COVID-19 Update

All Hatfield-McCoy Trails, trailhead facilities, Welcome Center and Country Roads Visitors Center are now open!

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Trail Rules & Regulations

Hatfield-McCoy Trail Rules and Regulations set forth by the West Virginia State Legislature.
HB 4488, 20-14-8.

General Rules

  1. User permit required for all drivers and passengers
  2. Everyone must wear a DOT or Snell approved helmet and eye protection
  3. All operators and passengers must meet manufacturer’s minimum age and size requirements
  4. No one under the age of 6 is allowed on the trails under any circumstances
  5. Any operator or passenger under the age of 16 must be under the direct supervision and within eyesight of their parent or guardian at all times
  6. Obey all signs, gates and barriers, stay on marked trails
  7. Trails only open during daylight hours
  8. No littering, No camping, No fires
  9. No alcohol may be consumed or possessed
  10. No glass containers of any kind
  11. Be aware of oncoming traffic, particularly in blind curves and hills
  12. No competitions of speed, endurance or climbing ability allowed at any time without a special use permit
  13. Operate at reasonable speeds and under control at all times
  14. All machines must be equipped with a properly functioning muffler and USFS approved spark arrestor

ORV-Specific Rules

  1. ORVs are ONLY permitted on the Bearwallow, Cabwaylingo and Ivy Branch trail systems.
  2. Driver and passengers are required to wear helmets.
  3. Driver and passengers must have valid trail permits.
  4. A valid driver’s license is required to operate an ORV.
  5. All passengers must be 8 years of age or older OR at least 6 years of age and 4 feet tall. No booster or car seats are allowed.
  6. Seat belts must be worn at all times. the number of passengers is limited to the number of factory installed seat belts.
  7. ORVs are required to have a roll cage on all most difficult (black and black/red) trails.

UTV-Specific Rules

The driver and passengers of a UTV must:

  1. Wear helmets (DOT or SNELL approved)
  2. Wear seat belts at all times; the number of passengers is limited to the number of factory installed seat belts.
  3. Keep their hands, arms, feet, head and legs inside the vehicle at all times during operation.
  4. No booster seats or car seats are allowed
  5. Possess a valid owner’s manual for the machine being operated that is able to be produced upon request.
  6. Stay on designated trails. UTVs are permitted on easiest, more difficult, and select most difficult trails (signed accordingly).
  7. UTVs must be equipped with a steering wheel and low pressure tires.