Exploring the Mecca of North American Off-Roading

If you're an off-road enthusiast, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia needs no introduction. It is widely considered the absolute mecca of trail riding in North America. But even if you've been there before, there is always something new to explore.

In our latest video, we make our way to Logan, West Virginia, to take on the historic Bearwallow trails for the very first time. Teamed up with the local experts at Hillbilly Rentals and Destination Yamaha, we spent a full day testing the limits of both man and machine on these legendary Appalachian paths.

Check out the full ride video below, and read on to see how the trails scored on our official scorecard.

The Machine: Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000

To tackle a trail system as massive and varied as Beawallow, you need a rig that balances raw capability with pure rider comfort. Hillbilly Rentals hooked us up with a brand-new Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000 (2-seater), and it absolutely delivered.

With its high ground clearance and plush, cushioned suspension, the RMAX absorbed the rougher sections of the trail without breaking a sweat. It offers plenty of cargo space for all your gear and delivers a smooth, confidence-inspiring ride that isn't hyper-aggressive but packs more than enough punch for some spirited, grin-inducing trail riding.

Breaking Down Bear Wallow

First opened back in 2000, Bear Wallow is one of the three original trail networks that started the entire Hatfield-McCoy phenomenon. Today, it packs upwards of 100 miles of rideable trails into the mountains.

One of the biggest perks of this specific area is its sheer accessibility. The main trailhead connects right to the off-road friendly town of Logan, West Virginia. Local laws welcome ATVs and side-by-sides on all two-lane roads, meaning you can easily hop off the dirt to grab fuel, get a bite to eat, or drive straight back to your cabin without ever needing to load your machine onto a trailer.

While we spent most of our time navigating the fast and fun blue and green trails, Bearwallow has a distinct dual personality. If you want to push yourself, there are plenty of technical Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond routes featuring challenging rock crawling and sharp switchbacks that will test even veteran riders. Along the way, you'll even pass unique historical landmarks, like the old coal mining boreholes cut into the mountains long before off-roaders claimed these hills.

Official Bear Wallow Scorecard

At the end of our journey—wrapping up at the breathtaking peak of Trail 30 right by Chief Logan State Park—we put together our official trail scores for a summer season ride:

Plan Your Own West Virginia Adventure

Ready to experience "Almost Heaven" for yourself? You can replicate our exact trip through the Destination Yamaha program.

Our hosts at Hillbilly Rentals Resort and Campground in Logan, WV, offer an 18-spot campground alongside private cabins and large rental houses capable of sleeping anywhere from 8 to 20 people—making it perfect for large family trips or riding groups. Best of all, when you pull into their property, you can start up your rented RMAX and hit five different trail systems directly from the campground.

Watch the full video above to see the RMAX 1000 in action, and head over to the ATV.com Off-Road Trails Hub to map out your next adventure using our interactive trail finder!