WHY CHOOSE TO LIVE IN MONROE COUNTY: Most importantly, Monroe County is a very easy place to assimilate and quickly become a part of the overall community. There may be tens of thousands of properties for sale across the United States, but one would be hard pressed to find a property that comes with the community experience and small-town feeling offered in Monroe County. No stoplights, no fast-food places, no big box stores. Instead, local restaurants, Christmas parades, Farmer Day parades, high school graduations, 4-H groups, a Future Farmers of America group, horse shows, barrel racing, school sports (the James Monroe Lady Mavericks basketball team just won the state championship!).

Sooooo….  Welcome to Monroe County and the opportunity to locate to an area with scenic mountain views, fertile valleys, and a laid-back rural lifestyle. A border county with Virginia, Monroe County offers abundant recreational opportunities, strong agricultural roots, and a peaceful setting ideal for land ownership and outdoor enjoyment.

BENEFITS OF OWNING A MINI FARM IN MONROE COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA

Beyond economics, mini farms offer lifestyle benefits. They reconnect people to the land, encourage self-reliance, and preserve open space in areas facing development pressure. In regions like Appalachia, mini farms also help maintain traditional skills and knowledge while adapting them to modern needs.

Mini farms are small-acreage operations, typically ten to fifty acres, that make a meaningful contribution to local food systems and rural life. They often focus on diverse production—such as vegetables, livestock, and orchards—rather than large single crops. With lower costs and flexible, sustainable practices, mini farms are accessible to new farmers and support environmental stewardship. Despite their size, they strengthen local economies, preserve open space, and show that small-scale farming can have a big impact.

 

TRACT ONE – 14 ACRES        $139,995

TRACT TWO – 28 ACRES       $199,995

TRACT THREE – 14 ACRES   $139,995

HIGHLIGHTS

• The three parcels for sale are in one of Monroe County’s most beautiful areas
• Only one mile from Union, the Monroe County Seat. Private but not remote
• Multiple homesites to choose from with pretty views of Peters Mountain and across the valley
• Located just 5 minutes from Union WV, the Monroe County seat
• Monroe County, a Virginia border county, has 13,000 residents, more sheep than people, no traffic lights, no fast-food places, several excellent local diners and restaurants.
• Convenient to higher population centers, interstates and jet airports
• Each parcel will be conveyed with a new survey and description
• 1900’s two story barn is constructed with circle sawn white oak and red oak on tract one
• Modern concrete livestock watering troughs available to tracts one and two
• All mineral rights the owner has in title will convey
• The three tracts have a total of 7,800’+/- (1.48 miles) of professionally installed livestock fencing in place – Tract One = 3800’+/-, Tract Two = 1800’+/-, and Tract Three = 2,220’+/-
• Patches of emerging forests and pastures intertwine to create an interesting property
• A rewarding permaculture lifestyle could be easily developed
• Surrounded by large farms and timber tracts in a nice rural neighborhood
• Superior access by state maintained paved road and gated private gravel lane
• FedEx, UPS and USPS delivery
• Excellent cell phone coverage with 5G service
• Darkest of skies with little light pollution for star-planet gazing & astrophotography
• Elevations run from 1966’ to 2138’
• Rich and diverse resident wildlife population
• Pasture grasses, trees and shrubs, produce tons of life-giving Oxygen and soak up tons of carbon dioxide
• Perfect for recreational activities including shooting sports, ATV’s, horseback riding, hiking, camping, and nature viewing
• Low taxes, low population density, low stress levels,
• Exceptional butterfly population

Access to the tracts provided by a well‑maintained private lane.  This gravel roadway provides convenient and established access to all three parcels. The lane connects directly to US 219 and will be surveyed and made a part of the new deed.

INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

 TRACT ONE = FOURTEEN ACRES

• Fourteen acres of pasture
• Concrete watering trough
• Vintage two story barn,
• Smaller cut stone cold storage building
• Concrete cistern
• 3,800’ feet of livestock fencing are divided as follows:
  • Along road = 1500 ft
  • Interior for barn field = 1325 feet perimeter plus 440 feet for barn field dividing fence
  • Interior perimeter around pond area = 520 feet

TRACT TWO = TWENTY-EIGHT ACRES

 

 

 

• Twenty-one acres of pasture
• Seven acres of wildlife habitat
• 1,800’ of livestock fencing along its eastern and northwestern boundary
• Concrete livestock watering trough (shared with the neighbor)
• Environmentally rich karst sink whose stream disappears underground. Very cool
• Four huge ancient oaks and limestone cliffs make for a unique wildlife habitat.
• Long views of mountain ranges and across the valley below.

TRACT THREE = FOURTEEN ACRES

• Eleven acres of pasture
• Three acres of mature woodland
• 2,200’ of livestock fencing along the northern and western boundary
• Wildlife viewing stand
• Incredible views of distant mountain ranges and valley below

DIRECTIONS

From Union, WV:  7/10 mile +/- (approximate 3 minutes)

From the Courthouse in Union; travel US 219 South for 7/10 mile; the gated property road entrance is on the right.

LOCATION

 

Google Coordinates: 37.584762°(N), -80.550282°(W)
Address: Seneca Trail South, Union, WV 24983. A 911 address will be assigned by the Monroe County 911 department.
Elevation Range: 1966 ft. to 2138 ft. +/-

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: Monroe County, West Virginia

The sale area is a portion of DB 314 Pg. 21

Monroe County (32), West Virginia
Union District (07)

Tax Map 15 part of Parcel 27; Class 2
2026 Real Estate Taxes: To be determined by the Monroe Tax Assessor. The sale area is a portion of the 57-acre parent tax parcel and that parcel is currently tax at $251.53 for the 2025 tax year.

PROTECTIVE COVENANTS

The parcels will convey subject to protective covenants.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

TRACT 1 has about 3/10 mile of frontage on Seneca Trail South (US 219) and contains a section of existing property road that is joint-use access right-of-way. TRACTS 2 and 3 currently have access by that same existing property road that will be a deeded access right-of-way.

 

The properties’ gated entrance connects directly to WV state road Senecal Trail South (US 219). The exclusive access to the properties is protected with a security code for the new owners along the private lane. The access will be surveyed and deeded and runs with the land in perpetuity.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

 

The tracts for sale will be surveyed prior to closing. The survey will be recorded with the new deed.   The original sale area contains about 56 acres and is being divided into the following 3 tracts.

The exact acreage will be determined by survey:

• TRACT ONE = 14 acres +/-
• TRACT TWO = 28 acres +/-
• TRACT THREE = 14 acres +/-

MINERAL RESOURCES

The Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale are understood to underlie the property at a depth of 5000 feet+ and 10,000+ feet, respectively. The east coast Marcellus Shale Region is believed to contain enough natural gas to power the United States for over 100 years.

The owner has not leased the oil and gas rights and all mineral rights the seller has in title will be transferred to the purchaser at closing. There are no known coal reserves underlying the property. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to have an attorney do a title search prior to purchasing.

UTILITIES

Water: Public water may be available along Route 219
Sewer: Public Sewer may be available along Route 219
Electricity: On site
Telephone: Available along Route 219
Internet: May be Optimum or Verizon Cable. Starlink Satellite is available in the area
Cellphone Coverage: Excellent coverage with 5G

ZONING

There is currently no county zoning in Monroe County. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to contact the Monroe County Health Department for answers regarding installation of septic systems and water wells. Further information on county zoning may be answered by contacting the Monroe County Commission.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Monroe County School District

Public Elementary School:
Mountain View Elementary School, Union

Public Middle School:
Mountain View Middle School, Union

Public High School:
James Monroe High School
Monroe County Vocational Center

Monroe County Schools have had a graduation rate of 95% for the past several years indicating a stable educational environment.  The school district’s revenue/student ratio is higher than the state median, and the spending/student ratio is also higher, suggesting a positive financial investment in education.

The student/teacher ratio is higher than the West Virginia state average, which may indicate a focus on providing more resources to students.

Overall, Monroe County Schools have a strong commitment to education, with a focus on providing a stable and supportive learning environment.

