Explore the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains in West Virginia this Fall
Looking for an endless adventure off the beaten path? The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region of West Virginia make that easy. With the days getting cooler, now is the perfect time to gear up with friends and explore the local scenery and booming businesses – without breaking too much of a sweat.
This Fall, map out your journey to the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains with these special spots in mind.
Learn Local History
The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region is where the infamous feud between the lead figures Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy unfolded. In the town of Matewan, you can learn more of that history as well as the region’s significance during the Mine Wars Era at the Mine Wars Museum. View displays of what coal camps were like in Central Appalachia and the struggles of coal miners and their families as they fought for higher pay and better living conditions. The Matewan Depot Replica Museum is almost an exact replica of the train depot – and social center – that stood across the railroad tracks from downtown Matewan until the 1960s. Now you can browse photos, artifacts and memorabilia that help paint a picture of what the town used to look like. You can also explore The Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce in Williamson, which was built in 1933 and is made from 65 tons of bituminous coal.
Swing by a Scenic View
The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region is perfect for exploring the great outdoors and finding an #AlmostHeaven swing. In Logan County, Chief Logan State Park is a beautiful, 4,000-acre slice of Almost Heaven. You will find an #AlmostHeaven swing perched beside the Chief Logan Lodge and Conference Center, which boasts breathtaking mountain views! Also enjoy hiking and biking 18 miles of scenic trails, which is diverse in difficulty levels. Twin Falls Resort State Park in Wyoming County is perched on a high, wooded ridge with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails.
If you’re adventuring off-road on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems, you will find another #AlmostHeaven swing on the Rockhouse Trail System (Trail 21), which overlooks the charming town of Man. Take the Buffalo Mountain Trail System to get to the Death Rock Overlook – where the swing is positioned high above the mountain town of Williamson.
Go on an Off-Roading Adventure
Between more than 10 trail systems in the region, you’re certain to find your favorite trail here. The Devil Anse Trailhead is located in the town of Matewan which totals to more than 300 miles of trails. Located near Ashland in McDowell County, the Indian Ridge Trail System offers a plentiful variety of trails of all difficulty levels. This trail system offers easy access to the ATV-friendly towns of Northfork and Keystone. One of the most popular systems is Rock House, which is one of three original systems and features over 100 miles of trails of diverse terrain and difficulty levels.
Take an Airboat Tour
Want to venture out to the water? Hatfield & McCoy Airboat Tours is an excellent way to experience Matewan a bit differently. You’ll ride by several key locations from the Hatfield-McCoy feud – including Roseanna McCoy’s last homestead and the pawpaw tree incident where three McCoy boys were murdered by Devil Anse Hatfield. During the tour, you will see the area’s rich history while being informed by the captain. A tour can last anywhere from 20-80 minutes.
Dine Like a Local
A day full of adventure calls for an evening filled with delicious food. Buffalo Trail Restaurant is located near the Buffalo Trail Cabin accommodations. Their signature servings include savory favorites such as pizza, buffalo burgers, steaks and more. Also fill your glass at the full-service bar for domestic and craft beers on tap as well as hand-crafted cocktails.
Looking for a mid-afternoon treat? Bramwell Soda Fountain and Corner Shop is named one of the top 101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia, which offers in-house dining and an old-fashioned soda fountain experience. Try some soulful homemade ice cream or the famous “millionaire” burger off the menu.
Stay Overnight
After a long day of exploration and adventure, you’ll want to rest up for the next day. The Buffalo Trail Cabins in Mercer County are fully accommodating to ATV riders. Their unique lodging options include 26 cabins, five full-hookup RV sites, 11 seasonal campsites, four Treehouse rentals and five lodges. Buffalo Trail also features an on-site restaurant. In Northfork, Ashland Resort offers the perfect friends and family lodging location for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts with a selection of lodges, cottages, cabins, RV and tent sites. Twin Hollow Campground and Cabins boasts mountaintop leisure in Gilbert. The area provides four different cabin options, so you’ll be sure to find an arrangement that works for you.
The Billy Goat Mountain Village provides cozy cabin accommodations and RV sites with direct access to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems’ oldest and most popular trailhead, Buffalo Mountain. Each cabin comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art coffee makers and pellet ice machines. The village itself offers Wi-Fi, multiple fire pits with free firewood, a vintage arcade and more.
Take Off for the Mountains in #AlmostHeaven
Your fall adventures in the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains is just getting started! Request our free West Virginia Vacation Guide to continue making lifelong memories in Almost Heaven.
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