Looks like the State of Virginia wants to join the fun.

Northern Virginian County looking to hook up to Hatfield/McCoy.


Published: October 07, 2009 05:47 pm
Blazing a new path: Pocahontas eyes ATV growth
Bluefield Daily Telegraph

Town officials in Pocahontas are to be applauded for embracing a new form of tourism growth. As a small town that was built upon coal, officials in Pocahontas have already amassed an impressive track record when it comes to tourism. By embracing the town’s historic past, the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine has proven to be a true tourism success story for Tazewell County.

Now, town officials are looking to all-terrain recreational vehicles as a means of creating new tourism opportunities for the community.

The Pocahontas Town Council passed an ordinance last week that provides for the use of ATV vehicles within town limits. The resolution supporting the new ordinance recognizes that the Southwest Virginia Spearhead Trail Authority and Tazewell County “are seeking to establish a system of all-terrain recreational vehicle trails” in the area and added that the Tazewell County trail proponents are hoping to connect with the highly successful Hatfield-McCoy Trails in neighboring West Virginia when that trail system reaches neighboring Bramwell.

The town — with help from county officials — is hoping Pocahontas can become a destination for ATV riders, similar to the town of Gilbert in Mingo County.

“Gilbert is like a poster child for ATV-based tourism development,” Tazewell County Administrator Jim Spencer said last week. “They have a population of 450 people there and they have 131 beds they can rent out. They’re renting out every available room and all of the businesses in town are flourishing.”

If Pocahontas is able to connect with both the proposed Virginia-side Spearhead Trail, and the West Virginia-based Hatfield-McCoy Trail, we believe the town could indeed become a hub for ATV riders.

Hell Yeah !! Good for everyone !!

The spring ride back in March was the first time the wife and I were ever down in that part of the state. I felt a little strange at first. Seeing so many with so little and here we were coming in just to play with an expensive toy. But then you get to thinking what a boon for the local economy atv/utv's have been. I'm so very pleased with this news. Perhaps in the not very distant future all their stores will be busy and their motels full also. Lets hope so. Great news Marty and thanks for the post.

i found this info about the spearhead trail system a few months ago. the system is going to be huge. the talk is its going to stretch from the HM trails that are close to the wagon wheel almost all the way to Evarts KY.
and it is also talk that it is going to join the local trail system that is here next to me. so it will basically be in my back yard.







Trail System in Southwest Virginia Would Spearhead Growth


BY LARRY E. SMITH
Published: March 1, 2009

Thanks in part to actions by the Virginia legislature, areas of economically depressed Southwest Virginia may receive an influx of visitors, along with their vacation budgets, in the not-too-distant future.

Legislation that took effect in July created the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA) to develop a system of multiple-use trails in several southwest counties. SRRA has chosen the name Spearhead Trails, since a map of Southwest Virginia resembles the head of a spear.

Spearhead Trails is envisioned as a system of managed, sustainable trails for all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycle riders, hikers, bikers, and equestrians that will ultimately link to the popular Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia. The trails will provide a wealth of recreation opportunities close to all Virginians and will likely attract visitors from all over the Eastern U.S. and beyond.

Further, if the success of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail is any indicator, Spearhead Trails will be an economic boon for Southwest Virginia.

A 2006 Marshall University economic impact study of Hatfield-McCoy found that in just the second year the trails were open (2002), retail sales of area businesses had grown by 12 percent, sales per establishment by 25 percent, and payrolls by $104 million, or 9.5 percent. The study noted that the gains were seen in all related sectors, including gas stations, accommodations, food service, and real estate sales and rentals. The real estate sector experienced the greatest growth due to the improving property values adjacent to the area.

In addition, Hatfield-McCoy was shown to benefit the entire state of West Virginia. The study found $623,000 in additional tax revenue was produced as a result of Hatfield-McCoy -- and the total statewide economic impact was an increase in output of $7.7 million, an increase in income of $2.8 million, and the generation of 146 new jobs.

Similar growth could be expected in Southwest Virginia and throughout the state as a result of Spearhead Trails.

The less tangible benefits of establishing a premier trail system in a beautiful corner of the commonwealth are equally important. Spearhead Trails will provide all Virginians with more opportunities to experience the outdoors and the chance "to get away from it all."

There is still much work for the SRRA to accomplish before the trails are a reality. The next step is a feasibility study to prove the likely economic impact that Spearhead Trails will bring to the region.

