LYBURN, WV _ The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has launched a redesigned website that incorporates the latest in social networking, helping extend the system's passionate community from the trails to the Internet.
Not only does the site provide information and help visitors plan their trips, it also allows them to share videos and photos of those trips and Share Your Adventure™ encourages them to write about their experiences.
"There's no substitute for riding the trails, but this upgraded and revamped website allows our visitors to relive the fun they had while here, and share it with others, as well as share in what other riders are doing," said Executive Director Jeffrey T. Lusk.
"Plus, if you haven't been yet, you can get a taste of what you're going to experience once you get here," Lusk said.
Meet the Riders is the entry point to an online community that, among other things, helps connect enthusiasts who live near each other, making it possible for them to get acquainted with their neighbors and strengthen the Hatfield-McCoy community outside of West Virginia.
Although only recently active, the site has already built a dedicated online community of almost 800 members representing 32 states, including California and Alaska, as well as Canada.
The site also keeps fans up-to-date with the latest news about the trails and highlights of past and future events such as Dirt Days and Trail Fest.
The Trail Shop is a place where fans can purchase the latest in Hatfield-McCoy gear.
The site redesign is just one part of an expanded marketing effort by the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Authority to help generate more traffic on the trails and to benefit the vendors and communities where the trails are located.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trial System was created by the West Virginia Legislature to generate economic development through tourism in nine southern West Virginia counties. It currently operates six systems with more than 500 miles of trails. Each system is open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, select utility vehicles (UTVs), mountain bikes, horses, and hikers. Many of the trail systems also offer community connecting trails that allow visitors to access "ATV-friendly towns" to experience the charm of southern West Virginia.