Burning Rock
Beckley, West Virginia

West Virginia has added another riding area called Burning Rock Off-Road Park that's a great place to ride.

If you own an ATV and like to ride, and live east of the Mississippi River, you must take a week and give West Virginia a ride. The state is clearly the No. 1 OHV area in the east.

Burning Rock Off-Road Park only opened July 4, 2008, but it already features more than 100 miles of trails and has 8,000 acres to grow into.

Additional trails are already in the works.

Trail riding in West Virginia really has it’ ups and downs—up one hill and down the other. Many of the trails draw you up to scenic overlooks, providing a wonderful place to relax and take a break.

The trails can be as challenging as you want. From easiest marked in green to the most difficult, black trails.

Riders are to ride only on the marked trails, with three exceptions to this rule: there are three designated "play areas." Here, you will find open areas to play around in, challenging hill climbs for the daring, and there are even a few dedicated mud challenge areas.

There are a few active coal mines operating today. In the 1920s this area was home to some of the richest coal mines in the country, with over 50 mines operating around the clock.

If you would like to get a small glimpse of what coal mining was like, there is a demonstration coal mine in Beckley that is fun to visit.

Burning Rock Off-Road Park is open 365 days a year from daylight to dusk. No nighttime riding is allowed.

ATVs, motorcycles and side-by-sides/UTVs are allowed on most trails with the exception of a few of the most difficult trails. There are also dedicated single-track trails for motorcycles only.

Make sure to pick up, or download, and check out the trail maps. All of these trails and restrictions are indicated on the trail map.

Motorcycle and ATV riders must wear helmets and eye protection. No passengers are allowed unless the vehicle is manufactured for two people.

The on-site general store is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m, You can buy gas, snacks, drinks, and ATV-related items. There are also restrooms and a pressure wash station.

Annual permits are only $25 for West Virginia residents and $50 for out-of-state riders. All permits expire December 31 of each year.

Currently only primitive camping is available at the trail head, but future improvement will include campsites with hookups along with cabins for rent.

Much of the work for the new area couldn't have been done without the help of the Burning Rock ATV Club. This group deserves a big thank you.

Burning Rock is located in Beckley, West Virginia, on I-77, about 70 miles south of Charleston. From I-77, exit #42, head southwest on SR 16, Robert C. Byrd Dr. towards Sophia. It is about 7.5 miles to the park entrance.

Beckley is just minutes away. There are many choices for lodging, major restaurants, groceries, shopping and ATV dealerships.

For up-to-date information on Burning Rock, and a full list of rules, log on to www.burningrockwv.com or call (304 683-9240. Or you can e-mail: info@burningrockwv.com.