Riding 150 Miles of Trail Above Evarts
Riding the trails above Evarts can mean steep climbs, old mine roads, rocky sections, and long stretches where cell service fades. With roughly 150 miles of trail across the Black Mountain riding area, it is easy to underestimate the scale of the day. This guide helps you plan a safer, more enjoyable ride, from choosing a trailhead to packing for changing mountain conditions.
What to expect on the trails above Evarts
A large mountain trail system, not one continuous ride
The Black Mountain area is known for an extensive network of off-road trails in Harlan County. The often-cited 150-mile figure describes the scale of the trail system, not a single route that every rider can complete in one outing. Your actual mileage depends on which trails are open, your machine, your group’s pace, and how often you stop.
Expect a mix of terrain rather than one uniform surface. A ride may include graded or former mining roads, narrow sections, rocky ground, steep grades, and exposed overlooks. A stretch that looks easy on a map can feel very different when it turns into a wet, rutted climb. For an overview of the area and its access, see [Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area in Kentucky].
The landscape is part of the appeal. As you climb above Evarts, the views can open across the surrounding Appalachian ridges, while the trail itself may wind through wooded slopes and former coal country. That variety is also why it pays to avoid planning by mileage alone: a short, technical route can take longer than a much longer, smoother ride.
Choosing Evarts or Putney as your starting point
The Evarts and Putney trailheads are common reference points for riders visiting the area. Which one makes sense depends on where you are staying, how you are arriving, and the route you intend to ride. Before loading up, confirm the correct access point for your plans rather than assuming the two trailheads connect to every route in the same way.
If you are meeting friends, settle the trailhead and departure time in advance. “We’ll meet somewhere near Evarts” is a frustrating plan when one vehicle is unloading at one access point and another group is waiting elsewhere. Share a precise meeting location, agree on a turnaround time, and make sure every driver knows where the trailer will be parked.
For more help comparing access points, read [Starting From the Evarts or Putney Trailhead]. If you are planning a full weekend rather than a day ride, [Riding Black Mountain for a Weekend] can help you think through how to divide your time.
Why the 150-mile figure needs context
Trail mileage is a useful sense of scale, but it does not tell you how far your group should try to ride. Route difficulty, elevation changes, surface conditions, stops, and the experience of the least-confident rider all matter. A group that is comfortable on wide, firm trails may move quickly; a family group stopping for lunch and photos may cover far less ground.
Also, a trail network is not a promise that every segment is open or suitable for every machine. Conditions and access can change. Check the area’s current notices and local riding information before you commit to a loop, and leave room to adjust your plan. [150 Miles of Trail Across Harlan County] offers context on the system’s scale, while [How the Harlan County Recreation Authority Runs Black Mountain] is useful background on local management.
Planning a route that fits your group
Match the route to your least-experienced rider
It is tempting to choose a challenging route because the overlooks and steep climbs sound exciting. But a group ride is only as comfortable as its least-prepared member. Before setting out, talk honestly about experience with rocky terrain, steep grades, narrow trails, and long days in the saddle. If someone is new to mountain riding, begin with a conservative plan and build confidence gradually.
A route that feels manageable on a dry day may become stressful after rain. Mud can reduce traction, hide rocks and ruts, and make descents harder to control. If your group includes children, inexperienced riders, or passengers, leave extra time and avoid treating the day like a mileage challenge.
Make sure the machine suits the terrain and the people riding in it. Review the manufacturer’s guidance for passenger capacity and use, inspect tires and brakes, and discuss how the group will handle a breakdown or a rider who needs to turn back. A sensible turnaround plan is not a failure; it is how you keep a good day from becoming an exhausting one.
Plan the ride as a series of manageable segments
Rather than drawing one ambitious loop and hoping for the best, break the day into sections. Choose a first destination, such as a known junction or viewpoint, then reassess the time, weather, and group energy before continuing. This makes it easier to shorten the ride if a climb takes longer than expected or someone needs a break.
Set a firm time to head back, not just a target distance. Mountain terrain can make return travel slower than the outward leg, especially if the group encounters mud, congestion, or a route that requires careful maneuvering. Leave a buffer before sunset and avoid relying on a last-minute shortcut through unfamiliar trails.
Share the plan with someone who is not riding with you. Include your intended trailhead, approximate route, group size, and expected return window. If you use onX Offroad for route planning, save the relevant map area before leaving service and make sure everyone understands that a digital line is a planning aid, not a guarantee that a trail is open or passable.
Use maps without assuming cell service
Cell coverage can be unreliable in mountain terrain, and a route can take you into hollows or behind ridgelines where your phone has little signal. Carry a map that remains usable offline and know how to read it before you need it. If you use onX Offroad, check that you have downloaded the area you plan to ride and that your device can display your location without a connection.
A phone battery can drain quickly when it is being used for navigation, photos, and communication. Bring a charged power bank, keep your device protected from rain and impacts, and consider carrying a separate GPS or paper map as a backup. Do not let one rider’s phone become the only navigation plan for the whole group.
