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Hatfield & McCoy Trails in West Virginia???

Discussion in 'United States' started by Mini4WD, Sep 25, 2008.

  1. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member

    Anyone ever heard of or been to Hatfield & McCoy Trails in West Virginia? I know of several people here in North Carolina that make the 6 hour trip up there with their ATV's and UTV's. They say you can buy a 3 day permit and drive your ATV's/UTV's on hundreds of miles of trails and also on any of the town streets. People even drive their ATV's/UTV's through the drive-thru at Mcdonalds. I was wondering if anyone on this site has ever heard of it????
     
  2. MichTrucks

    MichTrucks Moderator Staff Member Supporting Member

    Search the postings. There is discussion about the trail and that Mini trucks are not allowed! Checking their site will also confirms this. But there are a number of un official trails all around the Hatfield McCoy that you could ride. Just not the actual Hatfield McCoy trail system.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2008
  3. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member


    I know that only APPROVED side by side vehicles are allowed on the trails as of now. I sent an email to the Board Of Directors a couple weeks ago asking about changing their rules to allow other UTV's besides the few listed on their website. I compared the mini trucks to the side by side vehicles they listed in my email and asked about having "approved standards" as compared to the "Approved makes and models". I got a nice email back from John Fekete
    the Deputy Executive Director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail. They are working on new UTV standards now and should approve them Oct. 17 2008 at their next Board Meeting.
    Here is a copy of the email he sent me:

    Thanks for the email. As you know side by side vehicles are a new thing for Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Our trails were originally designed for ATV’s no more than 50” wide. In my opinion, side by side machines will take over the market over the next few years. Hatfield-McCoy wants to adapt and make trails available for these machines. We are currently working on new standards for side by side machines. The new standards should be approved at our October 17th board meeting. Feel free to call if you have any additional questions.

    John Fekete
    Deputy Executive Director
    Hatfield-McCoy Trail
    jfekete@trailsheaven.com
    1-304-752-3255


    I would like to ask everyone that is interested in riding their trails or is a dealer to call or email supporting the mini truck market and asking them to approve STANDARDS instead of specific Honda,etc models. Afterall....they are imported to the US as an off road UTV and it would only boost their sales in the states surrounding West Virginia. I live in NC and am willing to make the 6 hour drive if they are approved.
     
  4. gregw98

    gregw98 Member

  5. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member

    Yeah.. Ithought it was amazing too that I got such an email back. It almost leads me to think that maybe....just maybe...mini trucks might soon be allowed on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail afterall. My hope is that I won't be the only one trying to pursuade the Board of Directors in our favor. Thanks for posting the www.trailsheaven.com website. People can go there to send a message to the Board of Directors too.
     
  6. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member

    The Board meeting is this Friday (Oct. 17th). Lets hope the Board makes the right decision and doesn't discriminate against our trucks.
     
  7. 350v8s10

    350v8s10 Member

    Has anyone ever heard what the outcome of the Oct 17 Board meeting was (regarding mini-trucks on H-M trails)? Prior to the Oct 17 meeting, I sent several e-mails to Board Directors and a written letter to the Board. All my correspondence was very courteous & professional (and has been saved). I did not get ANY reply from anyone on the Board nor did I receive any outcome of this meeting.
     
  8. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member

    I still don't know the outcome as of now but I did receive an email from them in early November and was told that the New Side by Side (UTV) rules was brought up in their Oct. 17th board meeting but was not voted on at that time. It was postponed until their Nov. meeting. I have not checked into it since, but have recieved an email back from the Board everytime I have written them. This is who I have been in contact with:

    John Fekete
    Deputy Executive Director
    Hatfield-McCoy Trail
    jfekete@trailsheaven.com
    1-304-752-3255
     
  9. 350v8s10

    350v8s10 Member

    Here is a copy of the actual letter I wrote to Mr. Fekete. I signed it and included my full name, address, and phone number. My Sep 26 & Oct 14 e-mails to Mr. Fekete & the Board were similar. I did receive one acknowledgment that one of my e-mails was forwarded to the Board, by info@trailsheaven.com, however I have yet to receive a reply from Mr. Fekete or anyone on the Board.

    Mr. John Fekete
    Deputy Executive Director
    Hatfield-McCoy Trail

    Dear Mr. Fekete,

    I am writing to ask for the Japanese Kei Class mini trucks be added to the list of approved vehicles allowed on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail. I encourage you to consider these vehicles as a positive addition to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail.

    I am 65 years old and retiring in 2009. I have owned a Yamaha Rhino UTV for the last several years and just recently sold it and purchased a Subaru Sambar Kei class mini truck to replace it as my primary off-road recreational vehicle. I intend to travel regularly to several exceptional off-road destinations to ride the trails and enjoy the experiences. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail is one of those exceptional off-road destinations that I would like to be able to visit often and use my mini truck on the Trail.

