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PARKERSBURG – The Mountwood ATV Adventures trail at Mountwood Park, West Virginia’s newest ATV trail system, is open for business and welcoming riders from across the country.
“West Virginia has become known for its ATV trail systems,” said Mark Lewis, Greater Parkersburg CVB president. “The Hatfield and McCoy trail, in the southern part of West Virginia, is one of the largest ATV trail systems in the country. What we want to design throughout the state of West Virginia is a system of regional trail systems that will enhance Hatfield and McCoy.”
Mountwood is the first trail system in the state to be defined as a regional trail system, Lewis said. ATV enthusiasts on their way to and from Hatfield & McCoy have an alternate place to stop and ride, he said.
The Mountwood ATV Adventures trail head is adjacent to the Mountwood Park campground 12 miles east of Parkersburg on U.S. 50.
“In just over a year, we have opened 21 miles of different grades, from easy to moderate to more difficult. All the trails are clearly marked for direction and degree of difficulty,” said John Reed, Mountwood Park ATV Adventures. “Eventually we will have a total of 40 miles of trails.”
A large overlook and rest area atop one of the ridges offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The ATV tract of land sits on approximately 600 acres and is set away from the main area of the park.
“One of the unique things about Mountwood ATV Adventures is you can ride right out of your campsite and get on the trail; you don’t have to trailer your ATV equipment to a different location,” said Reed. “The campground also offers shower facilities and laundry services.”
Every person choosing to ride the Mountwood ATV Trails, including passengers, are required to be a member of Mountwood ATV Adventures by purchasing a trail permit which is good for the entire calendar year in which it is purchased. The permit allows guests to ride ATV, UTV or MX bikes, in accordance with the parks rules and regulations, on any of the approved trails set aside exclusively for the approved off-road motorized vehicles.
User Permit Pricing: 18 and over, $50 a year fee (tax included); 17 and under, $25 a year fee; and day pass, $15.
Permit decals may be purchased at Lemon and Barrett’s locations, the Mountwood Park campground office and Reeses Country Store.
“This course is now (ATV Safety Institute) certified,” said Reed. “Meaning riders are able to come to Mountwood and take the safety riding course.”
A full service campground is available which offers RV hookups and primitive tent sites. There are a few sites with direct trail access but sites are limited. Reservations are recommended which can be made by calling 304-588-1407 or 304-679-3611.
To learn more about the trail, email atv@mountwoodpark.org, visit mountwoodpark.org. or download a free trail map at mountwoodpark.org/files/MAA-map.pdf.