• What to know if you go

Jeff Gentner/AP (ENLARGE)

Road signs point ATV riders to the attractions in Gilbert, W.Va.,

Jeff Gentner/AP (ENLARGE)

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System totals over 500 miles of off-road trails in nine southern West Virginia counties, making it the second largest off-highway vehicle trail system in the world.

Gilbert, W.Va. — Kendell Simpson rolls along a rocky, muddy path into the forest. His strapped-on helmet, waterproof suit and goggles are the only indication of what lies ahead.

When he starts the rocky climb, the roar of his all-terrain vehicle gets louder as he gives the Rhino more gas and maneuvers around boulders and puddles.

The Rockhouse trailhead starts out steep, with tight turns. Then it gets even steeper.

"You haven't seen nothing yet," Simpson says.

He ought to know. More than a decade ago, Simpson helped launch the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, which has grown into a network of 550 miles of riding trails for four-wheelers.

Each of the six Hatfield-McCoy trails has a distinct vibe. While Pinnacle Creek's runs are known for breathtaking mountain views, the highly challenging trails of Dingess Rum may provide the best adrenaline rush. Organizers say there's a trail for everyone, depending on skill level.

A boost for region

The trail system is named after two infamous families — the Hatfields of southern West Virginia and the McCoys of eastern Kentucky, who carried on a 12-year feud more than a century ago. The idea behind the Hatfield-McCoy trails was to trigger economic development in nine counties hit hard by the decline of coal and timber industries.

The auto body shop that Simpson and son-in-law Bill Reed run in Gilbert is already doing more business, renting and repairing four-wheelers, and equipping riders with gear. But everyone involved in the venture says there's unrealized potential.

"This thing is really in its infancy, we're really just getting started," said Greg Crigger, a customer-service coordinator for the trail system and one of its few full-time employees. "The ultimate goal is somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 miles of trail, all connected in this eight- or nine-county project area."

While the Hatfield-McCoy project is unique because it's all on private land, it was patterned after the 900-mile Paiute ATV Trail in Utah, which uses public land and crosses the Fishlake National Forest.

And with the sale of ATVs booming, demand for places to ride could be on the upswing. The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America says sales have more than doubled, from 447,000 in 1998 to 912,000 in 2004. Nationwide, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are 7.6 million four-wheelers in use.

Russ Ehnes with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council says there are other trail systems, but few as well known as the Hatfield-McCoy and Paiute trails. "Most of the national forests in the United States offer some degree of off-highway access. Some have complete trails and some don't," he said. "The Paiute and the Hatfield-McCoy trails are probably the best known and easiest to manage because they are marked so well."

The West Virginia trails were designed for many uses, including mountain bikes, horses and hikers. But they're most popular with ATV and dirt bike riders, who have turned them into a hot tourist attraction. And with affordable permits — $19 for a day, $37 for up to a week — many users are repeat visitors.

Sloshing good fun

Todd Hershberger of Haymarket, Va., has been riding the trails for four years. On his most recent trip in March, he plowed his ATV through a giant, sloshing mud pit. It's not an official part of the trail, but it's too much fun for many riders to ignore.

"I thought I was going to get stuck," he said, laughing about the experience as he wiped mud off his helmet and listened to his buddies' favorite trail stories. Hershberger and three friends make the eight-hour trip here once a year, then ride from dawn to dark.

"The trails change every year," he said. "The first year, some of the trails were rougher than they are now. ... They add new trails, too, so it gives us more variety."

Ken Shamy drove 650 miles from Monmouth Junction, N.J., to ride the 115-mile Browning Fork Trail for the second time. It's the longest of the trails, with terrain for all skill levels. "I just love it up here, just getting away. And the people are nice, too," he said.

IF YOU GO

Hatfield-McCoy Trail System

Six trail systems over 550 miles in southern West Virginia. Restrooms, parking. Facilities open 9 a.m.-midnight; www.trailsheaven.com, 1-800-592-2217.

Little Coal River, 65 miles. Nearly 60 percent suitable for beginners. Direct access to lodging; 20 miles south of Charleston on U.S. 119. Waterways Trailhead near Waterways Water Park, www.boonecountywv.org/rec.htm.

Pinnacle Creek, 105 miles. Breathtaking views. Castle Rock Trailhead is near Pineville and close to world-class whitewater rafting and Winterplace ski resort.

Browning Fork Trail System, 115 miles. All skill levels. Direct access to the towns of Gilbert and Man. Rockhouse Trailhead is 20 minutes from Logan, driving north or south on U.S. 119.

Buffalo Mountain, 95 miles. Two trailheads, 30 minutes apart in Matewan and Williamson. Both towns allow trail riders with permits on the street.

Dingess Rum, 105 miles of more challenging trails. Bearwallow Trailhead is 20 minutes past Logan on state Route 17, 30 minutes from Rockhouse Trailhead.

Indian Ridge, 75 miles. All levels. Easy access from I-77 near Princeton and Bluefield, www.mccvb.com/attractions.htm.

Fees: Yearly permits, $26.50 for West Virginia riders; $79.50 for out-of-state. One-day permits, $19. Three- to seven-day permits, $37. Permits sold online; at trailhead offices, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; and hotels, campgrounds and ATV dealerships.

Nearby attractions

Annual Hatfield McCoy Reunion Festival, June 9 in Matewan and Williamson, W.Va., and Pikeville, Ky.; Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, 304-235-5240, www.tugvalleychamberof commerce.com/events.html.

Hatfields and McCoys show, Cliffside Amphitheatre at Grandview, about the family feud; June 13-Aug. 25, theatrewestvirginia.com, 1-800-666-9142.

Tamarack, showplace for arts, crafts and furniture, www.tamarackwv.com, 1-888-262-7225.

Whitewater rafting on Gauley or New rivers. www.fayettecounty.com/rafting.html, 304-465-5617.