How strict are they on the age limits on ATVs? Can our 14 year olds ride 250cc and 350cc ATVs without getting in trouble with the rangers? Also, how steep are the hills on the green trails? Thank You

 

I see absolutely nothing regarding the age-limit rule on their website...........could you clue me in as to where this rule is located?

Regardless, one of the issues you will have to "sign off" on is the fact that if your 14-year old "gets off the gas" for some reason........ or his/her body weight is "too much" for a 250 to handle on a steep incline (yes, I'm talking "green" trails, also)..........his/her ability to "bail" at the correct moment and watch your machine tumble helplessly down the mountainside will be critical.

Not meaning to scare you..........yet there is absolutely no room for distraction or fear-induced mistakes on a kid's part at H/M.

Your question about "getting caught" above reminds me of the old Waylon Jennings theme song for the "Dukes of Hazard":

".....Someday the 'ol mountain may get 'em..... but the law never will" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I was reading the list of rules on their website. It said that age recomendations from the Manufacturers are to be followed. Both kids have a lot of experience on ATVs, just not on steep hills. We were thinking of going to Hatfield McCoy for vacation in a few days. We've never been there. I hear its really nice. No, I don't want to see the kids roll their quad or watch one roll down a steep hill. How bad are they on the Green trails? Are they too steep to crawl up in first gear on a 2WD machine? Are they rocky or pretty smooth? Just would like to know what we are getting ourselves into. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

 

Wolverineman - We ride H/M quite a bit. Waterways is supposed to be the easiest - but the trail in is a little diffficult (watch for two way traffic). Bear Wallow and Rockhouse are about the same difficulty ratings, and Buffalo Mtn. is the hardest (IMO). I have ridden them on a Recon, but it's a lot easier on the Priarie! They are not nearly as rocky as the trails at Allegheny are. If you've never ridden there before, it is NOT like PA. (We've ridden at ANF - all the systems) Blackballed is correct - the climbs and descents at H/M can be EXTREMELY steep. (even on the green trails) They have made Rockhouse green trails more novice friendly since our first time down, but there are still some spots that are tough. The difficult part of H/M is there is usually very little room for error on most of the trails. (straight DOWN several hundred feet on one side of the trail, and straight up the other side) I don't feel our daughter is experienced enough for H/M, but there are people who feel theirs are. If you go, stop by and talk to the Rangers to see what trails are in need of extra attention, tell them it's your first time down - they'll tell you what trails would be good for you to take. They are always very helpful. They will not bother you about the kids and the machines, as long as the kid "fits " the machine. Most of the 14 year olds we know are fine on the size machines you have. There is a video on the H/M site now that has trail difficulty examples. You might want to look at that. You could also ride the system one day and then decide if your kids are experienced enough to take it on. Whatever you decide, ride safe and have fun. (Mrs. Q)

 

Thank you very much for the info. I think it will be safer for the kids to wait until next year. I'm not sure how they will react on the steep parts. Better safe than sorry! Thanks again.

 

The only things you need are a trail pass and gas! (if you go to their website www.trailsheaven.com they have a list of venders that sell them) If you'd like info on where we stay and eat etc. pm me and I'll fill you in. (mrs. Q)

 

You must wear a helmet, must have a spark arrestor, cannot ride double, I know that from their web site and riding there a few times. Good riding.