AIRPORT ACCESS and REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

The property is conveniently located within a two‑hour drive of multiple regional and commercial airports, providing flexible travel options for landowners, visitors, and investors. This balance of rural seclusion with dependable infrastructure is a key reason the area continues to attract buyers from the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Highway & Ground Access

• Direct access via Interstate 64, Interstate 77, U.S. Route 219, and U.S. Route 19
• Well maintained state highways provide reliable year-round access

Easy connections to:

• Charleston, WV
• Lewisburg & the Greenbrier Valley
• Virginia and North Carolina markets

Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) – Lewisburg, WV
Approx. 15–20 minutes

• Commercial passenger service with direct flights to Charlotte (CLT) and Chicago (ORD)
• Free parking, easy access, and a modern terminal make this a convenient local option

Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) – Roanoke, VA
Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes

• Larger regional airport offering multiple daily flights to major hubs
• Full airline service, rental cars, and expanded scheduling

Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) – Beckley, WV
Approx. 1 hour

• Regional airport with scheduled commercial service
• Easy access for southern West Virginia and regional travel

Yeager Airport (CRW) – Charleston, WV
Approx. 2 hours

• West Virginia’s largest commercial airport
• Broad selection of domestic flights and airline carriers

Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) – Charlottesville, VA
Approx. 2 hours

• Popular regional airport serving central Virginia
• Convenient for travelers connecting through the Mid‑Atlantic region

WILDLIFE & NATURAL FEATURES

The property offers excellent wildlife habitat and is home to a wide variety of native species. The acreage provides ideal cover, travel corridors, and natural forage, making it well‑suited for wildlife viewing and recreational use. Deer, turkey, and small game are commonly found throughout the property, along with a variety of songbirds and other native wildlife.

The mix of open and wooded areas creates a diverse and balanced environment that supports year‑round wildlife activity, offering a peaceful rural setting with frequent animal sightings.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Carbon sequestration is the natural process by which forests, soils, and vegetation absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, helping regulate climate and improve environmental health. Well managed land can act as a long-term carbon sink, storing carbon for decades or even centuries.

In rural and forested regions, carbon sequestration is one of the most valuable—and increasingly recognized—ecosystem services land can provide.

🌳 How Land Sequesters Carbon:

Forests
Trees absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and store carbon in:

• Trunks and branches
• Roots
• Leaf litter and forest soils

Mature forests continue to store carbon while younger forests actively remove carbon from the air as they grow.

Soils

Healthy soils store large amounts of carbon below ground through:

• Root systems
• Organic matter
• Microbial activity

Undisturbed soils—especially forest and pasture soils—are highly effective at long term carbon storage.

Natural Landscapes

Wetlands, riparian buffers, and native grasslands also contribute significantly by slowing carbon release and stabilizing organic material.

MONROE COUNTY’S KARST LANDSCAPE – GEOLOGICALLY EXTRAORDINARY

It is common to find rock outcrops and limestone cliffs in areas with a karst topography. These sit just above the sinking stream in the picture below.

The stream is referred to as a “sinking stream”. This stream exits the hillside about 100 yards uphill as a mountain spring then “sinks” beneath the ground to “pop out” again on down the mountain as another mountain spring.

Monroe County sits atop a world-class karst landscape shaped by the Greenbrier Limestone, featuring some of the highest sinkhole densities, longest cave systems, and most complex groundwater flow in the  Appalachian region and North America. This makes it geologically extraordinary.

Karst landscapes are shaped by the gradual dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, creating distinctive features such as caves, sinkholes, cliffs, and underground rivers. These landforms foster a wide range of habitats above and below ground, supporting diverse plant and animal life.

Underground caves offer stable conditions for organisms adapted to low light and unique soil chemistry, including certain fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and bats. Surface areas with nutrient rich, calcium based soils support a variety of plants, mosses, ferns, and forests, which in turn provide habitats for birds and terrestrial animals.

Karst landscapes combine extraordinary natural, geological, ecological, and cultural values, representing unique ecosystems and human history over millennia.

