New Trail System Coming To Eastern Kanawha County

About 200 people gathered Wednesday on top of a foggy mountain that was originally a strip mine overlooking Riverside High School to celebrate a ground breaking. 

Appalachian Outlaw Trails plans to be the largest trail system for off-road vehicles and dirt bikes riders in the country. 

One of the founders of the project, Christopher Ingram, was raised in the Upper Kanawha Valley and said he wants this development to be a real shot in the arm for the region. 

“I’m really hoping that what we do up here will spark someone else saying, ‘I can support that business,’” he said. “‘I can do this project,’ ‘I can do this’ and hopefully more private investment, more jobs come to the area, and then people from out of state come, enjoy the area, spend the dollar, fall in love and want to come back.”

Appalachian Outlaw Trails will offer side-by-side Can-Am UTVs for rent, providing visitors the opportunity to experience the trail system even if they do not own their own vehicles. 

The development will also include a campground with 24 sites available at launch. There are plans to expand to more than 100 sites accommodating both recreational vehicles and tent camping.

“It’s a 2,000-acre piece of property,” Ingram said. “We’re hoping to open up around 25,000 acres in the beginning phases. And in the grand scheme of things, we’re wanting to do 100,000 acres.” 

Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler said he has been working with Ingram and his partner Eric Larch for more than three years developing the project. 

“It’s so close to that infrastructure of highway systems, it’s already so close to restaurants, and we’re going to see even more restaurants and opportunities grow right here in eastern Kanawha County,” Wheeler said. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey attended the groundbreaking. He said it was more than just a new business opportunity. 

“It’s just a symbol of what happens when we work together, local entrepreneurs, county leaders, state partners, pulling in the same direction,” Morrisey said. “But none of this would be possible without the leadership and the determination of the two founders of these trails, Eric Larch and Chris Ingram.”

He said he sees it as an economic development driver for the area and the entire state. 

“Appalachian Outlaw Trails, it’s going to give off-roading enthusiasts from across the state and the country another good reason to spend their money here at our local restaurants and shops and experience the beauty of the Mountain State,” Morrisey said. “And what better place than right here? It’s also going to keep job opportunities right here at home.”

The trail system is scheduled to open Memorial Day 2026. Season passes for the inaugural season are currently available for purchase at https://aotwv.com/.