DISCOVER LOGAN COUNTY, AND THE HATFIELD-MCCOY TRAILS
Key Details:
Location:
Tucked in the southwestern corner of the Mountain State, Logan County, West Virginia is made up of three main towns — Chapmanville, Logan, and Man — surrounded by charming small communities. The area is home to parts of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, which includes 10 unique trail networks connecting multiple ATV-friendly towns where you can legally ride your machine on designated roads.
Best time to visit: Summer & Fall — warm weather, colorful scenery, and prime trail conditions
Weather: Summer: 76–85°F highs / 51–64°F low, Winter: 42–68°F highs / 24–47°F lows
Getting around: You will need either a vehicle or an off-road vehicle to travel around the towns.Â
Although we had already experienced quite a bit of West Virginia, we had never been to the far west – which is exactly where we went on our latest road trip. Logan, West Virginia, is home to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, and our trip’s bucket list destination!Â
We were invited out to Logan by the West Virginia Department of Tourism and Hatfield McCoy Trails to experience the trails first-hand, try the local food, get to know the amazing people in the area, and even attend a couple of festivals happening back-to-back on this beautiful, sunny weekend.Â
Getting To Know Logan County, West Virginia
Logan County has historically been a region of coal mining and timber harvesting, but it has evolved into a thriving tourist destination over the last few decades. The local leaders had the foresight to diversify the region’s industry, as the coal and timber jobs wouldn’t be enough for the growing population.
The transition to becoming a tourist destination leaned heavily into the region’s dense history and natural beauty, showcased through the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems (HMT). People visit from near and far to ride the 1000+ miles of motorized trails through the history-packed wilderness of West Virginia.
After a quick pit stop at Tudor’s Biscuit World (an absolute must-try – pro tip: these biscuits are giant, and two biscuit sandwiches are too much), we started our journey at the Country Roads Byway Visitors Center.Â
We met some helpful employees and could take in some of the town’s history through some exhibits they had set up. With all the information we needed, our next stop was Matewan, where we had an extraordinary experience planned.
Next Stop - Matewan, WV
There are two routes when driving to Matewan from Logan: one being scenic and the other more highway driving. We opted for the scenic, more mountainous drive and were thankful we did.Â
We got to see some gorgeous fall-colored mountains and valleys, small towns, and the Hatfield Cemetery (which has the tomb and impressive marble statue of the notorious Anderson “Devils Anse” Hatfield).
The Ride You Could Never Forget
After diving into the history of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, we got a completely new perspective — from the water! Keith Gibson, owner and operator of Hatfield-McCoy Airboat Tours, took us on an adventure we’ll never forget. From the moment you meet him in Matewan, WV, Keith brings the town’s history to life — pointing out where the Matewan Massacre happened, where the coal miners’ union was formed (yes, now a coffee shop!), and all the local legends tied to the family feud.
The airboat itself is wild — powered by a Corvette motor and a giant fan, it glides over even the shallowest water with a smoother ride than any boat we’ve ever been on. You can cruise calmly or hit exhilarating turns while Keith points out wildlife, historic sites, and the stunning scenery along the Tug River, which forms the border between West Virginia and Kentucky.
Bonus: the ride is safe and fun for all ages. You barely get wet, boarding is easy, and every passerby along the river waves or calls a friendly hello. It’s the perfect mix of history, adventure, and small-town charm — an absolute must for anyone visiting the Hatfield-McCoy Trails area.
Afterward, we walked through town and met locals who owned some of the businesses in downtown Matewan, including the owner Wingo’s Grill which had the absolutely best-smelling BBQ on the smoker outside. If you’re looking for some other tasty places to eat, you can grab some Mexican food at Mi Pueblito, grab a beer at the Trailhead Bar & Grill, and start or end your day with a coffee and a yummy treat at Chit and Chat Coffee Shop.
We drove the alternate route back to Logan, which is excellent if you need to stop at a supermarket on the way back down. Before finally making it to our home for the night, we stopped at Chirico’s Italian Restaurant, where we had some foods we had never tried before – highlights for us were the Frankwich and the Pizza Baked Lasagna. Both are good, but the Frankwich was a home run – almost an amalgam of a calzone with a ham sandwich; it is only made at Chirico’s and worth the try.
Where to Stay in Logan County
One of the best things about Logan was the sheer amount of good food, amenities, and even the amount of lodging options. While there are a lot of hotels, camping, and even luxury cabin rental choices around Logan, we found an absolute gem of a spot by checking into the Appalachian Outpost.
These cabins are basically brand new and are immaculately clean with all the amenities you could need. The fire pits outside each patio were a nice touch; all the guests out by their fires at night intermingling with fellow trail riders was such a fun atmosphere.
While they are still building out – they are on their way to becoming a one-stop shop for literally everything you would need on a trip to the HMT (e.g., laundry, gas station, coffee, ice cream, rentals, etc.). It’s more of a country resort than just a cabin rental.
Where to Eat in Logan County
While calling the Appalachian Outpost home, we quickly found our second favorite spot on the property — The Broken Axle. This modern West Virginia gastropub serves up creative comfort food with a local twist, plus a side of small-town charm. The staff is seriously the friendliest crew ever, and the vibe? Total good times.
Pro tip: order the Appetizer Sampler and prepare for everyone who walks by to ask what you’re eating. It’s a showstopper — an over-the-top spread of perfectly fried, indulgent deliciousness. Between the wall art, axe-throwing, pool tables, live music, and karaoke, it’s no wonder the place stays packed, especially on weekends when trail riders roll in from the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
When we wanted something lighter, we headed to Nu-Era Bakery in nearby Logan, WV — a local icon that’s been open since 1940. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time (in the best way). The shelves are filled with freshly baked pastries, and everyone who walks through the door greets each other like family.