ANCIENT TREES

Ancient trees on West Virginia farms—such as white oaks, tulip poplars, hickories, sycamores, and beeches—are living links to the region’s deep history. Many predate European settlement and were preserved when land was cleared for agriculture, becoming integral parts of farm landscapes. Beyond offering shade and landmarks, these trees support wildlife, stabilize soil, and store carbon. Today, they are often cherished as family heirlooms and increasingly recognized for their ecological and cultural value, symbolizing the long relationship between people and Appalachia’s land.

 

This ancient white oak is undeniably one of the largest, if not the largest, of its species in Monroe County. This fine lady has seen tens of thousands of Sunrises in her lifetime.

This multi-stemmed massive hickory, centuries old, was downed by a microblast. The tree’s huge root system continues to provide life sustaining nutrients despite the massive injuries sustained by the old soldier.

ABOUT MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

Monroe County is located in southeastern West Virginia, along the Virginia border, and is known for its scenic mountain landscapes, rolling farmland, and strong agricultural heritage. The county offers a peaceful rural setting with wide‑open spaces, low population density, and a slower pace of life that appeals to landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking privacy.

The area is characterized by forested ridges, fertile valleys, and clear streams, creating an ideal environment for farming, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Monroe County is especially attractive to buyers interested in hunting, hiking, livestock, homesteading, or recreational land use.

The county seat, Union, provides essential services, small‑town charm, and local businesses, while larger towns and amenities are accessible within reasonable driving distance. Monroe County maintains a strong sense of community while preserving its rural character.

With its combination of natural beauty, accessible location, and traditional Appalachian landscape, Monroe County continues to be a desirable area for land ownership, investment, and rural living.

NEIGHBORING GREENBRIER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

Greenbrier County offers a wide variety of natural, historic, and recreational attractions, making it a highly desirable area for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a scenic Appalachian lifestyle.

The county is well known for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Miles of country roads, forested ridges, and river valleys provide year‑round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Nearby rivers and streams support trout fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Lewisburg, the county seat, is a nationally recognized historic town featuring locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural events. The area blends historic charm with modern conveniences, making it a regional destination for dining, arts, and entertainment.

Greenbrier County is also home to The Greenbrier, a world‑famous historic resort known for its architecture, golf courses, spa, and rich history. The presence of this landmark contributes to the area’s visibility and tourism while preserving the county’s rural character.

Nearby parks, caverns, and scenic overlooks—including state parks and natural areas—offer additional opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation. Seasonal events, festivals, and agricultural fairs further highlight the county’s strong community and cultural traditions.

With its combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, historic destinations, and small‑town attractions, Greenbrier County continues to be a sought‑after area for visitors and landowners alike.

OUTDOOR & RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia—known as “The Mountain State”—offers some of the most diverse and accessible outdoor recreation in the eastern United States. With rugged mountains, deep forests, and free‑flowing rivers, the state is a destination for both adventure seekers and nature‑focused property owners.

🥾 Hiking, Trail Systems & Scenic Overlooks

West Virginia features hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, ranging from gentle forest walks to challenging ridge and gorge routes. Popular areas include the Monongahela National Forest, state parks, rail‑trails, and scenic overlooks with long‑range mountain views. Fall foliage hiking is especially renowned.

🏞️ State Parks, Forests & Public Lands

The state maintains 35+ state parks, 9 state forests, wildlife management areas, and river trail systems, offering year‑round access to camping, cabins, swimming, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. These public lands form the backbone of West Virginia’s outdoor lifestyle.

🚣 Rivers, Fishing & Whitewater Rafting

West Virginia is nationally recognized for its rivers and whitewater recreation, including the New River and Gauley River, which provide world‑class rafting, kayaking, and tubing. Anglers enjoy trout streams, bass rivers, and mountain lakes throughout the state.

🧗 Rock Climbing & Adventure Sports

The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve—West Virginia’s only national park—offers over 1,400 established climbing routes, along with ziplining, bridge walks, and technical adventure activities. It is considered one of the premier climbing destinations in the eastern U.S.

