Hatfield-McCoy and Spearhead Still Sell Separate Permits
Riding both Hatfield-McCoy and Spearhead trails can make a weekend trip more varied, but one permit will not cover both systems. Each has its own access rules, permit process and trail network. The practical fix is to plan each ride separately: confirm which system you are entering, buy the permit it requires and check that the specific trails are open.
Why the permits are separate
Hatfield-McCoy and Spearhead are distinct trail systems with separate operators and access requirements. A permit issued for one system does not grant permission to ride the other. There is no general permit reciprocity between them, so a rider planning to use both should expect to satisfy each system’s requirements.
This can be confusing when trip descriptions, maps or local conversations mention the two systems together. They are both popular riding destinations in the region, and routes may be described in relation to one another. But proximity, a shared tourism area or a route described as a connector does not make the permits interchangeable. Access depends on the system rules that apply to the trail you are actually riding.
Think of each permit as authorization for a specific network, not as a regional pass. It does not automatically cover other trails nearby, public roads, private land or a trail system across a state line. If a route connects or approaches another network, verify the route’s current status and the permit required on each section before setting out.
The separation also means that details such as how to buy a permit, what information is needed, what the permit covers and how it is checked can differ. Spearhead permits are digital, but that does not mean the other system uses the same process. Review the requirements for both networks rather than assuming one system’s instructions apply to the other.
For a closer look at Spearhead’s own options, see Virginia’s Annual Spearhead Trail Permit and Virginia’s Three-Day Spearhead Permit. Those pages explain Spearhead permit choices; neither changes the need for a separate Hatfield-McCoy permit when riding that system. Two Networks That Do Not Share Permits covers the distinction from another angle.
What to check before you buy
Before paying for access, identify the exact trail network and the ride dates. This sounds basic, but it is the most useful way to avoid buying the wrong permit. A trip itinerary may include lodging, fuel stops and trailheads in more than one area, and a place name alone may not make clear which operator manages a particular route.
Use the system’s official information to confirm the permit category and its coverage. Do not rely only on an old screenshot, a social post or a friend’s account of a previous visit. Permit availability, procedures, trail access and other rules can change. If the details are unclear, contact the relevant trail office before driving to the trailhead.
| Trip plan | Permit approach | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Riding only Hatfield-McCoy | Meet Hatfield-McCoy’s requirements | Current permit process, eligible riding areas and applicable rider rules |
| Riding only Spearhead | Meet Spearhead’s requirements | Permit dates, digital access details, trail status and machine rules |
| Riding both systems | Check and obtain permits for both | Which trails belong to which system and whether each area is open |
| Following a route described as a connector | Do not assume one permit covers the whole route | Exact route, current access, boundaries and permit requirements for each section |
| Riding a nearby forest or private park | Check that land manager’s requirements separately | Whether a separate permit, permission or equipment standard applies |
A permit and a trail’s availability are not the same thing. Buying access does not necessarily mean every route is open on the day you arrive. Weather, maintenance, seasonal restrictions or other operating decisions can affect access. Check closures and conditions for the actual riding dates, and have an alternative route in mind.
Spearhead’s permit is digital, so prepare to show the relevant proof as required by the system. Do not assume a digital permit for Spearhead will be accepted by Hatfield-McCoy, or that either system’s permit process works the same way. Review Virginia Permit Verification Steps and Virginia Trail Permit Rules for Riders Under 18 if those questions apply to your group. For the broader distinction between operators, Virginia Hatfield-McCoy Permits Are Separate is also relevant.
How to plan a trip using both systems
Treat the two trail systems as separate ride destinations, even if they are part of one vacation. A little preparation helps prevent a last-minute permit problem, a drive to the wrong trailhead or the discovery that a route is closed.
- Write down the places you intend to ride. Use system and trail names, not just the town where you are staying. If your route includes more than one network, list each one separately.
- Identify who manages each riding area. Confirm that the trailhead and planned route belong to Hatfield-McCoy, Spearhead or another land manager. A nearby location does not establish which permit applies.
- Check each system’s current permit instructions. Review who must hold a permit, what information is required, how access is shown and which dates are covered. Do this separately for each system.
- Confirm route access and closures. Check the specific trails you plan to ride, not only a general system map. Ask about any connector route if your itinerary crosses from one network toward another.
- Review the rules that apply to your riders and machines. Age requirements, supervision rules, equipment standards and operating restrictions may not be identical. A permit purchase does not waive those rules.
- Keep the required proof available. Follow each operator’s instructions for showing permits and identification. If you will have limited cell service, prepare in advance so you can display or otherwise provide the proof the system requires.
- Recheck before leaving. Verify the permit, trail status and route plan close to the trip. If access details have changed, adjust the itinerary rather than assuming an earlier plan still works.
Allow time for both systems’ processes. If one purchase requires identity or other information, do not leave it until you are standing at the trail entrance. Likewise, if one operator issues a digital permit, confirm how to retrieve it and what to do if your phone battery runs low or service is unavailable. A saved confirmation may help with access, but follow the operator’s stated method of verification.
Keep the ride plan realistic. Switching systems may involve trailering or using public roads between riding areas; a trail permit is not permission to ride on a road or across land that is otherwise closed to ATVs. Check road rules and land access separately. In Virginia, for example, riding on public roads is generally restricted, with limited exceptions; Virginia ATV Road Rules Under 46.2-915.1 explains the relevant road-rule context.
Common mistakes and a safer checklist
The most common mistake is treating the trip as one regional ride and assuming a permit from one operator is enough. The next is assuming a trail map or a route described as a connection settles the question of access. Neither assumption is safe. Confirm the system boundary and permit requirement for every part of the ride.
Other avoidable errors include buying a permit for the wrong dates, overlooking rules for a young rider, arriving without the required proof, or confusing a trail permit with permission to use nearby public or private land. A machine’s registration or ownership paperwork is also not a substitute for a trail permit. If you need to understand what proof of ownership may be relevant on Virginia trails, see Virginia Proof of Ownership on the Trail.
Before the trip, use this short checklist:
- Name every trail system on the itinerary.
- Confirm which operator manages each planned trail.
- Check permit requirements independently for Hatfield-McCoy and Spearhead.
- Verify permit dates, rider eligibility and machine requirements.
- Check current trail openings, closures and route boundaries.
- Confirm how permits are displayed or verified.
- Plan travel between areas without assuming trails or roads are open to machines.
- Recheck details before departure.
If an operator’s map or a route description leaves you uncertain, ask that operator directly which permit applies. Save the answer with your trip information and follow any updated guidance at the trailhead. It is better to spend a few minutes confirming access than to discover that a permit covers a different network.
The useful rule is simple: a Spearhead permit is for Spearhead access, and a Hatfield-McCoy permit is for Hatfield-McCoy access. Riding both means checking both systems. Treating them separately makes it easier to buy the right authorization, follow the rules for each network and keep the rest of the trip on track.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