We grabbed a few must-tries — a cream horn, blueberry cake donut, and the local favorite, the Bismarck, topped with chocolate icing and a dollop of sweet buttercream. It’s the perfect stop to fuel up before another day on the trails or to end your trip on a sweet note.
We geared up to document a possibly wet, probably cold, but maybe hot, and hopefully muddy ride. For those unacquainted with
We geared up to document a possibly wet, probably cold, but maybe hot, and hopefully muddy ride. For those unacquainted with West Virginia’s weather – especially when you’re in the more exposed, mountainous regions – it’s always a good idea to always dress in layers. It can be warm for one minute in the sunshine and get cold quickly in shady and windy areas.
Experiencing The Hatfield and McCoys Trail First-Hand
If you love adventure, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails (HMT) are a must for any West Virginia road trip. With over 1,000 miles of scenic off-road trails, this system connects multiple small towns and is open to all kinds of machines — from side-by-sides and ATVs to UTVs and dirt bikes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a mellow ride or an expert craving steep, single-track climbs, there’s a trail for every skill level.
Riders travel from all over the U.S. — and even internationally — to experience the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, not only for the thrill but also for the rich history of the region. Many routes wind past restored historical sites tied to the famous Hatfield-McCoy family feud, adding a unique cultural twist to your off-road adventure.
We hit the Rockhouse Trail System, one of the most popular and scenic networks with more than 100 miles of interconnected routes and direct access to Gilbert and Man, WV. Within a few hours, we saw it all — muddy terrain, old coal mines, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping Appalachian Mountain views painted in fall color.
By the end of the ride, we were muddy, starving, and totally exhilarated — the perfect mix of thrill and small-town charm that makes off-roading in West Virginia something truly special.
Fall in Chief Logan State Park
Before heading to Gilbert, WV for National Trailfest, we made a quick stop at Chief Logan State Park — a peaceful escape just a short drive away and one of the best things to do near the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
We grabbed a to-go lunch from Four Seasons Country Market (highly recommend if you’re nearby — their homemade food and local produce are so good) and found the perfect picnic spot surrounded by rolling green hills and mountain views.
Afterward, we hit the Cliffside Trail for a quick one-mile hike to stretch our legs before all the Trailfest fun began. It’s a short, scenic loop that gives you a taste of the park’s natural beauty without wearing you out — perfect for a laid-back West Virginia weekend trip before diving into the festivities.
One of the best parts about Trailfest every year is the parade of decorated ATVs and side-by-sides. However, before the parade began, we needed to pick up our event passes and take one more quick pitstop to take in some more history. Hatfield-McCoy Distillery combined the hometown feel of a bar (where everybody knows your name) with lots of friendly banter and even bigger flavors.Â
Gilbert National TrailFest
Every October, the small town of Gilbert, West Virginia transforms into one giant off-road party for National Trailfest — one of the biggest ATV events in West Virginia. Riders from all over the country roll in for a jam-packed weekend of muddy trail rides, an on-trail scavenger hunt, motocross stunts, live music, and even a “Las Vegas Night” celebration.
We happened to walk down from the local distillery right into the middle of the Trailfest parade, and it was impossible not to smile. The streets were lined with decked-out machines — from a Mystery Machine straight out of Scooby-Doo to ATVs repping local school pride (go Lions!) and plenty of rides blasting music with mud flying everywhere.
Once we made it through the gates — wristbands and all — the energy was electric. Between the motocross stunt show, drag races, and a full-on mud pit obstacle course, it was non-stop entertainment. The “splash zone” quickly became a crowd favorite, with onlookers cheering to get sprayed in mud (and yes, we eventually joined them).
By the end of the night, we were covered head to toe, grinning ear to ear, and watching fireworks light up the sky over the mountains. Trailfest is pure small-town joy mixed with big adventure — the kind of festival that reminds you why West Virginia is the ultimate off-road destination.
Until Next Time...
We couldn’t have picked a better weekend to experience Logan, West Virginia, and its neighboring trail towns. Sure, we timed our trip to catch the festivals and all the excitement, but honestly, any weekend during Hatfield-McCoy Trails season would be a blast.Â
What’s really exciting is how Logan and the surrounding ATV-friendly towns keep evolving. There’s been a steady growth of restaurants, lodging, and family-friendly activities that make this area more than just a destination for riders — it’s a place for everyone to explore and fall in love with.
Whether you’re chasing mud, mountain views, or just good company, you’ll quickly understand why they call this “Almost Heaven, West Virginia.”
- Country Roads. Take Me Home.
PrettylilWestVirginia - Downloadable Google Map
What You'll Find Inside
PrettylilWestVirginia is my downloadable Google map of the coolest places to visit around the beautiful state of West Virginia!
Let’s be honest, no one has the time to spend reading blog after blog and scrolling through Instagram to land of these locations. Skip the scrolling and start living. Once you download my PrettylilWestVirginia map or any of my other Google Maps, you’ll add the freedom to just get in your car and go.
Hike up to old fire towers, go off-roading on the Hatfield–McCoy trails, see the tallest waterfall in the Northeast, explore my favorite photography spots, and escape to the places never even knew existed right at your fingertips. There’s so much to discover in the hills of West Virginia.
I’ve spent countless hours researching and tracking all of my stops around West Virginia I’ve vetted the best destinations and most instagrammable photo opts for you to take with you on your travels. These are the maps that I use for all of my road trip planning.
- Hikes
- State & National Parks
- Points of Interest
- View Points & Things to See
- Fire Lookouts
- Accommodations
- Food Recommendations
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