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MeRcEr: HiGh-AlTiTuDe ThRiLlS,
DeEp In ThE MoUnTaInS
ATVs. Mountain bikes. Sturdy hiking
boots. Pick one or bring ‘em all to Mer-
cer County, West Virginia— home of
vast off-road systems, ATV-friendly
communities and state parks. Hey, it’s a
vacation made in Almost Heaven!
Deep off-roading, far from the beaten
trail
When it comes to ATVs, Mercer County
is tough to beat. The rippling valleys,
deep gorges, and soaring peaks make
terrain incredibly diverse. It boasts the
highest overall elevation in the Moun-
tain State, too. Off-roading material
doesn’t get any better than that.
But here’s the best part:
America’s largest off-road system hap-
pens to be in Mercer County. With more
than 600 miles of trails, the Hatfield-
McCoy Trails offer adventure for every-
one, from beginners to experts.
Paths range from easy to bone jarring.
Still, you aren’t in the Mountain State for
nothing. Even basic trails have their
wild, wonderful side. If you’re new to
the area, consider taking a guided trip;
local outfitters know the region like the
quads they drive.
Wondering where to start? Of the 7
network trailheads, Mercer County’s
Pocahontas Trail System is one of
the longest. Roughly 22 percent of all
trails are green (easy), while 47 per-
cent are blue (more difficult). Expert
areas and single tracks are available,
too.
What’s more, the Pocahontas access
point is near Bramwell, a quaint Vic-
torian town. So many coal barons
lived here during the 1890s that folks
referred to one street as “Millionaire
Row.” In fact, Bramwell once had
America’s richest per-capita popula-
tion. You can still see their magnifi-
cent mansions today. Some have
brilliant copper roofs, stained-glass
windows, ballrooms and indoor swim-
ming pools!
Bramwell is an ATV destination, too.
You can get trail passes at the city hall
and local businesses. While you’re at it,
stop by The Corner Shop for home-
made ice cream, sundaes, banana
splits, and comfort food. There’s also
Bramwell Main Stre et Eatery & Cater-
ing--a casual buffet with take-out and
full-service entrees. It’s a great place to
go before hitting the trails.