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HatfieldMcCoy Trails West Virginia's Eyewitness News
Hatfield-McCoy Expands Trails Just in Time for Summer
May 8, 2009
LYBURN, WV _ Just in time for the summer riding season, Hatfield-McCoy Trails has added 15 miles of new trails on two of its six systems.
“We’ve opened 10 miles on the Buffalo Mountain system, including five miles exclusively for motorcycles,” said John Fekete, Hatfield-McCoy’s deputy executive director. “Buffalo Mountain now has a total of 15 miles of single track trails, more than any other system.”
Buffalo Mountain also added five miles of trails for ATVs and UTVs. The 76.4-mile system, located between Williamson, Delbarton and Matewan, is the most historic of the six systems and has three community connectors.
The Pinnacle Creek system, near Pineville, received a new five-mile stretch of “Extreme Difficult” trails, Fekete said. This trail system is known for its breathtaking scenic views and is located less than one hour from world class whitewater rafting. “Extreme Difficult” trails, designated by black and red markers, combine the aspects of the “Most Difficult” trails, along with stipulations barring riders under 18, machines under 200cc’s, and two-wheel drive machine. (“Most Difficult” trails can be extremely steep, with larger rocks and more obstacles on the sometimes overgrown paths.)
“Folks shouldn’t have any trouble negotiating these new trails,” Fekete said. “We have one of the best and easiest trail mapping and signage systems in the country.
“Our maps are easy to understand for just about anyone and our signage – including specifying difficulty level – is such that people can easily get around without getting lost.”
Additional trails are scheduled to be opened during the remainder of the year, including a one connecting the Fountain Place area near Logan.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trial System was created by the West Virginia Legislature to generate economic development through tourism in nine southern West Virginia counties. It currently operates six systems with more than 500 miles of trails. Each system is open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, select utility vehicles (UTVs), mountain bikes, horses, and hikers. Many of the trail systems also offer community connecting trails that allow visitors to access “ATV-friendly towns” to experience the charm of southern West Virginia.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails Selects New Logo Reflecting Its Roots
May 4, 2009
LYBURN, WV _ A new logo identifying the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System will soon be sprouting throughout Southern West Virginia, and wherever off-road enthu
siasts are looking for a good ride.
At its recent quarterly meeting, the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Authority approved a new logo for the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, and work will begin immediately to roll it out on trail signage, merchandise and billboards.
Beverly Wellman, from Mercer County and chair of the Authority’s Marketing Committee which recommended the change, noted the new logo features the major users of the Trails – ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes – and its colors and design represent the wood and coal for which the region is known.
HMT Executive Director Jeffrey T. Lusk said the logo would be rolled out over the next six to nine months as it replaces the current “sunburst” design.
The logo was chosen from a series of designs created by Progressity Inc., a Charleston consulting firm providing marketing, design and strategic planning services.
Also at the meeting, Lusk reported on the first quarter financial performance, noting that permit revenue is up 18 percent over the same period last year. “We’re very happy with where we are right now,” he said.
The Authority also welcomed Christy Laxton, executive director of the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority, as a new member filling an unexpired term.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails was created by the West Virginia Legislature to generate economic development through tourism in nine southern West Virginia counties. The system comprises more than 500 miles of off-road trails in six systems scattered over southern West Virginia. Each system is open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, select utility vehicles (UTVs), mountain bikes, horses, and hikers. Many of the trail systems also offer community connecting trails that allow visitors to access “ATV-friendly towns.”