In 2021, a bold idea was born deep in the heart of West Virginia’s Upper Kanawha Valley (UKV). Chris Inghram and Eric Larch—two outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for off-roading—envisioned turning a sprawling reclaimed strip mine near Riverside High School into one of the largest off-road trail systems in the country. Their dream wasn’t just about building trails—it was about preserving off-road access in a sustainable way and revitalizing the UKV economy through outdoor recreation and tourism.
That dream is now shifting into high gear as Appalachian Outlaw Trails (AOT) begins to take shape. Located in Eastern Kanawha County along Route 60 just outside of Belle, directly across from Riverside High School, AOT is ideally positioned to become a major regional attraction. The first phase is slated to open in 2026, will include 50-75 miles of trails, a welcome center, a racecourse, and camping facilities, all within 2,000 acres. The long-term goal is to expand to over 100,000 acres and create a multifaceted outdoor recreation destination.
Eric and Chris aren’t doing it alone. From the start, they’ve been working closely with Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler, who recognized the transformative potential of the project and connected them with key funding sources and community partners. Their vision quickly gained traction, and with the help of Advantage Valley’s FASTER WV entrepreneurship program, Appalachian Outlaw Trails is accelerating toward reality.
Barbie Wood, a seasoned FASTER WV business coach, has been an essential part of the journey. “Barbie’s help has been transformational for our business development so far!” says Chris Inghram. From market research and financing strategy, to educating stakeholders and officials, Barbie has helped the pair navigate the complexities of launching a major outdoor destination. “I can’t recommend Advantage Valley enough!” he adds.
Their funding success is already impressive. In addition to investing more than $300,000 of their own money, Eric and Chris have secured a $150,000 commitment from the Kanawha County Commission, a $250,000 award from the West Virginia Department of Tourism, and $45,000 in grant funding from Advantage Valley and Partner Community Capital for an engineering study. Additional funding partnerships are in progress as excitement around the project grows.
Appalachian Outlaw Trails is designed to be a family-friendly destination, where outdoor adventure can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether it’s a family hitting the trails together in a side-by-side or gathering around a campfire in the evening, AOT will make outdoor recreation more accessible. Children of all ages can enjoy the trails when accompanied by an adult in an appropriate vehicle, making it an ideal place for families to create lasting memories together.
The project’s first major off-roading event is scheduled for 2026 and is expected to draw an estimated 15,000 visitors. This high-impact launch event will feature partnerships with Ultra4 Racing and GNCC Racing, two of the most respected names in off-road motorsports. These partnerships will further position Eastern Kanawha County as a premier off-roading destination on the East Coast, drawing national attention and tourism to the region.
But AOT’s ambitions don’t stop at motorsports. The long-term vision is to create a comprehensive outdoor recreation resort, complete with cabins, a concert venue, mountain biking and hiking trails, horseback riding areas, and clay shooting venues. This thoughtful diversification of outdoor activities is aimed at attracting a wide range of visitors—from extreme sports lovers to families, nature lovers, and outdoor hobbyists of all kinds.
This expansive project aligns with Kanawha County’s broader strategy to drive economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation. Initiatives such as the Shawnee Sports Complex and the Hatfield-McCoy Single Trax Trail have already demonstrated how smart recreational investments can fuel job creation, stimulate small business growth, and breathe new life into rural communities. The addition of Appalachian Outlaw Trails is expected to amplify that impact across the Upper Kanawha Valley.
“Things are happening fast,” says Eric. “Funding is lining up, partnerships are growing, and every week we’re one step closer to making this vision a reality.” The projected opening for Appalachian Outlaw Trails is Spring 2026—and there’s no doubt this is one trail worth following.
Stay tuned, because in the mountains of West Virginia, adventure—and opportunity—is just around the bend.
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