🦌 Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife Viewing

West Virginia’s extensive public lands support big game and small game hunting, fishing access, and wildlife observation, including elk restoration areas, birding trails, and scenic backcountry habitat suitable for outdoor traditions and conservation‑minded land ownership.

❄️ Four‑Season Recreation

Recreation continues year‑round with skiing, snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, and winter hiking in higher elevations, while spring and summer highlight waterfalls, wildflowers, paddling, and camping.

RECREATION APPEAL

Land near the New River supports a wide range of high‑demand outdoor uses:

• Whitewater rafting and paddling
• Fly fishing and warm‑water fishing
• Hiking, biking, and backcountry access
• Rock climbing and photography
• Wildlife observation and hunting

The national park designation has increased visibility and value while ensuring the area remains intentionally rural.

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

West Virginia has a moderate four season climate, shaped by its Appalachian Mountains and varied elevations. The result is comfortable summers, colorful falls, mild springs, and true winters—without extreme heat or prolonged drought common in other regions.

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🌱 Spring (March–May)

• Mild to cool temperatures with increasing sunshine
• Wildflowers, blooming forests, and flowing streams
• Ideal for planting, hiking, and fishing
• Occasional rain helps keep the landscape lush

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☀️ Summer (June–August)

• Warm but generally moderate, especially at higher elevations
• Typical daytime highs range from the 70s to low 80s°F in much of the state
• Cooler nights in mountain and valley areas
• Well suited for outdoor recreation like hiking, rafting, and camping

(West Virginia summers are notably less humid and cooler than much of the Southeast.)

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🍁 Fall (September–November)

• One of the state’s most celebrated seasons
• Cool, dry air and low humidity
• Brilliant fall foliage across mountains and forests
• Excellent conditions for outdoor activities, hunting, and scenic travel

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❄️ Winter (December–February)

• Cold but variable depending on elevation
• Lower elevations: occasional snowfall, mixed with milder periods
• Higher elevations: more consistent snow, supporting winter recreation
• Winters are typically shorter and less severe than in the Northeast or Midwest

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⛰️ Elevation Based Climate Variation

• Elevation ranges from river valleys to high ridges over 4,000 feet
• Higher elevations: cooler summers, more snowfall
• Valleys and lower areas: milder winters and slightly warmer summers
• This variation creates microclimates ideal for diverse land uses, agriculture, and recreation

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🌧️ Precipitation & Water

• Evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year
• No pronounced dry season
• Supports forests, streams, wildlife habitat, and reliable water resources

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Why Buyers Like West Virginia’s Climate

• Comfortable four season living
• No extreme heat waves or long droughts
• Excellent for outdoor lifestyles and land stewardship
• Predictable seasonal rhythm without coastal storm risk

DARK SKY EXPERIENCE IN WEST VIRGINIA

Why Dark Skies Matter

• Unobstructed star views and visible Milky Way
• Quieter nights and preserved rural atmosphere
• Ideal for retreats, eco tourism, off grid living, and astronomy
• Enhances natural wildlife behavior and habitat health
• Increasingly rare feature that adds ecological and lifestyle value

West Virginia is widely recognized as one of the darkest states east of the Mississippi River, offering exceptional night sky visibility thanks to its rural character, mountainous terrain, and low population density. West Virginia offers some of the darkest night skies in the eastern U.S., with minimal light pollution and visible Milky Way views in many rural and mountain areas.

🌠 Naturally Low Light Pollution

With no large metropolitan areas and extensive forested land, much of West Virginia experiences minimal artificial light at night. In many regions, the night sky retains a deep natural darkness, allowing stars to appear in sharp detail and the Milky Way to be visible to the naked eye on clear nights.

🏞️ Certified Dark Sky Parks & Protected Areas

West Virginia is home to International Dark Sky Park designations, including Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. These areas are officially recognized for exceptional night sky quality and active protection against light pollution.

OVERVIEW OF THE NEW RIVER

✨ Why the New River Matters Today

Today, the New River represents clean water, outdoor adventure, preserved landscapes, and quiet rural living. Its designation as a national park has drawn renewed attention while maintaining the region’s natural character, making the area attractive for conservation minded residents, landowners, and visitors seeking authentic Appalachian scenery.

