Wayne County (Cabwaylingo)

Wayne County's Cabwaylingo Trail System is the most beginner-friendly riding destination in the entire Hatfield-McCoy network, with over half of its trails rated easy and a relaxed state forest setting that feels distinctly different from the more heavily trafficked main clusters. Set within Cabwaylingo State Forest, nearly 8,200 acres of dense hardwood forest in southern West Virginia, this system offers roughly 100 miles of trails through terrain that welcomes new riders, families, and anyone looking for a lower-intensity offroad experience without sacrificing scenery or trail quality.

The forest's unusual name comes from the four surrounding counties it serves: Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, and Mingo. The land was restored and its original facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and 1940s, and the CCC's handiwork is still visible throughout the forest, from the hand-built log cabins to the historic Tick Ridge fire tower, one of the few remaining fire towers in the state, built in 1935. The forest has a character rooted in that Depression-era craftsmanship that gives it a more established, settled feel compared to the newer trail systems in the Hatfield-McCoy network.

The trail system was created in partnership with the Hatfield McCoy Trail Authority and accommodates ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and full-size ORVs including Jeeps, one of only two Hatfield-McCoy systems that allows Jeeps on the trails. The terrain consists of marked loops winding through dense hardwood forest with shallow stream crossings, rolling hills, and a mix of ridgetop sections with scenic views and descents into deep hollows. The trails are wider and more forgiving than systems like Rockhouse or Bearwallow, making them well-suited for full-size side-by-sides and riders who are still developing their offroad skills. The rolling nature of the terrain provides enough variety to stay interesting without the steep, shelved mountainside trails that characterize the more technical systems.

Cabwaylingo operates as a standalone system with no trail connections to other Hatfield-McCoy systems, so riders should plan dedicated trips here rather than expecting to ride into other clusters. This isolation is actually one of the system's advantages, it draws noticeably fewer crowds than the Western and Southern Clusters, meaning more open trail, less dust from other riders, and a quieter, more immersive forest experience. On busy holiday weekends when Rockhouse and Devil Anse can feel crowded, Cabwaylingo often remains peaceful.

The state forest provides excellent on-site accommodations that make multi-day trips easy to plan. Fourteen log cabins, originally built by the CCC, offer stone fireplaces, electric lighting, showers, fully equipped kitchens, and all linens and cookware included. Two campgrounds serve tent and RV campers: Spruce Creek features eleven sites with six full-hookup spots and shower facilities, while Tick Ridge offers twenty rustic standard sites. Both campgrounds provide direct trail access, so riders can roll out of camp and onto the trails without driving to a separate staging area. The McClintic group camp, housed in the former CCC barracks, includes a dining hall and two buildings that can each sleep 50 people, ideal for large riding groups or club events.

Beyond the trails, the state forest offers a swimming pool, picnic areas, and hiking trails through the mature hardwood forest. The combination of offroad riding and traditional state forest recreation makes Cabwaylingo a strong option for families where not everyone wants to ride all day. Riders can hit the trails in the morning while others swim, hike, or explore the historic CCC structures, then everyone regroups at the cabin in the evening.

The terrain is at its best from spring through fall, with the hardwood canopy providing shade during summer months and spectacular fall color in October. The shallow stream crossings can run higher after heavy rain, but the overall trail difficulty remains manageable for beginner and intermediate riders in all but the most extreme conditions.

Wayne County's Cabwaylingo system accommodates UTVs, ATVs, Jeeps, and dirt bikes. The wide, well-maintained trails are particularly welcoming for full-size vehicles, and the beginner-friendly terrain makes it a popular choice for first-time offroad riders.

A local guide can help riders explore the full 100-mile network efficiently, find the best scenic overlooks along the ridgelines, and build a route that balances easy cruising with just enough challenge to keep the ride engaging. For groups with mixed experience levels, a guide ensures everyone rides together comfortably.