Best Places to Ride

Eastern Kentucky

1. Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area (Harlan County, KY)

   • Why It’s Top: sprawling across 7,000 acres with over 150 miles of trails, this place is a beast for off-roading. It’s got everything from beginner-friendly paths to gnarly, expert-level trails with steep climbs and rocky descents. ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and full-size 4x4s are all welcome here. Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 3,300 feet, so expect some killer views of the Cumberland and Pine Mountain ranges.

   • Camping: Primitive camping is available right on-site—no frills, just you and the dirt. If you want something more structured, nearby Evarts has small campgrounds like the Evarts Trailhead Campground with basic amenities. Some folks also mention RV hookups in the area, though they’re limited.

   • Heads-Up: Trails are marked by difficulty, but weather can change conditions fast—mud and slick rocks catch people off guard. Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

   2. Mine Made Adventure Park (Leburn, KY)

   • Why It’s Top: This family-owned park boasts 43,000 acres of reclaimed coal land turned into a playground for off-roaders. Over 100 miles of trails for ATVs and UTVs, plus 32 miles specifically for dirt bikes. It’s got a good mix of wooded loops, water crossings, and mountain views. Less crowded than some bigger names, which is a plus for those who like a quieter ride.

   • Camping: They’ve got primitive camping on-site, and the vibe is friendly—think bonfires and swapping stories with other riders. There’s also RV camping with limited hookups if you book ahead.

   • Heads-Up: No permit is needed, which is rare and awesome. Bring your own water and supplies as amenities are sparse.

   3. Rush Off-Road (Rush, KY)

   • Why It’s Top: Sitting on 7,000 acres, this park offers over 100 miles of trails with a mix of smooth and rocky terrain. It’s great for ATVs, Jeeps, and SxS vehicles—beginners to pros can find something here. Steep climbs and descents give it an edge for adrenaline junkies.

   • Camping: Primitive camping is available, and they’ve got a few spots for RVs (call ahead to check on hookups). It’s close enough to Ashland if you want to pop into civilization for a night.

   • Heads-Up: They host events like mud bogs and night rides, so check the schedule if you prefer solitude over crowds.

   4. Hollerwood Offroad Park (Stanton, KY)

   • Why It’s Top: Near the Red River Gorge, this park has about 2,500 acres with trails ranging from easy to "you’ll-probably-break-something" hard. It’s good for ATVs, UTVs, and Jeeps, with lots of mud bogs and hill climbs. The scenery—think dense forest and cliffs—adds to the experience.

   • Camping: Primitive camping is available on-site, and it’s a solid spot to pitch a tent after a long day of riding. Nearby Daniel Boone National Forest also has established campgrounds like Koomer Ridge if you want more amenities.

   • Heads-Up: It’s a bit tucked away, so navigation can be tricky—download maps ahead of time.

Southwest West Virginia

1. Hatfield-McCoy Trail System (Multiple Counties, WV)

   • Why It’s Top: This is the crown jewel of off-roading in the region, with over 1,000 miles of trails spread across ten trail systems in Southwest WV. Trails like Bearwallow (near Logan) and Rockhouse (near Man) are in the southwest area and cater to all skill levels—ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and even full-size vehicles on select trails. The system’s named after the famous feud, and the history adds a cool layer to the experience.

   • Camping: No direct camping on the trails, but nearby options abound. Chief Logan State Park (near the Bearwallow trail) has a solid campground with RV and tent sites, plus cabins if you’re feeling fancy. Ashland Resort near the Pinnacle Creek trail offers RV camping and cabins right by the trailhead.

   • Heads-Up: You need a permit to ride (available online or at trailheads—$26.50 for WV residents, $50 for non-residents). Trails are well-signed, but a map or GPS is still smart.

   2. Burning Rock Off-Road Park (Tams, WV)

   • Why It’s Top: Just 15 minutes from Beckley, this park covers 10,000 acres with over 100 miles of trails for all skill levels. ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and full-size 4x4s are welcome. They’ve got rentals on-site if you don’t have your own rig. Trails range from scenic and easy to technical and rocky.

   • Camping: On-site camping includes primitive sites and RV spots with hookups. They’ve also got cabins for a bit more comfort. The campground has showers and a small store, which is handy.

   • Heads-Up: It’s a bit more commercialized than others, with extras like zip-lining and paintball. Good for families but might feel less rugged for purists.

   3. Chaos Off-Road Park (Capon Bridge, WV)

   • Why It’s Top: While technically a bit north of “southwest” WV, it’s worth mentioning for its 400 acres of wild trails. It’s geared toward 4x4s, UTVs, and side-by-sides, with a mix of mild and wild trails. The terrain includes steep hills, creek crossings, and dense woods.

   • Camping: Primitive camping is available on-site, and it’s a no-frills setup—perfect for those who just want to ride and crash under the stars.

   • Heads-Up: It’s less developed than bigger parks, so come prepared with your own supplies. Check weather forecasts—rain turns trails into a muddy mess fast.

General Tips for Both Areas

• Terrain: Eastern KY and Southwest WV are all about mountains, mud, and rocks. Bring sturdy tires and recovery gear—winches and tow straps save lives (or at least your day).

• Weather: Spring and fall are prime; summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings snow and ice to higher elevations. Trails can get slick after rain—check forecasts.

• Supplies: Many of these spots are remote. Pack food, water, tools, and first-aid kits. Cell service can be spotty.

• Regulations: Permits are common (like for Hatfield-McCoy), and some parks require helmets or other safety gear. Check rules before you go.

• Community: Local riders are usually happy to share tips or help out if you’re stuck. There’s a strong off-road culture here—tap into it.

These spots get a lot of love from the off-road crowd for good reason—they deliver raw, unfiltered adventure with killer scenery to boot. If you’re leaning toward one area or need more specifics on trails or campsites, let me know! Also, are you hauling your own rig, or looking to rent? That can change the game plan a bit.