The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America—and possibly the world—flowing northward through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Carved over millions of years, it has shaped dramatic gorges, fertile valleys, and some of the most scenic and ecologically rich landscapes in the eastern United States.

Unlike most rivers in the region, the New River flows from south to north, beginning in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, passing through southwest Virginia, and entering West Virginia before joining the Kanawha River near Gauley Bridge.

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🌄 Why the New River Area Works for Land Buyers

• National park proximity without urban congestion
• Protected landscapes supporting long‑term value
• Strong recreation and lifestyle demand
• Low population density and minimal light pollution
• Accessible to airports, highways, and services

The New River region offers a rare alignment of conservation, accessibility, and lifestyle quality—ideal for buyers seeking land with both intrinsic value and future stability.

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🚣 Recreation & Outdoor Significance

The New River is internationally known for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Different stretches of the river offer everything from calm, family friendly floats to technically challenging rapids. Its long, scenic paddling corridors also support camping, swimming, and wildlife observation

In addition to water recreation, the New River Gorge is a major destination for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and photography, with hundreds of miles of nearby trails and cliffs rising directly from the riverbanks.

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🌿 Ecology & Natural Importance

The New River supports a remarkably diverse ecosystem, including rare plants, freshwater mussels, fish species, birds of prey, and forest wildlife. Its ancient origins and varied geology have created habitats not found elsewhere in the region.

Because much of the river corridor remains undeveloped, it also serves as an important conservation and migration pathway through the Appalachian Mountains.

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🌉 Cultural & Historical Role

For generations, the New River has been central to Appalachian life—supporting Indigenous peoples, early settlers, farming communities, and later the coal and railroad industries. Abandoned rail towns, bridges, and historic structures still trace the river’s path, giving the region a deep sense of place and heritage.

The iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere, spans the gorge and has become a symbol of both engineering achievement and the region’s connection between past and present.

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✨ Why the New River Matters Today

Today, the New River represents clean water, outdoor adventure, preserved landscapes, and quiet rural living. Its designation as a national park has drawn renewed attention while maintaining the region’s natural character, making the area attractive for conservation minded residents, landowners, and visitors seeking authentic Appalachian scenery.

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🌄 Why the New River Area Works for Land Buyers

• National park proximity without urban congestion
• Protected landscapes supporting long‑term value
• Strong recreation and lifestyle demand
• Low population density and minimal light pollution
• Accessible to airports, highways, and services

The New River region offers a rare alignment of conservation, accessibility, and lifestyle quality—ideal for buyers seeking land with both intrinsic value and future stability.

🏞️ New River Gorge & National Park

In southern West Virginia, the river cuts through a deep sandstone canyon known as the New River Gorge, now protected as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve—West Virginia’s only national park. Towering cliffs, forested slopes, and expansive overlooks make the gorge one of the most visually striking river corridors in the eastern U.S.

The park protects more than 70,000 acres of land and river, preserving both natural ecosystems and historic coal mining communities that once relied on the river and surrounding rail lines.

HATFIELD-MCCOY TRAILS

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails System (HMTS) is made up of over 700+ miles of trails and located in the rich mountains of southern West Virginia. The 700+ mile HMTS is second only to the 2000 mile long Paiute ATV Trail in Central Utah.

As one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world, HMTS is open 365 days a year and offers something for every skill level. The trail system caters to ATV, UATV, and motorbikes (dirt bikes), but hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders can also use the trails. The trail system is a multi-county project, including West Virginia counties Logan, Kanawha, Wyoming, McDowell, Mercer, Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, and Boone.

The name of the trail system is derived from the names of two families, the Hatfields and McCoys, who famously feuded near the West Virginia and Kentucky border after the Civil War.

Law enforcement officers patrol the trail to assure compliance with safety regulations. Motorized users of the trail system must wear a DOT-approved helmet and are prohibited from “doubling” (having a passenger), unless their vehicle is designed for two people. These rules, and a host of others, have allowed the trail system to enjoy a quality safety record, despite an increase in ATV-related injuries around the country.

