Gilbert/Man Area (Western Hub)

The Gilbert/Man Area is the heart of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System's Western Cluster, offering over 300 connected miles across four distinct trail systems that riders can explore without ever loading a trailer. Based out of the ATV-friendly towns of Gilbert and Man in southern West Virginia, this hub provides direct trail access, fuel, restaurants, rental outfitters, and the area's largest fleet of UTVs and ATVs available for rent. Gilbert allows ATV street riding until 11pm, making it easy to ride from your cabin or campsite straight onto the trails and back into town for dinner.

The Rockhouse Trail System is the flagship of this area, with over 100 miles of trails running between Man and Gilbert along Rockhouse Creek. Originally opened as Browning Fork, Rockhouse is widely considered the most challenging system in the Hatfield-McCoy network outside of Ivy Branch. Its terrain ranges from wide, fast forest roads suitable for beginners to gnarly single-track and black diamond trails that demand serious skill. Trails 32, 35, 94, 95, and 97 are the system's most notorious, steep, technical, and not recommended for solo riders. The namesake rock house formation on Trail 40 is a popular landmark, and riders will encounter a waterfall along the way. After rain, expect mud and slick conditions on the more remote sections.

The Devil Anse Trail System connects directly to Rockhouse and adds another 100 miles of intermediate and advanced riding. Named after the patriarch of the Hatfield family, Devil Anse is best known for the tunnel that passes beneath King Coal Highway, a unique experience you won't find on any other trail system in the east. The terrain here blends fast ridgeline runs with tighter wooded sections, and the system serves as the primary connector between Rockhouse and Buffalo Mountain. Death Rock, a dramatic overlook along the ridgeline, is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Hatfield-McCoy network.

Buffalo Mountain rounds out the cluster with 70-plus miles of trails and the richest historical significance of any system in the network. The trailhead sits near Matewan, the town at the center of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud of the late 1800s and the Matewan Massacre of 1920. Riders pass through land steeped in Appalachian history, with trail markers noting historical sites related to the feud. Buffalo Mountain is also the most popular system for dirt bike riders, thanks to its extensive single-track network winding through dense hardwood forest.

The fourth system, Braveheart, shares a trailhead and parking area with Rockhouse in Man. With 50-plus miles of trails, Braveheart is the most beginner-friendly system in the Western Cluster, offering wider trails with gentler grades that are ideal for new riders or families. Note that Braveheart occasionally closes for trail maintenance and expansion work, so check current status before planning your trip.

The terrain across all four systems is classic southern West Virginia, steep mountain ridges, creek valley bottoms, dense forest canopy, and exposed ridgeline sections with long-range views across the Appalachian hills. Water crossings are common, particularly on lower-elevation trails near creek beds. The forest mix of oak, hickory, and poplar provides spectacular fall foliage riding in October, while spring and summer offer lush green canopy with cooler temperatures under the tree cover.

The Gilbert/Man Area accommodates UTVs, ATVs, Jeeps, and dirt bikes, though width restrictions apply on certain single-track trails, check trail signage for vehicle-specific access. Full-size side-by-sides (65 inches and wider) should stick to the main connector routes and wider trails on Rockhouse and Devil Anse.

For riders looking to get the most out of this system, booking a local guide is the best way to navigate the 300-plus mile network efficiently. A guide who knows the Western Cluster can tailor your ride to your skill level, steer you toward the best terrain for your vehicle, and help you avoid the black diamond trails that catch unprepared riders off guard. Whether you're here for a half-day introduction or a multi-day deep exploration, the Gilbert/Man Area delivers some of the best offroad riding east of the Mississippi.