Burning Rock Off Road Park offers more than 100 miles of maintained UTV, ATV and dirt-bike trails across approximately 10,000 acres of southern West Virginia coal country. Located near Sophia and about 15 minutes from Beckley, the privately operated trail system combines approachable scenic routes with rocks, mud, steep climbs and technical terrain for experienced drivers.
The property’s history is closely tied to the Winding Gulf Coalfield. Visitors ride through a rugged Appalachian landscape where coal mines and company towns once supported thousands of residents. Today, those mountains provide trails for everything from a relatively relaxed family outing to a difficult technical ride.
Burning Rock Off Road Park at a Glance
- Location: Tams, near Sophia and Beckley, West Virginia
- Riding area: Approximately 10,000 acres
- Trail mileage: More than 100 miles
- Vehicles: UTVs, side-by-sides, ATVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps and capable 4x4s
- Difficulty: Easy, intermediate and expert trails
- Facilities: General store, campground, cabins, RV sites, showers, restrooms and an ATV wash
- Address: 171 Burning Rock Drive, Tams, WV 25921
Some GPS systems may recognize the location as Slab Fork rather than Tams. The main trailhead is about 3.5 miles from Sophia and approximately 15 minutes from Beckley.
More Than 100 Miles of West Virginia UTV Trails
Burning Rock uses a ski-area-style color system to identify trail difficulty. That makes it easier for groups to select routes appropriate for their machines and experience levels, although weather can change trail conditions considerably.
- Green circle: Easier touring trails suitable for beginners. Riders should still expect Appalachian rocks, grades and mud.
- Blue square: Intermediate trails with larger rocks, tighter turns, steeper sections and more sustained obstacles.
- Black diamond: Expert terrain that can include major climbs and descents, boulders, drop-offs and deep mud. Recovery equipment may be needed.
Trails are generally two-way unless marked otherwise. Drivers should control their speed, expect oncoming traffic and remain able to stop within their visible path. Burning Rock is about negotiating natural terrain rather than running at high speed.
The park’s current map is also available through onX Offroad. Riders should download or obtain the latest map before entering the trail system rather than relying on an older printed copy.
What Types of Vehicles Can Ride at Burning Rock?
Burning Rock welcomes UTVs and side-by-sides along with ATVs and dirt bikes. The park has also opened designated routes to Jeeps, trucks and rock crawlers.
Trail identification matters when choosing a route. According to the park, trails marked with letters are open to Jeeps and trucks, while numbered trails are intended for ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes. Drivers of larger vehicles should confirm their route against the current map and posted trail signs.
Trailhead, Camping and Lodging
The 70-acre trailhead provides more amenities than a basic staging area. Riders have access to a general store, pavilion, restrooms, showers and an ATV wash. On-site overnight options include:
- Rustic cabins
- A bunkhouse and loft
- RV sites
- Traditional campsites
- Platform tents
- Glamping accommodations
Additional hotels and rental cabins are available around Beckley and neighboring communities. Staying at the trailhead can make it possible to unload once and spend several days exploring the system.
Permits, Hours and Riding Rules
Burning Rock is a privately operated riding area, and a trail pass is required. Rates, hours and policies can change, especially during winter, so visitors should verify the latest information directly with the park before traveling.
One especially important policy is the park’s minimum group requirement. Burning Rock currently requires riders to enter the trail system in groups of at least two machines. Solo riders should contact the park before arriving rather than assuming they can ride alone.
Other important considerations include:
- Stay on marked trails and obey posted closures.
- Trails may carry traffic in both directions.
- Helmets are required for ATV and dirt-bike riders.
- Anyone under 18 riding in a side-by-side must wear a helmet.
- Helmets are strongly encouraged for every UTV occupant.
- Use seat belts and the vehicle’s installed doors or nets.
- Carry tools, recovery equipment, water and basic first-aid supplies.
- Check the forecast and prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather.
Review Burning Rock’s current trail rules, trail-pass information and latest riding information before leaving home.
Burning Rock and West Virginia Coal Country
Burning Rock opened to the public in October 2008, but the land’s history extends much further back. Its trailhead occupies reclaimed mining land near former coal communities in the Winding Gulf Coalfield.
The park says the trailhead area was once substantially lower than it is today. Coal refuse deposited in the hollow was later reclaimed, graded and covered with topsoil through an Abandoned Mine Lands project. The result became the staging area that supports the modern trail system.
Remnants and views of former mining communities help distinguish Burning Rock from a typical off-road park. It shares that connection between trail recreation and coal-country history with the much larger Hatfield-McCoy Trail System elsewhere in West Virginia.
The 2012 Slab Fork Trail Expansion
This article was originally published in February 2012 to report the opening of five trails totaling approximately 11 miles. Three were rated green and two were rated blue. The expansion increased the system at that time to 74 trails and approximately 106 miles.
The project included a connector into Slab Fork, a historic coal camp established in 1907. Burning Rock, Beaver Coal Company and Slab Fork residents hoped direct trail access would support community revitalization and potentially establish the town as another trailhead.
That announcement represents one chapter in Burning Rock’s continued development. Although trail alignments and access can change over time, the expansion illustrated how off-road recreation was being used to reconnect visitors with West Virginia’s former coal communities.
Planning a Burning Rock UTV Trip
Burning Rock is large enough to justify more than a single day of riding, particularly for visitors traveling from outside West Virginia. Mixed-experience groups can begin on the green routes before progressing to blue trails, while well-prepared drivers can seek out the black-diamond terrain.
Because the trail surface and difficulty can change with rain, erosion and maintenance, riders should treat the color rating as a starting point—not a guarantee of current conditions. Check with the trailhead staff, obtain the newest map and ask about closures or unusually difficult sections before setting out.
For current reservations, maps, lodging and park information, visit the official Burning Rock Off Road Park website or call 304-683-9242.
