By Megan Bevins & Kenzie Dye
Despite the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains’ famous history of two feuding families, entities in the region today are thriving while working together. With major advancements in community revitalization, economic development, education and health care, the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains tourism region is making a name for itself not as a place always at odds but one where teamwork and success are in abundance.
Community Revitalization
John Fekete, mayor of Man and executive director of Hatfield-McCoy Trails, says communities working together is essential for success and explains that much of the region’s growth surrounds the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
“My job as mayor is to figure out how to reinvent a community from a coal town to a tourism town,” Fekete says. “We’re working with the City of Logan and the Town of Gilbert. Partnership is important.”
Gary Wilson, COO and vice president of Logan Community Bank & Trust, says the bank sees the effects of these tourism dollars, which go back into the community through lending or supporting local groups or sports teams.
“Being part of the community is extremely important for us,” Wilson says. “We’re continuing to grow as a bank and looking for opportunities to help our community get better.”
The Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce is organizing a State of the County event, which will help inform residents of what is happening in the area. The chamber is also beginning to create green spaces in the downtown area and work on upgrades to the historic Williamson Field House.
“Our counties are filled with small businesses that are the heart of their communities,” says Chris Waters, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce president.
Logan business leaders are serving their community through the Leadership Logan Program, which allows participants to learn about the issues affecting small towns and work together to improve the quality of life and better business.
Debrina Williams, executive director of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Hatfield McCoy Convention & Visitors Bureau, says this year’s program has seen a record number of business leaders applying. Participants are from a diversity of professions.
“We always look forward to hearing their viewpoints on both the negative and positive aspects of living in this region and what issues they would like to change,” she says.
Diana Barnette, Logan County commissioner and owner of Appalachian Outpost, mentions plans for Camp Chief Logan, one being to use the camp to help assist an
organization combatting child abuse and neglect.
“They take underprivileged children on a camping trip every year,” Barnette says. “They have to go out of the county, so we’re hoping to be able to provide them with opportunities.”
Wayne County is undergoing beautification efforts through its Clean Up Wayne County initiative, an effort to clear litter, eliminate illegal dump sites and restore the area’s natural beauty.
“By investing in these cleanups, we’re creating a welcoming first impression for tourists, encouraging repeat visits and, most importantly, making Wayne County a cleaner, safer and more attractive place to live and raise a family,” says Travis Thompson, president of the Wayne County Commission.
The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority is expanding access to nutrition by partnering with Facing Hunger Foodbank to establish a food distribution hub in Mingo County.
Facing Hunger Executive Director Cindy Kirkhart will lead the development of the new facility, supported by a congressionally directed spending award of approximately $1.3 million.
“It will strengthen food access across Southern West Virginia while also supporting surrounding service areas,” says Executive Director Greta Curry.
Market on Main in Madison is promoting revitalization and supporting local farmers, businesses and entrepreneurs. The hub also encourages wellness, hosting year-round events that raise funds for the Boone Memorial Health (BMH) Foundation for Community Health.
BMH has recently partnered with the West Virginia First Foundation to launch Growing Futures @ Market on Main, a program supporting adverse youth.
“This investment allows us to expand Market on Main beyond a marketplace and community gathering space into a place where we can actively support the next generation through prevention, education and mentorship,” says Ray Harrell, general counsel and chief external affairs officer for BMH.
Economic Development
Economic development throughout the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains is not only offering residents a range of new activities but also a new chance for prosperity.
Four major ATV resort investments are underway in the region, all of which are making never-before-seen progress toward completion. One exciting new resort, being built by McDonald Land Company, will be constructed on the grounds of the now-closed Triadelphia golf course in Bruno, WV. The resort will have 28 cabins and 14 full-hookup RV sites.
Another new resort is under construction in Boone County near Peytona, the Indian Creek Resort, and a third project to be located behind the Fountain Place Mall in Logan, White Mountain Lodging, is finalizing its preconstruction environmental approval for an Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization grant for water and sewer. Meanwhile, Logan Coal and Timber Company is working on its second resort, the Cinderella Adventure Resort, to complement its Devil’s Backbone Adventure Resort.
“For the first time in Hatfield-McCoy Trails’ history, we have three major lodging destinations under construction and one nearing construction. Each of these projects either has equipment on the ground doing earth work, cabins under construction or is getting ready to put out ads for construction contracts,” says Jeffrey Lusk, president of McDonald Land Company.
Keefer’s Powersports is working to better meet market demand by hosting all necessary manufacturers so customers don’t have to go to another facility for the right parts.
“One of the things we bring to the table is having these different brands under one roof at one location so we’re able to take care of the customers’ wants and needs,” says Eddie Keefer, president and owner of Keefer’s Powersports.
