Hatfield-McCoy trip-planning guide
Bearwallow Trail System
A standalone Logan-area system with officially reported Easiest, More Difficult, Most Difficult, and Single Track mileage, plus full-size ORV access.
Bearwallow is one of the original Hatfield-McCoy systems and a useful one-base trip near Logan. The current official Hatfield-McCoy page lists 9% Easiest, 45% More Difficult, 31% Most Difficult, 6% Most Difficult, and 9% Single Track. It is open to properly equipped full-size ORVs as well as ATVs, UTVs, and off-road motorcycles.
On this page
Bearwallow at a Glance
- Official mix: 9% Easiest · 45% More Difficult · 31% Most Difficult · 6% Most Difficult · 9% Single Track
- Best known for: Scenic vistas, hard optional trails, and ORV access
- Direct town access: Logan-area services via signed connectors
- Main trailhead: 247 Bearwallow Drive, Ethel
- Connected systems: Standalone; road transfer required to other systems
What the Trail Mix Means
Easiest — 9%
Use the current official map and posted signs to identify routes appropriate for your group.
More Difficult — 45%
This is the largest official category. Route conditions, closures, and vehicle restrictions can vary.
Most Difficult — 31%
One separately listed Most Difficult category on the current official Hatfield-McCoy page.
Most Difficult — 6%
A second separately listed Most Difficult category. The official source repeats this label; no replacement category is inferred.
Single Track — 9%
Single-track mileage is not a side-by-side route claim.
Single Track is 9% in the current official breakdown and should not be treated as side-by-side mileage. Bearwallow is open to full-size ORVs, but operators must follow all ORV-specific equipment and trail restrictions.
Terrain and Riding Character
- Rocks: Embedded rock, ledges, and loose surfaces range from manageable to highly technical.
- Mud: Hollows and heavily traveled ruts can stay wet; rain sharply changes difficulty.
- Steep climbs: Low-range control, cooling, brakes, and careful descent technique are important.
- Narrow areas: Width varies. Full-size access does not mean every trail is appropriate for every vehicle.
- Scenery: The system is known for vistas mixed with demanding branches.
- Flexibility: A standalone layout supports short loops from Ethel or a full day without committing to another system.
Who Bearwallow Fits Best
| Rider | Fit | Planning approach |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Plan conservatively | Use the current official map and choose routes identified as Easiest; avoid building a loop that requires an unplanned harder return. |
| Mixed-skill families | Plan by route | Build the day around the least-experienced rider and confirm each selected route on the current official map. |
| Scenic riders | Plan by route | Use the current official map and trailhead information to choose legal routes and overlooks. |
| Technical/ORV riders | Extra attention | Bearwallow has two official Most Difficult categories and full-size access; confirm equipment rules and route restrictions before riding. |
Machine Trip Notes
Eligibility status: SxS/UTV — Supported; ATV — Supported; Dirt bike — Supported; Full-size ORV — Supported.
The official Bearwallow breakdown publishes 9% Single Track. That mileage is not SxS mileage. Use the current official map and obey posted signs, closures, direction, and vehicle restrictions. System-level eligibility does not open every route.
- Account for the actual configured machine, passengers, cargo, and recovery plan when choosing the day’s routes.
- Check current route restrictions and signs separately for UTV and full-size ORV travel.
- Plan fuel, daylight, communication, and turnarounds around the group and weather.
Source: official Bearwallow information and current map; verify before departure.
Best Home-Base Towns
Logan: services-first home base
Logan offers the broadest lodging, food, fuel, shopping, and repair access near Bearwallow.
- Nearby lodging: browse Logan lodging listings.
- Best tradeoff: strong services; verify whether your lodging has direct legal connector access or requires trailering.
Ethel: closest to the trailhead
Ethel minimizes the final drive to 247 Bearwallow Drive and works well for riders focused only on this system.
- Use the directory’s Logan-area options and confirm trailer parking directly.
- Tradeoff: quickest trailhead access; limited standalone service inventory.
Chapmanville: alternate US-119 base
Chapmanville can work for conventional lodging and food before trailering to Ethel.
- Nearby lodging: browse Chapmanville listings.
- Tradeoff: easier highway access for some arrivals; no promise of direct trail access.
Browse the complete Hatfield-McCoy lodging directory for additional cabins, houses, motels, RV sites, and campgrounds.
Pet-Friendly Lodging
Pet policies were not consistently verifiable across the nearby directory listings. Treat every unit and campground as unverified until the property directly confirms current fees, limits, deposits, and unattended-pet rules.
Food, Fuel, Rentals, Repairs, Parking, and Trailhead
- The Ethel trailhead has a 2+ acre parking area, staff, restrooms, permits, and merchandise.
- The current official brochure identifies the Country Roads Byway Visitors Center connector for Fountain Place Shopping Plaza and Chief Logan Lodge.
- Logan is the practical hub for food, fuel, supplies, rentals, and repairs; verify business hours before leaving town.
- Large ORV trailers and tall tow rigs should confirm the preferred approach to the trailhead and avoid relying on older low-clearance directions.
Map-Based Ride Planning Suggestions
1. Trailhead orientation
Sequence: Trailhead → current signed route → Trails 36/43 junction area → reverse
Use the current official map and trailhead information to select a signed route and keep the first outing short. The trailhead is the primary bailout.
2. Scenic loop study
Sequence: Signed trailhead route → Trails 36/43 junction area → signed return
A route-planning concept for confident families. Confirm the current route designation, direction, access, and closures at the trailhead; allow 2–4 hours with overlook stops.
3. More difficult out-and-back
Sequence: Signed approach → one currently open route designated More Difficult or Most Difficult on the current official map → signed return
Choose the exact route after discussing current conditions with staff. ORVs need compliant rollover protection where current official rules require it.
Nearby Systems to Combine with Bearwallow
Bearwallow is standalone. Braveheart and Rockhouse are the nearest logical next-system days from the broader Logan/Man area, but require a road-and-trailer transfer. Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain are better saved for a separate western-network day.
Road Access and Local Rules
Last verified: August 2, 2026.
- Hatfield-McCoy rules: A current permit is required; helmets and protective eyewear are required; obey posted signs, trail direction, hours, and machine restrictions.
- West Virginia law: State law governs operation on public roads and contains limited exceptions. It does not make every road or every machine street-legal.
- Local access: Use only signed community connectors and roads authorized by the applicable town or county. Boundaries, routes, and hours can differ by municipality.
- No blanket promise: Confirm the current trail map, posted connector signs, and local requirements before entering pavement.
Before You Ride
- Download the newest official map and get the trailhead copy.
- Check trail alerts, weather, daylight, fuel range, and each rider’s comfort level.
- Save offline navigation, pack recovery and tire gear, and leave a turnaround margin.
- Call lodging, rental, repair, and food providers directly to confirm hours, parking, pet rules, and trailer access.
Sources: Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority system pages, current official brochure and maps, official trail rules, West Virginia Code Chapter 17F, regional tourism sources, and linked local businesses. Service details should be reconfirmed before travel.