Trail maps are most helpful when riders know how to interpret junctions, labels, and route boundaries. Review the map together at the trailhead and agree on what to do if the group gets separated. For more preparation tips, see [Kentucky Trail Maps Worth Carrying] and [Kentucky Trail Conditions Before You Ride].
| Planning choice | What to consider | Practical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Where you are staying, unloading, and meeting others | Confirm the exact trailhead and share its location |
| Route length | Terrain, rider experience, stops, and daylight | Plan a conservative first segment and a firm turnaround time |
| Navigation | Limited service and device battery life | Download maps in advance and carry a backup |
| Weather | Rain, mud, fog, heat, and changing mountain conditions | Check notices before departure and be ready to shorten the ride |
| Group plan | Different skill levels and possible breakdowns | Agree on regrouping points and a communication plan |
Preparing for mountain conditions and trail access
Check conditions before you haul
A long drive with a trailer makes a closed gate or unsuitable conditions especially disappointing. Before leaving home, check the latest access information and ask about closures or restrictions that could affect your intended route. Heavy rain can change the character of a trail, and a route that was comfortable on a previous visit may be slippery or rutted after a storm.
Do not rely on old trip reports alone. A post from another weekend may describe different weather, trail access, or conditions. Check for recent local updates, and call the park or relevant local office if the information you find is unclear. It is also wise to have a backup plan for the day, whether that means a shorter ride, a different route, or postponing until conditions improve.
When using onX Offroad or another mapping app, treat the displayed route as one piece of the planning process. Confirm that the trails are authorized for your machine and currently available. A line on a screen does not replace posted signs, closure notices, or instructions from local managers.
Pack for a full day, not just the forecast
Mountain weather can change as elevation and exposure change. A warm morning in town may feel much cooler on a windy ridge, and rain can make both riders and equipment uncomfortable. Bring layers, rain protection, gloves, eye protection, and enough water and food for a longer day than expected.
Carry basic tools and supplies appropriate to your machine, such as a tire repair kit, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a way to contact help. Make sure everyone knows who has the supplies and where they are stored. If you are riding with multiple vehicles, agree on who carries the spare essentials so that critical gear is not left behind if the group splits.
Fuel planning deserves particular attention. Do not assume that fuel will be available at the trailhead or along the route. Start with a full tank, understand your machine’s range under the conditions you expect, and identify fuel options before you leave town. [Fuel Between Eastern Kentucky Towns] can help you think through the logistics of a longer visit.
Handle trailers, parking, and overnight plans early
A loaded trailer can be awkward on narrow roads and in crowded staging areas. Before arriving, check where trailers may be parked and whether there are any local instructions about unloading or overnight parking. Keep access lanes clear, secure your vehicle, and avoid leaving gear where it can obstruct other riders.
If your group is meeting at the trailhead, arrive with enough time to unload safely and get organized. Rushing through tie-downs, safety checks, or route discussions increases the chance of leaving equipment behind. For practical staging advice, see [Parking a Trailer at a Kentucky Trailhead].
For an overnight trip, decide whether you will camp nearby or stay in town before the busiest part of your visit. Confirm lodging arrangements, parking, and any rules that affect your machine or trailer. [Camping Near Kentucky ATV Trails] offers more planning context for riders who want to make the trip longer than one day.
Riding responsibly and getting more from the trip
Keep the group together without crowding
On narrow trails, leave enough space between machines to react to sudden stops, loose rocks, or dust. Do not tailgate the rider ahead, especially on a descent where stopping distance and visibility matter. At junctions, pause where it is safe and make sure the group knows which direction to take before moving on.
Agree on regrouping points before the ride begins. If one rider is delayed, the rest of the group should know whether to wait at the next junction or return to the last agreed point. A simple plan prevents the familiar trailhead confusion of everyone assuming someone else is keeping track of the group.
Be considerate when meeting other riders. Slow down, communicate clearly, and give space where the trail allows. If a section is narrow or steep, avoid rushing through it just to keep the group moving. A calm, predictable pace is more useful than trying to ride as quickly as the most confident person in the group.
Respect signs, closures, and the land
Stay on authorized routes and follow posted instructions. Cutting around a closure or riding off-trail can damage the ground and create problems for other visitors. It can also put riders into terrain they did not plan for, including unstable slopes, hidden obstacles, or areas where access is not allowed.
Carry out what you bring in, including food wrappers and broken gear. Avoid disturbing wildlife, damaging vegetation, or treating overlooks and trail junctions as places to leave trash. In a shared riding area, small choices affect whether the trails remain enjoyable for the next group.
Local rules and park procedures can change, so check them before every visit rather than assuming that a previous trip tells you everything. Follow staff directions and posted notices, and ask questions before unloading if you are uncertain about permits, routes, or staging. Knowing the rules ahead of time lets you spend more of the day riding and less time sorting out avoidable problems.
Make the day enjoyable, not just ambitious
The best Black Mountain ride is not necessarily the one with the most miles. It may be the route where everyone feels comfortable, the group reaches a scenic stop with time to enjoy it, and riders return before fatigue turns decisions sloppy. Build in time for breaks, photos, and checking the machines, especially if you are visiting with a mixed-experience group.
After the ride, take a moment to note what worked. Was the route too ambitious? Did the group need more water or a better map plan? Were fuel and trailer logistics straightforward? Those observations make a future trip easier to plan and help you choose routes that fit the people joining you next time.
If it is your first visit, begin with a modest plan, learn the area, and save the longer or more technical day for when you have a better sense of the terrain. With realistic expectations, a backup navigation plan, and attention to local conditions, riding above Evarts can be a rewarding way to experience Harlan County’s mountain trail network.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