WEST VIRGINIA – A BRIEF OVERVIEW

• Nickname: The Mountain State
• Statehood: 1863; 35th state
• Population 2025: 1,770,071
• Capital: Charleston
• Biggest City: Charleston 47,000 residents
• Abbreviation: WV
• State bird: Cardinal
• State flower: Rhododendron
• State Animal: Black Bear
• The most forested state

HISTORY

After archaeologists discovered spear points used to hunt extinct species such as mastodons and mammoths, they realized that people have lived in what’s now West Virginia for at least 10,500 years. Many thousands of years after these ancient people lived, Native American tribes including the Cherokee, Iroquois, Manahoac, Meherrin, Monacan, Nottaway, Shawnee, Occaneechi, Tutelo, and Saponi populated the land.

After the British arrived in the 1600s, the area that now encompasses West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York was all called Virginia. In 1730, Virginia’s British-controlled government offered a thousand acres free to each European family willing to move to the area that would become West Virginia. As a result, Native Americans’ homelands were taken, and tribes began supporting the French in a land war against the British (often called the French and Indian War) from 1756 until 1763.

The British won that battle, so West Virginia was still part of Virginia during the Revolutionary War of 1775 to 1783. But at the beginning of the Civil War (1861-1865), West Virginia refused to secede (withdraw) from the Union along with the rest of the state. John Brown, an abolitionist, someone who wanted to abolish slavery, staged a famous raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Brown hoped weapons gained in the raid would be used in the fight against slavery, but his raid failed. West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1861, and two years later, it became its own state.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE MOUNTAIN STATE?

West Virginia was originally going to be called “Kanawha,” a name that honors a Native American tribe. However, even though the region separated from Virginia, officials still wanted that as part of its new name. (Virginia was named after a nickname of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled in the late 1500s.)

West Virginia is called the Mountain State because it is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain region, and its average elevation is higher than any other state east of the Mississippi River!

GEOGRAPHY AND LANDFORMS

Some people think this state’s shape looks like a leaping frog, with its nose in the southwestern corner. WV is bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in the north; Maryland and Virginia in the east; Virginia and Kentucky in the south; and Kentucky and Ohio in the west. The Ohio River creates its wiggly western border, while its winding eastern border is created by the Appalachian Mountains. It can be divided into two geographical regions.

The Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region includes the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, which start in the northeast and run southwest. This region is known for its parallel ridges that were cut by streams, as well as canyons called “water gaps.” Forests, caves, and high peaks dot this area, including the state’s highest point, Spruce Knob.

The Allegheny Plateau spreads across the rest of the state and has flat-topped hills and rounded peaks. Deep, stream-cut gorges and a wall of mountains called the Allegheny Front separate the state’s two regions.

WILDLIFE

At least seventy kinds of mammals inhabit West Virginia, including Virginia big-eared bats, West Virginia northern flying squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and black bears, the state animal. Wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, barred owls, bald eagles, cerulean warblers, and ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the three hundred species of birds that live in the state.

Fence lizards, stinkpots (a kind of turtle), rattlesnakes, and five-lined skinks are some of the reptiles that slither and skitter through West Virginia. Amphibians such as tiny cricket frogs, mountain chorus frogs (Spring peepers), Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders, newts, and West Virginia spring salamanders also live throughout the state.

Some of West Virginia’s most common trees include oaks, poplar, hickory, maples, Black Walnut, and hemlock. The state also has many native wildflowers such as Black-Eyed Susan’s, Joe Pie Weed, bluebells, buttonweed, Virginia potato (which has edible roots), and wild strawberry.

NATURAL RESOURCES

As the United States’ third most-forested state, West Virginia is known as a Resource State for its coal, timber, natural gas, quarry stone, rivers, and protected woodlands. It is also famous for its salt: Wild buffalo and deer gathered to lick natural salt deposits, and Native Americans and colonists gathered salt to cure butter and preserve meats. Today salt deposits are still mined for rock salt, which is then used to create chemicals such as chlorine.

Coal, oil, timber, and natural gas, chemicals, and tourism are major contributors to the state’s economy.