We are planning to go to H/M during Thanksgiving week.
We have never been and any help is appreciated

1. What are the average temps. in Late November?

2. Is it reasonable to think a ride like Buffalo Mountian Trial - from
the trailhead to Matewan - refuel and eat - then return - can be done safely in
six - eight hours?

3. What problems are common on the trails - Flat tires and roll overs I'm sure, but what
other unforseen troubles might come our way

We are Florida riders, all with serious ability - fifty mile rides are no problem - but the H/M
maps say trails are 75 - 100 miles ... is this each way?

Any help is appreciated
Thank you.

Gary C

 

I havent been there that late in the year but id bet the day time temp is prob in the 40's to the 50's

Went there wiht a large group and we did that very thing

If you use you head you shouldnt have any probs, just get a map from the trail head ( they have the most current)

i would think thats all the trails

All in all the trails arent that bad as everyone, if you stay on the green or blue trails, the black trails can be very wicked and tech.

Hope this helps...Rob

 

Typically that time of year it's in the 30's to 40's Temps but last year (I think) it was in the upper 50's and 60's on some days! It used to be we'd have snow on the ground by then and it would be snowing....hasn't been that way in 15 or more years [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

Dress in layers and just pack for cold weather-----it's easier to get cool than to get warm out on the trails.

 

thank you for the detailed information - it really helps to be prepared

A couple riders are on Raptors - 2wd - will they have trouble ?

One rider has a two wheeler - great on hardpacked or sugarsand -
I'm sure its quite capable - but he is concerned - should he bring it?

Thanks

Gary

 

The Raptors no problem. I used to ride a Recon (250 - 2 wheel drive) I rode green and some of the blue trails on it ok - no black trails though. You might have to get a running start at some of the steep climbs, but that's about it. The Praire is a LOT easier to ride down there. We were there the week after Thanksgiving, it showed all the way down. Got up to ride - pretty crisp in the morning, got into the low 60's later in the day. It was gorgeous. (Mrs. Q)

 

1. You will find temps in November to be between 50-30 degrees F.
2. Sure, as a matter of fact its the most fun way to do it. Try the one you mention as well as Rockhouse Trailhead to Gilbert. Once in the towns which you are allowed in, which have passed ordinances with the same rules as Hatfield-McCoy, such as Gilbert, and Matewan, enjoy gas, and lunch at local shops.
3. Depends on what you are riding. Expect more flats with sports quads than utility quads. I've been riding at Hatfield-McCoy 5 times on a utility quad and never had a flat. But you know, they happen sometimes no matter what you ride.
4. That's about 100 miles per system. Right now there are 4 systems, so 400 miles. They are working on another 100 miles I heard. Someone said it'll be done by Jan. 04, but maybe you'll get lucky and they'll have it done by the time you ge there.

 

Sounds awesome!
We are counting the days - can't wait!

Thanks for the additional information - every bit helps!

I have been trying to decide which bike to bring 700 sport vs. 400 utility
The 700 is new and awesome, but it's a pig on gas and only 2wd

We are planning on doing three trail rides, :
Buffalo Mountian Trail to Matewan and back = 75 miles each way
Bear Wallow aka dingess Rum Trail - a loop trail, right? (100 mile)
and
Rockhouse Trail to Gilbert and back (100 miles each way)

We have made reservations and the plans are in motion -
We plan to use the cabins as home base and trailer to two of the three trailheads.