Mercer County Mud: Spring ATV Riding

Last updated: May 31, 2023

Spring is the perfect time to get muddy on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails! Snowmelt and rainfall create awesome conditions for riders who aren’t afraid of a little dirt. The trails here are world-class, and riders say that the mud is, too! Just listen to what Vince “The Mudd Man” Rogers has to say. “I think the biggest thing is the texture of the mud. Mercer County’s trail mud is thinner and easier to get around on and has mud holes that you can pop in, splash around in, and come right out of in regular all-terrain tires.”

Another plus to riding the trails in spring are blooming wildflowers and new, green leaves on trees that greet you as you speed past them. Warmer temperatures and breezes mean you don’t have to layer up like you do in the winter, which makes riding an open-cab ATV or UTV more comfortable. Taking in the mountain scenery and thinner mud makes riding the trails here in the spring an absolute blast. And there’s plenty to explore off the trails, too.

Bramwell
The Pocahontas trailhead isn’t all that’s located in the quaint town of Bramwell. This ATV-friendly town has a pretty amazing past that’s worth exploring. The former millionaires’ town was made famous during the coal boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Mansions line the brick streets, giving us a look into the lives of former coal barons. And on June 8, you have the opportunity to take a peek inside these lavish Victorian homes on a self-guided walking tour during the Bramwell Spring Tour of Homes. After you tour the homes, stop in The Corner Shop for a bite of some local flavor. And don’t forget dessert – warmer temperatures call for ice cream, and The Corner Shop makes theirs in-house!

Beginners Welcome
If you’ve never ridden the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, it’s important to make sure your first trips are with a group of more experienced riders to get familiar with the trails. The best way to do that in Mercer County is to book a guided tour with Crazy Mountain Cycles. This ATV outfitter in Bluefield will take you out and show you the ropes. If you don’t have your own ATV or UTV, Crazy Mountain Cycles also rents RZR RS1, RZR XP 1000 2-seater, RZR XP 1000 4-seater for the best rides and most fun possible.S

Stay
You have your permit to ride, now you just need a place to stay! Lucky for you, there are plenty of places in Mercer County to stay with access to the trails. Spaces range from accommodations for large groups, intimate cabins for two, tree houses with forest views or vacation homes. Check out the cabins at Buffalo Trail, The Mud Pit or Four Wheeler Heaven for your home away from home.

Will you run through mud puddles or stay dry this Spring?