    I understand that the Hatfield-McCoy Trail was built for ATVs. With the rapid rise in popularity of the UTV with off-road enthusiasts and the expansion of the UTV models available, I expect that you will soon be expanding the Trail to permit UTV travel and adding more vehicles to your approved vehicle list. The Kei class mini truck is similar in size and weight to the commercial UTVs, with the Kei class mini trucks being slightly longer, lower, & narrower. I ask that you favorably consider adding the mini truck to the list of vehicles that may use the Hatfield-McCoy Trail.

    Respectfully
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2008
  10. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member

    From what I got out of John Fekete was that they were going to vote on "New Standards" such as weight, height, width, Engine size, etc as opposed to "Approved UTV's" such as RTV, Gator, Rhino, Mini Truck, etc. I explained to him that they allowed all ATV's and didn't just approve "Certain ATV's" so why should they approve only "Certain Side By Sides" if they meet all standards.
    The Mini Truck is close enough in comparison to most Side By Sides so if infact "Standards" are approved verses "Approved Models" then we should be okay.
     
  11. 350v8s10

    350v8s10 Member

    Great! There are lots of off-road places much closer to my home that allow trucks, but none are as well laid out as Hatfield-McCoy. I could spend a lot of time there if I can drive some trails with my mini-truck. Please keep me posted as to any decision you might become aware of.
     
  12. USMCSKI

    USMCSKI New Member

    Why even bother with the hatfield Mccoy trails....just ride the free trails in the area.....there is more to see any you can go almost all the way across the state on them.

    email me for more info USMCSKI(at)yahoo(dot)com

    I regularly ride the WV trails (Polaris RZR)
    with a group of folks from NC and another from across the US
     
  13. 350v8s10

    350v8s10 Member

    Your RZR is welcome most everywhere. My question here is if the mini-trucks will be allowed (They have not been). That said, I have lost interest in the H-M Trails. If they are not interested enough to give me a courtesy reply (5 months and still no reply from them), I am taking my mini-truck to other places that welcome me and are much more customer relations oriented.
     
  14. USMCSKI

    USMCSKI New Member

    You could drive a school bus on the Wagon wheel or "outlaw" trails up there....not on the H/M trails.
     
  15. Lil Squirt

    Lil Squirt New Member

    I found this on the H M T web site. I thought there was a aproved list of UTV's I am still looking

    SPECIAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR
    SIDE BY SIDE - UTILITY TYPE VEHICLE (UTV)
    Side by side utility type vehicles operated upon the Hatfield McCoy Trail System shall be subject to all of the safety rules and regulations of the Authority and shall also be subject to the following safety rules specifically applying to side by side utility vehicles:

    Follow all rules and regulations identified in UTV owner’s manual and rules and regulations listed below.

    Utility Type Vehicles can only be operated on designated trails.

    Easiest Trails (Green) - Approved.

    More Difficult Trails (Blue) - Approved

    Most Difficult Trails (Black) - Not approved.

    Extreme Difficult Trails (Red Black) - Not approved.

    Signage and Maps – Every intersection will be labeled with a sticker approving or disapproving each trail. Most difficult and extreme difficult trails will receive an 18x24 metal sign located at each intersection. This sign will have a UTV with a line through it and state NO SIDE BY SIDE/UTV’S ALLOWED. Violators subject to $100.00 fine and impoundment of machine.

    Machine Requirements

    1. Machines may not be self constructed or substantially modified from manufacturer’s specifications in the sole opinion of the Executive Director or his designee.

    2. Units must be equipped with a steering wheel from the manufacturer.

    3. Units must be equipped with ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System) from the manufacturer.

    4. Machines must be equipped with manufacturer seat belts and must be in good working order.

    5. Low pressure tires required – Max 20PSI at manufacturer’s recommended inflation.

    6. No machines above 855cc or 61HP allowed.

    UTV Specific Rules

    1. The number of passengers carried on a side by side - utility type vehicle shall be limited by the number of manufacturer installed seat belts.

    2. All participants must abide by all of the manufacturer’s requirements regarding the age and size of operators and passengers. In addition, regardless of the manufacturer’s requirements, all passengers under the age of 16 must be able to reach grab bars and be able to place both feet on the floorboard seated upright with their back against the seatback. All operators of side by side - utility type vehicles must be at least sixteen (16) years of age or older.

    3. Any operator of a side by side - utility type vehicle must possess a valid driver’s license.

    4. The driver and passengers of a side by side - utility type vehicle must:

    · Wear seat belts at all times;

    · Keep their hands, arms, feet, head and legs inside the vehicle at all times during operation;

    · Wear a DOT or Snell approved helmet; and

    · Wear eye protection at all times.
     
  16. damccain

    damccain New Member

    so this means that minis can go correct?
     