The effort has broad-based support. Local partners in the authority include Lee, Wise, Scott, Buchanan, Russell, Dickenson, and Tazewell counties and the City of Norton. The Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Planning District commissions, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Forestry have also provided assistance as partners in various capacities.

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission as well as the Motorcycle Industry Council and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America -- national motorcycle and ATV industry trade associations -- have provided financial support for the feasibility study. Finally, the Tourism Development Division of the Virginia Tourism Corp. has been at the forefront of coordinating the effort from the start and getting it to where it is today.

Although not as far along as Virginia, planning for a trail system in Eastern Kentucky -- sKYward Trails -- is also underway. And in Eastern Tennessee, the Southern Appalachian Greenways Alliance is promoting development of non-motorized multi-use trails. These groups will be significant partners in SRRA's efforts to establish and link trails throughout the entire region.

While trails on the ground may still be a couple of years off, now's the time to get behind the Spearhead Trails project. It will provide economic development for a depressed area of the commonwealth and offer new recreation opportunities within a one-day drive for all Virginians. I applaud the efforts of SRRA and encourage you to support the effort as it moves forward.



http://www.trailsrus.com/swvirginia/

Woodtick wrote:

The spring ride back in March was the first time the wife and I were ever down in that part of the state. I felt a little strange at first. Seeing so many with so little and here we were coming in just to play with an expensive toy.

Tick, I wondered if I was the only one who felt this way. I have been back in some of those hollows in WV and to see how little some people have really makes me appreciative for the nice things I am able to have. Watching the kids in Afghanistan right outside the wire everyday really opened my eyes to how good we have it here. Their houses are made of dried mud, no windows, no doors, no running water, etc. Some of those kids will never have the chance to watch a TV, go out to dinner, or own a car. Sad.

Back to the topic.....

Tim and I got into a conversation about how beautiful VA is and how there needs to be more trails there. Driving from FT Lee (Richmond area) over to Lewisburg, WV were some of the most beautiful woods and pastures you would ever want to lay your eyes on. I am sure it is the same in the Pocahontas area. Kudos to them and I hope they continue to embrace this ever-growing hobby of ours. In economies that are a little lacking, opening up land brings in tourists. Lord knows when we do a group ride we bring 30+ people that buy gas, food, beer, hotel rooms, etc. Maybe only one weekend......but many of those weekends over a year add up to some serious money.

Good thread Yank!

Great info Bush!

Hopefully you can show me some good spots once I move to VA in Feb!!

More news on this issue.


Published: November 09, 2009 11:35 am

AFTERNOON UPDATE: Sprearhead Trail moving forward in Tazewell County

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

POCAHONTAS, Va. — A proposed multi-county trail system for Southwest Virginia is another step closer to reality.

An economic impact study commissioned by the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority in May to determine the feasibility of a public trail system— similar in concept to the West Virginia-based Hatfield-McCoy Trail System — will be unveiled Thursday in Norton during the Spearhead Trails Comprehensive Plans Conference.

Also, Tazewell County officials confirmed Monday that the Tazewell County Recreation and Parks Authority is now advertising for proposals from qualified firms to develop ATV, hiking and biking and equestrian trails in Tazewell County.

For more on this story, and other news, see Tuesday’s Daily Telegraph. http://www.bdtonline.com/local/local_story_313113555.html

Guys I was at a meeting about a week ago in Knott County that had officials from H/M in WV and Spearhead Trails (in VA) and not only are they talking about connecting WV and VA, but tying KY in as well.

Heres what the proposed 3 state trail plan looks like:



Exciting stuff huh? This is a BIG PICTURE project but the lady in charge of it seems really smart and motivated and is determined to make it happen.

I could drive to BCO's from my house in the Rhino. No more towing.

how freakin cool would that be? and you know our crazy asses would have to try it, too

its just a matter of time.

bush wrote:

i found this info about the spearhead trail system a few months ago. the system is going to be huge. the talk is its going to stretch from the HM trails that are close to the wagon wheel almost all the way to Evarts KY.
and it is also talk that it is going to join the local trail system that is here next to me. so it will basically be in my back yard.







Trail System in Southwest Virginia Would Spearhead Growth


BY LARRY E. SMITH
Published: March 1, 2009

Thanks in part to actions by the Virginia legislature, areas of economically depressed Southwest Virginia may receive an influx of visitors, along with their vacation budgets, in the not-too-distant future.

