Boone County (Big Coal River)

Boone County's Big Coal River Trail System is one of the newest additions to the Hatfield-McCoy network, opening near the town of Peytona along the banks of the Big Coal River. Its launch completed the original nine-county footprint envisioned when the Hatfield-McCoy trail system was first planned in the late 1990s, making Boone County the final piece of the puzzle. With 50 miles of beginner-friendly trails and a riverside setting that offers more than just riding, Big Coal River brings something different to the Hatfield-McCoy lineup.

The trail system sits in classic southern West Virginia coal country. Coal was first discovered along the Coal River near what is today Racine in Boone County back in 1742, and the region became one of the few places in western Virginia where large-scale coal mining was underway before the railroads arrived. In the 1850s, the Coal River Navigation Company built eight locks and dams as far as Peytona to ship bargeloads of high-quality cannel coal downriver. When the railroads came after 1900, coal production expanded dramatically, Boone County was producing over 32 million tons annually by 2000. The landscape riders traverse today was shaped by that mining heritage, with reclaimed land, forested ridges, and the river valley itself telling the story of the region's industrial past.

The trail difficulty breaks down with about 42 percent easy and 40 percent intermediate, making Big Coal River one of the most accessible systems in the Hatfield-McCoy network. The remaining trails offer enough challenge to keep experienced riders engaged, but the overall character is relaxed and forgiving, ideal for families, new riders, and groups with mixed skill levels. The terrain winds through forested ridges and hollows with the kind of rolling, varied riding that keeps things interesting without demanding advanced technical skills.

Big Coal River operates as a standalone system with no trail connections to other Hatfield-McCoy systems, which means riders should plan dedicated trips here. This isolation works in the system's favor, it draws significantly fewer riders than the main Western and Southern Clusters, giving Big Coal River a quieter, less-trafficked feel. On weekends when Rockhouse and Devil Anse are buzzing with traffic, Big Coal River offers open trails and a more relaxed pace.

What sets this system apart from other Hatfield-McCoy trailheads is the Big Coal River itself. The trailhead sits right on the river, and six to seven months of the year riders can combine trail time with fishing and flatwater kayaking on the Coal River Water Trail. The river has been cleaned up significantly in recent decades and now supports quality fishing and paddling. This multi-sport access makes Big Coal River a strong destination for groups where not everyone wants to ride all day, some can hit the trails while others fish or kayak, then everyone meets back at the trailhead.

The system accommodates UTVs, ATVs, and Jeeps, making it one of the few Hatfield-McCoy systems that welcomes full-size off-road vehicles. The wider trails handle Jeeps and full-size side-by-sides comfortably, and the beginner-friendly terrain means even riders in larger vehicles can navigate with confidence. For Jeep and ORV enthusiasts specifically, Big Coal River offers a more relaxed alternative to the narrower, more technical trails at Bearwallow.

Trail permits are required for all riders and passengers, $26.50 for West Virginia residents and $50 for non-residents. The trails are open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. The Peytona area offers basic services, and the nearby towns along the Coal River corridor provide fuel, food, and supplies within a reasonable drive of the trailhead.

The surrounding area offers additional recreation worth exploring. John Slack Park in nearby Racine has public boat access, picnic shelters, and a public swimming pool. The National Coal Heritage Area, which encompasses Boone County, preserves the region's mining history through museums and exhibits, including the Miner's Museum with displays on the coal industry that shaped every town in these valleys.

A local guide familiar with the Big Coal River system can help riders make the most of the 50-mile network, find the best scenic ridgeline sections, and plan a day that combines trail riding with river activities. For riders looking for a quieter, less-crowded Hatfield-McCoy experience with easy terrain and unique riverside access, Big Coal River delivers.