Published: December 05, 2006 04:56 pm      

A decade in planning, Hatfield-McCoy Trail bringing ATVs — and tourist dollars

It was about 10 years ago when I wrote the first article detailing plans for the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Trail. At the time, a study detailed and touted the far-reaching benefits of a potential multi-state professionally designed, guarded and regulated trail system for off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, bikers, hikers and horseback riders. The study predicted a massive influx of thousands of visitors into southern West Virginia, who in return would pump millions of dollars into the local economy of those participating counties, including Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming.

Fast forward to 10 years later, and it seems the original state study was largely correct with a few exceptions. For example, the trail system is no longer proposed to extend into Kentucky, but Virginia is a strong possibility for a future expansion. I know officials in Tazewell County are very interested in the possibility of extending the trail system into Southwest Virginia.

It also took a little bit longer than originally expected to extend the trail system into Mercer and McDowell counties. Thankfully, that’s all about to change. Construction is finally underway on a 70-mile segment of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail in McDowell County. The area under construction, including Ashland, Crumpler and Cherokee, also brings the off-road trail network extremely close to the Mercer County border. That’s good news for area businesses in both Mercer and McDowell counties.

The original study also predicted the trail system would be utilized by bikers, hikers and horseback riders. That’s still very much a strong future possibility. However, the main thrust of the regional trail system is currently ATV riders.

Regardless of whether you love or hate ATVs, there is no denying that the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority is good news for southern West Virginia. The existing 400 miles of the trail already is attracting thousands of visitors annually to Wyoming, Mingo, Logan and Boone counties, who in return are pumping thousands of dollars annually into the economy of all four counties.

Jeff Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Authority, reports the average visitor will spend three days on the trail system spending an average of over $300. They need lodging, they buy food, they buy their gasoline, and visit local stores, restaurants and shops in the communities bordering the trail network. Logan and Pineville are two good examples that come to mind of communities that are benefiting from the trail network.

Lusk predicts the same benefits for McDowell County, adding the trail system will bring thousands of visitors to the county annually when it opens for business next spring. Construction on a 70-mile segment of the trail system in McDowell County is already well underway — about 25 percent complete as of late last week. Lusk said a “soft opening” is expected around February or March. ATV riders would be allowed to utilize the trail system at that time. An official opening ceremony would be held later in the spring.

Lusk said officials are still negotiating with several land owners on the last 30 miles of the trail system in McDowell County that would connect it with the existing Pinnacle Creek trail system in Wyoming County. He also hopes to strike a land deal that would allow the trail system to connect with the town of Northfork.

The close proximity to the Mercer County border means visitors to the trail system could take advantage of offerings in both Mercer and McDowell counties. A multitude of developments already are underway near the trailhead site in Ashland, including a large campground development, a kitchen incubator, a gift shop for state artisans, and other related developments.

Clearly, the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail is no longer some far away proposal. It is here, and it will be open within a matter of months in McDowell County. Lusk is correct. Thousands of off-road vehicle enthusiasts could be descending upon the region as early as February or March. Yes, they will be looking for places to shop, eat, sleep and buy gas.

Ready or not, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail is here, and thousands of visitors with money to spend are on their way to our region. Let’s hope everyone — including local entrepreneurs — are ready to seize upon this fast approaching opportunity.

Charles Owens is the Daily Telegraph’s city editor.

Contact him at cowens@bdtonline.com