Legislation that took effect in July created the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA) to develop a system of multiple-use trails in several southwest counties. SRRA has chosen the name Spearhead Trails, since a map of Southwest Virginia resembles the head of a spear.

Spearhead Trails is envisioned as a system of managed, sustainable trails for all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycle riders, hikers, bikers, and equestrians that will ultimately link to the popular Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia. The trails will provide a wealth of recreation opportunities close to all Virginians and will likely attract visitors from all over the Eastern U.S. and beyond.

Further, if the success of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail is any indicator, Spearhead Trails will be an economic boon for Southwest Virginia.

A 2006 Marshall University economic impact study of Hatfield-McCoy found that in just the second year the trails were open (2002), retail sales of area businesses had grown by 12 percent, sales per establishment by 25 percent, and payrolls by $104 million, or 9.5 percent. The study noted that the gains were seen in all related sectors, including gas stations, accommodations, food service, and real estate sales and rentals. The real estate sector experienced the greatest growth due to the improving property values adjacent to the area.

In addition, Hatfield-McCoy was shown to benefit the entire state of West Virginia. The study found $623,000 in additional tax revenue was produced as a result of Hatfield-McCoy -- and the total statewide economic impact was an increase in output of $7.7 million, an increase in income of $2.8 million, and the generation of 146 new jobs.

Similar growth could be expected in Southwest Virginia and throughout the state as a result of Spearhead Trails.

The less tangible benefits of establishing a premier trail system in a beautiful corner of the commonwealth are equally important. Spearhead Trails will provide all Virginians with more opportunities to experience the outdoors and the chance "to get away from it all."

There is still much work for the SRRA to accomplish before the trails are a reality. The next step is a feasibility study to prove the likely economic impact that Spearhead Trails will bring to the region.

The effort has broad-based support. Local partners in the authority include Lee, Wise, Scott, Buchanan, Russell, Dickenson, and Tazewell counties and the City of Norton. The Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Planning District commissions, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Forestry have also provided assistance as partners in various capacities.

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission as well as the Motorcycle Industry Council and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America -- national motorcycle and ATV industry trade associations -- have provided financial support for the feasibility study. Finally, the Tourism Development Division of the Virginia Tourism Corp. has been at the forefront of coordinating the effort from the start and getting it to where it is today.

Although not as far along as Virginia, planning for a trail system in Eastern Kentucky -- sKYward Trails -- is also underway. And in Eastern Tennessee, the Southern Appalachian Greenways Alliance is promoting development of non-motorized multi-use trails. These groups will be significant partners in SRRA's efforts to establish and link trails throughout the entire region.

While trails on the ground may still be a couple of years off, now's the time to get behind the Spearhead Trails project. It will provide economic development for a depressed area of the commonwealth and offer new recreation opportunities within a one-day drive for all Virginians. I applaud the efforts of SRRA and encourage you to support the effort as it moves forward.



http://www.trailsrus.com/swvirginia/

......................................................our county was the first to start this... now they have handed it over to spearhead trails..........this is going to be a huge deal.... no.1 people all ready ride here.... but to have all the trails linked will be great...

to keep up with the meetings an such www.spearheadtrails.com

stonemtnrubicon wrote:

to keep up with the meetings an such www.spearheadtrails.com

Thanks for the info.

Folks this is moving a bit faster now....at our last state board meeting we pushed the Dept.of Tourism to come on board with this and fast... a 3 state trail system would have an international effect on these areas...and a true 2,000 mile or more system...hang on more to come.

Click here for a list of our rides and events for 2010.
http://www.kyoutdoors.org/Events.html

It was our time to sponsor the winterfest and do not know why the club did not do it..maybe next year...also missing is the welcome home vets ride. I bet we see one of those some place b4 2010 is done.

sounds great

NewAd for this riding area. Looks like they are getting close..

Jealous here!

I only hope the new trail systems don't get crazy with the rules.

I attended a meeting with Ky, Va, W.Va folks not to long ago...and Va is making big time strides in putting this together, on certain hwys, certain speeds, with many safety regs...you can ride your toy from town to town....more coming and fast I hear as well.

This will be awesome!!!

It seems like Virgina is doing more about it than anyone else though.
Sounds great, looking forward to more riding areas. Although I love Brimstone, Windrock, Evarts and Wagonwheel it will be nice to see some new terrain.

Except no night riding