Get ready to play in the mud

Last updated: June 27, 2016

So you want to play in the mud on an ATV? Here is what you need to know about the Hatfield-McCoy Pocahontas Trail, one of seven trails in southern West Virginia.

Located in Mercer County, the Pocahontas trailhead is the nearest Hatfield McCoy Trail to Interstate 77, the gateway to the southeast. Here you will find lodging ranging from luxury ATV resorts and tree houses to rustic cabins, bed and breakfasts and hotels. The trail is located in the historic town of Bramwell, famous for Victorian mansions built in the early 1900s. Home tours are given throughout the town to large groups.  The homes are open twice a year – spring and Christmas.

The town of Bramwell is quiet except for the sound of four wheelers coming off the trail. You can park at the end of main street and walk down for lunch or dinner. The Corner Shop is ATV friendly and makes mouth-watering burgers and fries. You can’t leave without dessert made from the old-fashioned ice cream soda foundation! If you are looking for something to do at night, the Railyard, in Bluefield, has live music to go with their craft beer and awesome menu.

The trailhead is located 174 Simmons Avenue in Bramwell. (lat N 37 19 40, long W 81 18 47)  Passes can be purchased at Bramwell City Hall, The Corner Shop, The Quality Hotel and Conference Center, Buffalo Trails and Millers ATV  or the Coal Heritage Interpretation Center. The trailhead site has a 2 acre parking lot and onsite portable restrooms.  The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System gets its name from the region in southern West Virginia where much of the world famous Hatfield-McCoy Feuding took place and where several of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails are now located.

Here is breakdown of the trails on the Pocahontas Trail system by difficultly:

Easiest (Green):  22%
More Difficult (Blue):  47%
Most Difficult (Black):  22%
Most Difficult (Red/Black):  3%
Single Track (Orange):  6%