Waters and Randall Sanger, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce director, are working with Accelerate Williamson as part of the Community and Business Resilience Initiative Accelerate West Virginia program.
“It’s wonderful to see others recognize the potential in our area and share the table with other community leaders as we work toward common goals for our communities,” Waters says.
Currently, the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority is facilitating a new carbon manufacturing facility at the Barkers Creek Industrial Park and will soon go out to bid for a Department of Defense company at the Rockefeller Industrial Park, two $5 million projects bringing approximately 80 jobs to the county.
The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority is also advancing infrastructure at the Mingo County Air Transportation Park, including the completion of site utilities to position the property for future industrial development.
“We are also positioning the Air Transportation Park to attract aviation-related industry and emerging technologies,” Curry adds. “This creates opportunities for workforce development, supports emergency services and aligns with the growing role of advanced air mobility and unmanned systems in rural markets.”
The authority is supporting regional energy investment through the MN8 Energy and Battery Energy Storage System project located in Mingo and Logan counties. It is expected to generate significant economic activity, including over 1,000 jobs during development and long-term operational benefits, and to be constructed on a partially reclaimed surface mine.
Barnette, along with her husband, is starting US Gearworks, one of 20 facilities inthe world with its capabilities. It will house top-of-the-line equipment and hire 70 employees with an average salary of $65,000.
“We have people here who are willing to do what it takes to better themselves,” Barnette says. “I feel confident this is going to be a catalyst for other people to say, ‘What’s going on in Logan? Let’s go figure this out.’”
Education
R. Stacy Dingess, chief external affairs officer for Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College, says the school is expanding its workforce development opportunities through strategic grant writing and exploring new training programs.
Southern partners with local hospitals and other industries to enhance educational opportunities.
“We are proud to highlight partnerships with the American Electric Power Foundation, Logan Regional Medical Center, BMH, the McGee Foundation and Hatfield-McCoy Trails,” Dingess says. “These collaborations play an important role in strengthening educational access, health care training and regional development.”
Dingess says Southern is currently working on the development of a hospitality and tourism program to support and complement regional assets. The Southern Foundation continues to advocate for increased scholarship funding through donor relations and fundraising campaigns.
At the K-12 level, Logan County Schools Superintendent Sonya White says the organization is working to improve communication with parents, community members and businesses. White also says several cohorts of elementary school teachers are participating in the Lexia LETERS—language essentials for teachers of reading and spelling—courses.
“These courses allow teachers to enhance their skills in teaching reading to all students, especially those who may be struggling with learning to read,” she says. “Logan County Schools was referenced in a national study last year showing
significant improvement in reading achievement for third grade students after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Ralph R. Willis Career Technical Education (CTE) Center offers several programs that prepare high school students for the employment market and higher education.
“Many students obtain employment with our business partners working with the CTE center,” White says. “Logan Regional Medical Center, Thornhill Automotive and local law enforcement agencies are just a few of the local businesses employing the CTE center’s graduates.”
Health Care
Like community revitalization projects, partnership and collaboration are important in the health care industry. Justin Turner, MBA, chief executive officer of Logan Regional Medical Center, says the hospital works closely with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, City of Logan and Logan County Commission to better serve patients.
One collaboration that has happened between Logan Regional, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the City of Logan is the Logan Medical Education Housing Complex. Through $1.2 million in congressionally directed funding, this one-of-a-kind facility will be designed to provide housing and support space for surgical residents training in rural Appalachia.
“One thing in the region that’s always been a burden is trying to find housing for medical students, residents and sometimes even doctors,” Turner says. “I think this complex will really help.”
Logan Regional also engages with Marshall through the general surgery residency program at the hospital.
“To my knowledge, it’s the only one of its kind across the country because it’s a rural residency program, and they have three residents each year that come here,” Turner says. “It’s a five-year program that will allow us to produce general surgeons right here in Logan.”
In addition to the residency program, other specialists from Marshall come to the hospital to help provide care.
“Right now, somebody from Marshall Orthopaedics comes in one or two weeks a month and helps the employed orthopedic doctors we have,” Turner says. “We are trying to bring health care closer to home for our region.”
Serving Logan, Mingo, Lincoln, Boone and Wyoming counties in West Virginia and part of Eastern Kentucky, the hospital is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
“This hospital has been serving the region since 1926,” Turner says. “We have an event planned that will take place on the football field at Logan High School. We’re working with some folks right now to make this event special to commemorate the hospital’s 100 years of service.”
BMH is also working to bring high-quality health care close to home. Harrell says the hospital is currently embarking on several new capital projects.
