Of all the states in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is the only state that this chain completely covers. You’ll find lower spots – as low as 240 feet above sea level – to higher areas. The highest elevation in West Virginia is 4,862 feet at Spruce Knob. The Allegheny Mountains, the Ridge and the Valley make for great changes in terrain. You’ll find the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in the Valley. Additionally, the Blue Ridge Mountains ride the boundary along the Maryland and Virginia borders.
West Virginia also features three national forests: Monongahela National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, and George Washington National Forest. The mountains are often rugged, so you have plenty of opportunities to find difficult off roading trails in the state.
Quick Navigation
Bearwallow OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 25.4 mi
Elevation: 4,881 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
One of the best places to go off roading in West Virginia is the Bearwallow OHV trail near Ethel. This lightly trafficked loop trail takes you up and down the mountain. Most people use the trail as an off road driving track. The terrain is hilly and rocky, so some portions of the trail are harder than others.
The miles of trails are dirt and well maintained. However, after a rain, you could find yourself in some deeper mud holes.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail is a loop trail that starts and ends on Red Campbell Road / 17 in Ethel.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed, but be ready because you are climbing into the mountains. Expect larger rocks and boulders, fallen trees, weather streams and more.
New River Gorge OHV Route
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 12.5 mi
Elevation: 1,377 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This point-to-point trail near Prince, West Virginia for off road vehicles features river views, an old house, mountain views, waterfalls, creeks, Stone Cliff New River Gorge, and bigfoot. If you go during foliage season in September and October, you’ll see plenty of colors, plus you will have views of the river. A lot of the trail is gravel, though some is dirt. You’re likely to run into some deep mud holes after a good rain. Reviewers stated the first five miles are the most challenging part of the trail, and the rest is gravel.
While four-wheel drive is recommended, a reviewer made it through in two-wheel drive in a long-bed Tacoma. You could bottom out if you take a passenger car through the trail but should have no problems with pickups and SUVs. While the trail is rated as moderate, most reviewers stated the trail was easy.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail map shows the starting point on SR 41 in Prince and ends in Thurmond.
Obstacles on the Trail
Slip area, narrow washout, minimum off-camber rock ledges, downed trees you might have to fit under.
Pinnacle Creek OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 9.7 mi
Elevation: 1,433 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out and back off road trail sees moderate traffic. It is listed as a point-to-point trail, but it ends in the middle of the woods. You’ll see wildlife and forest views. The trail has a few switchbacks. Though it is mostly for off road driving, you might see hikers on the trail. While the trail has a difficult rating, a reviewer said it was easy for those with experience.
If it’s been raining, you might run into some mud. You can also take a break and eat a picnic lunch alongside the river.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts off Rt. 10 near Herndon, West Virginia, and turns back on itself.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed, but expect steep hills and possible off-camber areas.
Eleanor Park Trails
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 12.1 mi
Elevation: 1,115 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This off road trail sees moderate traffic. While it is an OHV trail, you might see hikers and bikers. The trail features wildflowers, wildlife, and views. As you reach some of the higher elevations, you could have views of the Kanawha River and Eleanor. The trail does get slick after it rains. Bring GPS for the upper trails as signs might be missing. Also, a few reviewers stated that the orange trails had no trespassing signs on them.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts and loops around to end on Lower Park Road near Eleanor, West Virginia.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed, but be prepared for steep hills, fallen trees, and lots of switchbacks. Part of the trail is a one-track trail.
Hatfield-McCoy OHV Trail System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 139.8 mi
Elevation: 13,789 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This point-to-point trail, which is part of the best off road trails in West Virginia and located near North Spring, has difficult and easy portions. Some of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system is on regular roads, so you need to be aware of traffic. It goes through several cities, including Cherokee, Lincoln, Baileysville, Marianna, Wyoming, and Glover.
You’ll have plenty of scenic views, a river crossing, and will see wildlife and the Hatfield Cemetery, plus everything you can see and do in the towns. The trails are maintained and in good condition.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts on 52 in Justice and ends just down the road, though you could loop it and come out where you entered.
Obstacles on the Trail
River, rocks, hills.
Buffalo Mountain and Hatfield-McCoy OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 64.7 mi
Elevation: 6,374 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out and back trail sees moderate traffic and is located near Williamson, West Virginia. The trail features steep hills, mountain views, incredible views of the town below, and ruins. There is also a store/rest stop on the Hatfield-McCoy trail. You will also run along 52 for a bit. The trail uses some of the surface roads in Williamson.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts and ends on 52 across from the Buffalo Mountain Trail. You can take the trail back or stop at the loop in Williamson.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed, but be prepared for a river crossing, creek crossings and steep hills.
Rock House OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 49.4 mi
Elevation: 7,867 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This point-to-point trail sees light traffic and takes you into the mountains for some excellent mountain views. You’ll go through switchbacks, cross a river, and stop near a waterfall.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail actually starts off the end of another trail (37.61945-81.89021). However, you can start anywhere along 52 in Justice. Just past Pizza Mingo, the trail takes a right off 52 and heads up into the mountains. The trail runs along the Guyandotte River before it goes into the mountains, then spends part of the time on Slabtown Road, which also runs along the river.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed, but be prepared for steep hills, water crossings, switchbacks, and driving on state roads.
Indian Ridge
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 14.3 mi
Elevation: 1,633 ft
Seasonality: Year-round but best from March through November
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This loop trail in the Hatfield McCoy Trail System sees light traffic. You’ll see tons of wildflowers and if it’s quiet enough, you might even see wildlife. The trail is near Northfork, and you can take your dog with you. One reviewers said that you pay a yearly perfit fee and that hikers and mountain bikers are not allowed. However, several others said it was a good trail for mountain bikers.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts and ends on 17 near Cherokee.
Obstacles on the Trail
Watch for blind corners, deep mud holes, hikers and mountain bikers. You will also see some steep hills and several switchbacks.
Bearwallow and Hatfield OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 43.3 mi
Elevation: 7,368 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This popular trail combines the Bearwallow trail (first on the list) with the Hatfield Trail. This is a loop trail near Ethel, West Virginia that offers a few places that are more difficult than intermediate. You’ll see wildlife, caves, mountain views, waterfalls and more.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail is a loop trail that starts and ends on Red Campbell Road / 17 in Ethel.
Obstacles on the Trail
Deep mud holes after a rain, steep hills, a rocky section.
Little Coal River Trail System
Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult
Distance: 41.1 mi
Elevation: Unknown
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
The Little Coal River Trails used to be part of the Hatfield series of trails until someone bought it out and made it private. Most of the trails are easy, though there are some intermediate and difficult trails. The system has one trailhead that is located near lodging and summer activities.
Starting and Ending Points
The trails begin and end in the same place, about 2/10 of a mile past the Waterways Exit off WV 119.
Obstacles on the Trail
Deep mud holes after a rain, steep hills, rocks, switchbacks.