  17. DeMag

    DeMag Member

    I have worked several of the gas well roads that are part of the trail and at times it was nothing to start backing the dozer up while working a road to see as many as 50 people waiting to get through, I have seen people from all over the US there riding and all that I've talked to have said it was one of the best trails they have ridden. I met some guys from Oregon and Iowa that were really impressed with the trail design and difficulty in different areas.
    Rockhouse was one section I was in quite a bit and Yes you can ride through the drive through and to motel's, I've seen it done several times. It's a big attraction for the areas of Logan Wv. and Gilbert Wv. .... actually it has been beneficial for the southern coal field region of West Virginia.
     
  18. damccain

    damccain New Member

    i know you can go thru the drive thru. ive got pics of me on m atv at mcds:) we went to suzuki dirt days a couple years ago. we stayed at logan, but can mini trucks go?
     
  19. mountanier41

    mountanier41 New Member

    also have jeep trails

    I have been told that the hatfield mcoy trail system also has jeep trails
     
  20. mountanier41

    mountanier41 New Member

    trails

    there are hundreds of miles of trails here in west virginia that you can ride and dont have to ride hatfield mcoy,most of us locals seldom ever ride the hatfield mcoy trails,I have a mini truck and can ride anywhere here on the regular trails,if the road doesnt have a painted line then you can also ride on it,we have hundreds of miles of dirt roads that can also be ridden,a lot of these trails are narrow and have serius drop-offs,mostlly all mountain riding,its a riders paradise
     
  21. mountanier41

    mountanier41 New Member

    unlimeted miles of trails

    there are litterly hundreds of miles of trails here to ride without ridingt the hatfield mcoy trails,most locals seldom ever ride the hatfield mcoy trail systems,,you can also ride any hard surface road that doesnt have a painted line,there are also hundreds of miles of dirt roads to ride,I have a mini and ride at will here,I can leave my driveway and ride my mini all day ,its a great palce to ride with few restrictions,unless you ride hatfield mcoy
     
  22. Katal Og

    Katal Og New Member

    beatifylly

    I congratulate the great article !
     
  23. crisco

    crisco New Member

    old thread, but i would be up to checking this place out.... i'm not too far from WV.
     
  24. mountanier41

    mountanier41 New Member

    mini trailing in w.v.

    dont know which way you would be coming from but try the area between matoaka and crumpler,you can ride all day in this area with a mini and not have to hit the hatfield macoy trail systems,although there is a trail head for them very close to crumpler,like I said before, not painted line on a road, you can ride,also unlimited strip trails and gas line trails,on the crumpler side you can get something to eat or a cold beer,I live on a mountain in this area and ride a lot,both atv and mini,subjest you put a floresant farm tractor triangle sign on the back of your mini,this is what a sheriff here told me,this is in mercer county,part of the southern coal field region,I moved here when I retired because of the freedom to ride most anywhere and the peace and quiet,come on down ,you wont be dissapointed
     
  25. crisco

    crisco New Member

    ok cool! great info, thanks! i do have one of the tractor triangle reflectors from my kubota i can bring.
     
  26. snowfighter

    snowfighter New Member

    I was just at the h/m trails over labor day weekend 2014. my wife and I trailed little coal river 1st then went down to Ivy branch "which by the way is open to mini trucks and all off road vehicles for that matter" and then finally on to bearwallow where i got to speak with a ranger first hand and he was able to see our carry in person "this is a good thing" after being able to see the truck first hand, he said he would recommend to his boss to allow mini trucks on all trails that already allow utv's. It is my intent to call back to M/T at the end of this week to see if anything has transpired since our visit there. that being said, ivy branch was some good wheeling I was greatly impressed with our trucks ability to climb those rocky hills " btw 2" lift and 25" carlisle all trail tires other than that bone stock" suspension was the only downfall as the very rocky terrain liked to jar our teeth out, still trying to think of an idea for that. but we had an absolute great time and I am certain that any capable driver with an off road atv type tire could traverse all the green and blue trails at any of their trail heads.

    now for the current utv rules!!!!

    1.cannot be homemade = mini trucks are not!!!
    2.steering wheel by manufacture? Yep we all got that!!!
    3.tires must be a maximum of 20 psi? I ran 18, I wish I would have deflated mine to 10psi or less would prolly not have lost a tooth filling J/K
    4.roll over protection? well we have a cab and my truck has a factory headache/rollover bar thingy
    5.factory seat belts? yep we got'em
    6. enjoying a/c with windows up, while not getting soaked by the 2 days of rain while trailing and laughing at folks on 4 wheelers and rzr's..ooops thats not a rule lol

    everything in the most current rule book pertaining to utv's we meet in most all of these trucks with the exception of maybe roll over protection if the cab dont count, that being said i would gladly put an additional roll bar in the bed of my truck if that guaranteed me unlimited access to every trail head UTV'S are already allowed
     

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