“These projects include renovations and infrastructure improvements that will support the development of a new BMH Cancer Center in partnership with WVU Medicine,” he says. “We are also expanding observation capacity at the hospital to better serve patients who require short-term monitoring and treatment.”
Harrell says the Rural Health Transformation Program has been a promising development for care in the area.
“This first-year federal investment of nearly $200 million represents a significant opportunity to rethink how health care is delivered in rural communities,” he says. “While specific projects are still being developed, the program focuses on improving access to care, strengthening the workforce and supporting innovative models of care delivery.”
Wayne County has also launched its own EMS organization.
“This new service represents a major milestone for our community, ensuring reliable, around-the-clock emergency care for residents and visitors,” Thompson says. “Its success is vital not only for public safety but also for supporting economic development and long-term growth across our county.”
The Wayne County Commission is also partnering with HealthNet Aeromedical Services on this project.
“They have been instrumental in professionally developing and managing our new EMS startup,” Thompson says. “Choosing a local West Virginia partner was a top priority for us, and HealthNet has been outstanding to work with every step of the way.”
Outdoor Recreation & Tourism
Outdoor recreation in Logan County is thriving thanks to the continuous growth of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Fekete says 13 trail systems have been built across nine counties in the region. There is a 10-year strategic plan with a long-term strategy focusing on linking these trail systems, connecting to Virginia’s Spearhead Trails and driving sustainable economic redevelopment in Southern West Virginia through increased tourism, lodging and infrastructure.
“We sold a little more than 93,000 trail passes in 2025,” he says. “We are looking at a busy spring season.”
Director of Chief Logan Recreational Center Chad Akers says the building is undergoing renovations.
“We’re adding another building to our existing one that will house two basketball courts, two tennis courts and four pickleball courts,” Akers says. “With this expansion, our goal is to be able to host everything from basketball tournaments, cheerleading events and wrestling to trade shows and expos.”
Akers also says a mountain coaster is being built across the street from the recreational center. The goal is to be open by Halloween and make it themed for holidays.
Locally owned businesses are opening in downtown Logan, which will enhance the visitor experience for those interested in riding the trails.
One new business is The 1910 in downtown Logan opened by owners Joanna and Rafael Rodighiero. They renovated a vacant historic building into a restaurant and are creating unforgettable experiences for customers with great food
Main Street Coffee, another new business, provides a variety of coffee and lunch options. Several new boutiques are now open in storefront locations, and an elk-viewing platform has recently been completed as well.
Beautification projects are currently underway at Appalachian Outpost. Occupancy rates are up thanks to Dirt Trax magazine promoting Appalachian Outpost. Barnette says the company aims to focus on corporate retreat offerings in this next chapter.
“I think that’s something the trails have been missing,” she says. “We have had two corporate retreats, one in 2025 and one this year. Companies can rent out all the cabins. We have a conference room and a full-service restaurant. We can put together a whole package for companies interested in a one-stop-shop experience.”
Ruffner Woody, director of operations at Devil’s Backbone Adventure Resort, says the goal has always been to deliver a complete experience to visitors.
“From the moment guests come off the trails, everything they need is right here—two restaurants, pools, a fully stocked store, gas station and an ATV wash station,” he says.
Woody says his team is working on the new resort coming to Devil’s Backbone.
“Cinderella Adventure Resort will feature a more scenic setting with private clusters of cabins, elevated views and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere,” he says. “Its proximity to Williamson also gives guests convenient access to additional dining, fuel and entertainment options.”
Keefer explains his role in the region’s tourism industry as a resource for those who experience issues while traveling. Having relocated from Logan to Delbarton, the Keefer’s Powersports site is now between Logan and Mingo counties’ trail systems.
Wayne County is also seeing success in the outdoor recreation and tourism industries.
“Heritage Farm is opening Snow Oasis, which is an innovative facility that will provide a unique blend of entertainment, fitness and skill-building opportunities,” says Anna Adkins, director of sales and marketing for Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Snow Oasis is going to be an indoor-outdoor facility and will be able to make snow outside in up to 70-degree weather. Visitors can enjoy snow tubing, a snow play area, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating.
Located in Genoa and continuing to expand, Rustic Ravines is seeing a lot of visitation, some being international.
“Rustic Ravines started with a few cabins and has since expanded to include a zip line and a wide range of outdoor activities,” Adkins says. “Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, hunting and guided ATV excursions through the property or on the nearby Hatfield-McCoy Trails at Cabwaylingo State Forest. They can also accommodate weddings and feature an on-site restaurant, Trailhead Brewing Co. Grille & Bar. It is becoming a true destination in rural Wayne County.”
