By Charles Owens
For Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Bramwell — Neither the recent heat wave, nor high gas prices, have impacted ridership on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail.
The southern West Virginia-based ATV trail system extends through nine counties, including Mercer, with 11 different trail systems. Ridership levels have remained steady so far this summer, according to Chris Zeto, marketing director for the Hatfield-McCoy Trails Authority.
“At this point in the season, it’s still a little early to provide comprehensive numbers, but we’re very encouraged by what we’re seeing,” Zeto said. “Ridership is currently up compared to this time last year, which puts us on a positive trajectory. While we’ll have a much clearer picture as we move further into the season, the early indicators suggest that demand remains strong and that interest in the Hatfield-McCoy Trails continues to grow.”
Despite the recent heat wave, and another warm spell that is expected next week, ATV enthusiasts are still tackling the trails.
“As for fuel prices, we haven’t seen any significant impact on ridership to this point, Our visitors continue to make the trip, which speaks to the value they place on the experience. It’s also encouraging to see gas prices beginning to trend downward, and we hope that makes it even easier for people to plan a visit to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.” — Chris Zeto, marketing director for the Hatfield-McCoy Trails
“Historically, we do tend to see a slight slowdown in visitation during late July and August,” Zeto said. “The summer heat can certainly be a factor, especially during periods of extreme temperatures, but it’s also a time when many families are taking vacations to a variety of destinations while school is out for the summer.”
Another aggravating factor this summer has been high gas prices. But so far they haven’t impacted trail ridership numbers.
“As for fuel prices, we haven’t seen any significant impact on ridership to this point,” Zeto said. “Our visitors continue to make the trip, which speaks to the value they place on the experience. It’s also encouraging to see gas prices beginning to trend downward, and we hope that makes it even easier for people to plan a visit to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.”
The trail also saw a lot of riders during the Fourth of July weekend.
“The Fourth of July has always been a busy holiday weekend for the Hatfield-McCoy Trails,” Zeto said. “It’s a popular time for visitors to come to southern West Virginia, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the trail system.”
The Pocahontas Trail in Mercer County, which has a trailhead near Bramwell, is considered to be the trail system’s southern gateway, and is often the first stop for ATV tourists coming from North Carolina and other states.
Neighboring McDowell County is home to two Hatfield-McCoy trails, and Wyoming County also has a Hatfield-McCoy trail.
Read more from Bluefield Daily Telegraph, here.
