail permit is not this registration.

Even a qualifying street-legal vehicle cannot use controlled-access highways, including interstates, or roads where the county, municipality or Division of Natural Resources prohibits it. Travel on a highway with centerline markings is limited to 20 miles. Registration does not open land closed to motor vehicles or replace a Hatfield-McCoy trail permit. Confirm your vehicle's status with the DMV and your intended streets with local officials.

The Almost Heaven swing at Death Rock overlook

WV Tourism's Almost Heaven Swings directory includes the Buffalo Mountain swing. Its specific swing page places it at Death Rock overlook above Williamson and gives this approach: enter Buffalo Mountain, follow Trail 10, then Trail 36. That page describes access as ATV-only. Plan it as a permitted trail outing, with required helmets and eye protection, and check the latest map and signs before setting off. The published directions do not establish an easy route for a beginner; assess the full route's ratings first.

Things to do off the trail

The Coal House. WV Tourism describes this 1933 building made from 65 tons of coal. It houses the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, where you can pick up a feud driving-tour map.
Williamson Fire Department. WV Tourism calls its pole North America's longest solid-brass fire pole, over three stories, and it keeps a working 1923 Ahrens-Fox truck.
Matewan. WV Tourism's feud driving tour includes historic Matewan and its Depot Replica Museum. Matewan guide

Events in Williamson

King Coal Festival: WV Tourism describes a September celebration with vendors, music and a parade.
Dirt Days: downtown motorsports; the official tourism listing places the 2026 edition in May.
Hatfield-McCoy Marathon: June running events in the Tug Valley, with a marathon finish in Williamson.

All events →

Planning notes

Buy permits before you go. Online orders take 10 to 14 days, or buy at the Buffalo Mountain trailhead. Permits
No overnight parking at trailheads. Stay in town with room for the trailer.
Bringing a large crew? Use our 10 to 38 rider group-trip plan to organize beds, trailers and riding groups.

Sources

Sources checked October 31, 2026. WV Riders is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority. Trail names are used only to describe where the trails are.

Three days riding from Williamson →

Williamson, WV: the trail town for Buffalo Mountain