摘要: |
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is a statutory corporation created by the West Virginia Legislature to generate economic development through tourism in nine southern West Virginia counties. As of 2013, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System covers more than 700+ miles of off-road trails in seven of its nine project counties. Hatfield- McCoy currently has eight trails systems: Rockhouse, Buffalo Mountain, Bearwallow, Indian Ridge, Little Coal, Pocahontas, Pinnacle Creek, and Ivy Branch. All of the trail systems are open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, and utility vehicles (UTVs). Hatfield-McCoy Trails is also open to 4x4 ORV's at the Ivy Branch Trail location. Many of the trail systems also offer community connecting trails that allow trail users to access towns adjacent to the trail system. While this is beneficial to trail users and helps to further boost economic development, it also creates conflicts with vehicular traffic. The Hatfield and McCoy Trail Authority (HMRRA) operates the Rockhouse ATV trail between Man and Gilbert WV. Prior to this project, trail riders wishing to cross the Guyandotte River had to ride the streets of Man, WV. The project goal was to promote trail use by providing ATV riders a means of crossing the Guyandotte River that would minimize conflicts with automobiles. HMRRA secured a license agreement from CSX to adapt an inactive existing railway bridge in Man, WV for recreational ATV use. The bridge is a plate girder structure that, following conversion, directs ATV traffic away from high-traffic streets. It should be noted that the bridge is rail banked by the CSX Corporation. As such, CSX continues to own the structure and can reclaim it for railroad use at a future date. |