Hatfield McCoy Trails for Kids
Should I Take My Kid to Hatfield?
Quick answer is yes. Being a youth ATV safety instructor we tell kids all the time to practice riding regularly. What better place to do that than the world famous Hatfield McCoy Trail systems?
Which Trail System is Best for Kids?
Our favorite by far was Little Coal River, but that has been closed for some time now and we aren’t sure if there are any plans to reopen it. We absolutely LOVE Pinnacle Creek for youth riders as well as Indian Ridge. Stay on the greens for new riders and venture out to some blues for those that are building their confidence and have some seat-time
Family Friendly Accommodations?
By all means you can’t go wrong with Crumpler Mountain Resort we just love it here. So much so we call it our home. Chris and Shana are some of the nicest people you will meet in the area. Their love for riding is only surpassed by their love for kids. When you call let them know you are riding with kids and they will make sure you have a great time!
The Trail Riding Experience
This is all great info, but the actual trail riding… What is it like? Well We would be lying if we said they won’t come across some idiots on the trail. I mean we do all the time as adults right? A couple things to remember when riding with children.
- Always nest them in with adult riders (don’t let the kids lead or follow)
- Make sure they understand hand signals
- Keep stops to a minimum and make sure they clear the trail when they do.
- Never assume right of way. Keep a blocker at intersections for kids to cross.
- Make sure they can properly operate the machine. We can help with training…
- Put your camera on them! You will never get these years back!
Developing a Child Rider
People ask me all the time how my son became such a good woods rider. He started riding very young but the real key was putting him on the trails. Hands down the single best investment I EVER made was a bluetooth communicator. I can talk with him in real time, one on one or in a group and watching his confidence and ability grow from that point was leaps and bounds compared to before the communicator.
Personally, I prefer the Sena line, and have owned most of them. My son is currently running the SMH-20S and I use the SMH-10C. Both are great setups. The 10C has a camera built in which I love, but the 20S is actually a more powerful unit.
Rent a Machine
One of the big hurdles is, Hatfield McCoy Trails is pretty far away, the expense, the travel. Sure you want to ride with your kids, but you want to have some fun also. Well remember riding an ATV that wasn’t FACTORY DESIGNED for two up riders is not only illegal but unsafe. Why not rent a machine from us and take your kids out for the day or more in one of our very capable side by sides?
