Riding the Hatfield-McCoy Trails with Destination Yamaha
There’s something truly special about the Appalachian Mountains. A sense of history, of ancient lore, echoes through the ridges. It's a feeling that calls to the adventurer in all of us, and there’s no better way to answer that call than from the driver's seat of a capable side-by-side. Recently, we got to do just that, embarking on an unforgettable journey in West Virginia with Destination Yamaha.
To find great trails in your state, or any other state, head on over to the Off-Road Trails Hub on ATV.com. And thanks to Destination Yamaha for supporting this amazing resource for off-roaders!
Our home base for this adventure was Buffalo Trail Cabins, an outfit that has perfected the seamless off-road getaway. The experience begins before you even arrive. After booking online, a unique access code for our accommodation—in this case, a surprisingly luxurious yurt—was emailed to us. Tucked into the Appalachian forest, the yurt offered the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, complete with heat, AC, a full kitchen, and multiple bedrooms. Waking up to the sounds of the mountains is the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping for a full day on the trails.
Gearing Up and Hitting the Trails
The next morning, we met up with our guides for the day, the fantastic crew from Eagle ATV Rental. They had our ride ready to go: a Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 2 1000 XTR. This machine is a true beast, a 1000cc "mountain goat" capable of tackling any incline or technical section you throw at it.
Our destination was the legendary Hatfield-McCoy trail system, specifically the Pocahontas Trail. For those who don't know, the Hatfield-McCoy network is one of the largest and best-maintained OHV trail systems on the planet, boasting over 1,000 miles of marked paths. Whether you're looking for tight, technical climbs, scenic ridgelines with breathtaking views, or wide-open sections to let it rip, you'll find it here. The pure smell of fresh mountain air and the thrill of exploration is an experience that simply can't be beaten.
The Destination Yamaha Difference
We had a chance to chat with Bill, the owner of Eagle ATV Rental, about his experience as a Destination Yamaha partner. His confidence in the machines was absolute.
"We've been with Destination Yamaha since the beginning," Bill explained. "We started in 2016 with the Wolverine R-Spec and have been through every version up to the new RMAXes."
For a rental operator, reliability is everything. Downtime means lost revenue and unhappy customers. According to Bill, Yamaha's maintenance interval is significantly higher than many competitors. "We love the reliability and confidence we get with these machines," he said. "We don't have a lot of surprises. It's brake pads, oil changes, and that's about it."
This partnership has culminated in an incredible all-in-one experience. For 2025, Eagle ATV Rental has a collaboration with Buffalo Trail Cabins allowing you to rent your cabin and have a top-of-the-line Yamaha side-by-side delivered right to your door. You just show up, and you're ready to ride.
More Than Just Riding
The adventure doesn't end when you get off the trail. The Buffalo Trail Restaurant is a major attraction, famous for its steaks and burgers—including a must-try bison burger. With over 30 draft beers and a full bar, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and share stories from the day's ride.
Plan Your Own Appalachian Adventure
This trip was a powerful reminder of the beauty of the outdoors and the incredible experiences waiting for us on the trail. As fall approached, the leaves were just beginning to turn, painting the mountains in spectacular color. It was, in a word, remarkable.
If you’re looking for an off-road trip that combines world-class trails, top-tier machines, and seamless logistics, look no further. A huge thank you to Destination Yamaha, Eagle ATV Rental, and Buffalo Trail Cabins for making this unforgettable experience possible.
Ready to ride? You can book the complete package—cabin and machine—at BuffaloTrailCabins.com. If you're a local or have other accommodations, you can book your rental directly at EagleATVRental.com.
Until next time, we'll see you on the trail.
Brett is a creative videographer, editor business owner and dad. Brett loves adventure, whether it be skateboarding, snowboarding, rock climbing or travelling to shoot for clients. He’s happiest when creating and has a passion for the outdoors. Brett’s affinity for capturing his skateboarding tricks from an early age was a precursor to so much more. After graduating from Canadore College for TV Broadcasting and TV Production, Brett went on to film and edit The New Fly Fisher TV show. Brett was honored with a Telly Award for the show’s editing. While working for Vertical Scope in Toronto, Brett travelled all over the world, working with the biggest names in the automotive industry. He has worked on a variety of projects including creating advertising campaigns, commercials, in-depth reviews and YouTube videos covering all the latest tech, innovations and advances in the automotive industry. A creative storyteller at heart, Brett is an expert in crafting innovative and engaging content for the digital landscape. Alongside years of experience he brings with him powerful imagery, relentless dedication and a creative passion that continues to grow. Brett is a Director of Photography and an Editor with experience across multiple genres including documentaries, broadcast, YouTube, corporate work, music videos and commercials.
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