Trail Rules & Regulations
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Rules and Regulations set forth by the West Virginia State Legislature.
HB 4488, 20-14-8.
General Rules
- User permit required for all drivers and passengers
- Everyone must wear a DOT or Snell approved helmet and eye protection
- All operators and passengers must meet manufacturer’s minimum age and size requirements
- No one under the age of 6 is allowed on the trails under any circ*mstances
- Any operator or passenger under the age of 16 must be under the direct supervision and within eyesight of their parent or guardian at all times
- Obey all signs, gates and barriers, stay on marked trails
- Trails only open during daylight hours
- No littering, No camping, No fires
- No alcohol may be consumed or possessed
- No glass containers of any kind
- Be aware of oncoming traffic, particularly in blind curves and hills
- No competitions of speed, endurance or climbing ability allowed at any time without a special use permit
- Operate at reasonable speeds and under control at all times
- All machines must be equipped with a properly functioning muffler and USFS approved spark arrestor
ORV-Specific Rules
- ORVs are ONLY permitted on the Bearwallow, Cabwaylingo and Ivy Branch trail systems.
- Driver and passengers are required to wear helmets.
- Driver and passengers must have valid trail permits.
- A valid driver’s license is required to operate an ORV.
- All passengers must be 8 years of age or older OR at least 6 years of age and 4 feet tall. No booster or car seats are allowed.
- Seat belts must be worn at all times. the number of passengers is limited to the number of factory installed seat belts.
- ORVs are required to have a roll cage on all most difficult (black and black/red) trails.
UTV-Specific Rules
The driver and passengers of a UTV must:
- Wear helmets (DOT or SNELL approved)
- Wear seat belts at all times; the number of passengers is limited to the number of factory installed seat belts.
- Keep their hands, arms, feet, head and legs inside the vehicle at all times during operation.
- No booster seats or car seats are allowed
- Possess a valid owner’s manual for the machine being operated that is able to be produced upon request.
- Stay on designated trails. UTVs are permitted on easiest, more difficult, and select most difficult trails (signed accordingly).
- UTVs must be equipped with a steering wheel and low pressure tires.
