Beginner’s Guide to Riding in Kanawha County

Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride—No ATV Ownership Required

If you’ve never ridden outlaw trails before, you’re in the right place. Riding in the Appalachian Mountains is one of the best ways to experience West Virginia, but if you’re new, it helps to know what to expect before you hit the trail.

This area has something to offer beginners and experienced riders alike. Whether you own a machine or you’re renting one for the first time, this guide will help you start the right way.

🗺️ What are outlaw trails?

Outlaw trails are off-road routes that run through the Appalachian Mountains, unmarked, old logging roads, ridge lines, and deep wooded terrain. These aren’t paved or polished paths. They’re raw, natural, and built for adventure.

You can expect:

• Mud holes

• Water crossings

• Rocky sections

• Steep climbs and descents

• Tight wooded trails

• Scenic mountain overlooks

Every ride is different. That’s what makes it worth doing.

🛞 You don’t need your own machine

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to own a side-by-side to experience the trails. You don’t.

Appalachian Outlaws SXS provides fully maintained, trail-ready Polaris RZR rentals so you can show up and ride without the stress of hauling your own machine. Our fleet is built to handle everything from smooth cruising to rugged terrain across West Virginia.

✅ Easy-to-drive side-by-sides

✅ Safety gear included

✅ Local trailhead access

✅ Flexible rental times

✅ Local guides that maximize your experience

🏞️ Guided or self-guided rides

If it’s your first time, a guided ride is usually the best move. You’ll learn the terrain, how to handle the machine, and where the best spots are without worrying about getting lost.

Appalachian Outlaws SXS offers:

• Guided adventures

• Half-day and full-day adventures

• Custom ride experiences

• Self-guided options once you’re comfortable

There are over 1,000 miles of trails in the region, so having local riders point you in the right direction makes a huge difference.

🥾 What to wear and bring

You don’t need anything fancy, but you do need to be prepared.

Recommended gear:

• Closed-toe shoes or boots

• Comfortable clothes you can move in and don't care to get dirty

• Sunglasses

• A change of clothes for after the ride

  
  

Optional but smart:

• Small cooler

• Small backpack or dry bag

• Snacks and water

• GoPro or phone for photos

You will get dusty or muddy. That’s part of the experience.

🧭 Trail etiquette matters

The outlaw trail community stays alive because riders respect the land and each other.

Basic rules:

• Adhere to posted signs

• Don’t leave trash behind

• Respect local property and towns. Slow down when approaching people or property.

• Help other riders if needed

Good trail culture keeps the riding community strong and keeps access open for everyone.

Ready to Ride?

At Appalachian Outlaws SXS, we provide ready-to-ride rental machines so you can enjoy West Virginia’s most scenic trails without the cost or commitment of ownership.

✅ High-performance SXS rentals

✅ Trail-ready and fully maintained

✅ Helmets and gear included

✅ Easy booking and local trail access

📍Located near popular trail systems including the new system AOT, (Appalachian Outlaw Trails)

📩 If you have any questions contact us at info@appoutlaws.com

🏢 Main Office & Trail: 5474 E DuPont Ave Cedar Grove Wv 25039

Appalachian Outlaws isn’t just about renting machines. It’s a community built around adventure, freedom, and getting people into the mountains who might not otherwise have the chance.

You don’t need experience. You just need to show up ready to ride.

Once you hit the trail for the first time, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.