Nature reclaimed, a beautiful destination, and fun for the whole family: these are just a few of the things that make Burning Rock Off-Road Park a truly special location. Located just three-and-a-half miles from the town of Sophia, West Virginia in Raleigh County, this location offers off-roading fun for any enthusiast. Anybody is welcome to come out whether they have a Jeep, an ATV, UTV, dirtbike, or any other off-roading vehicle. Of course, those who don’t have an off-roading vehicle are just as welcome! Polaris RZR rentals are available, giving you the opportunity to get out and hit the trails even if you don’t have your own ride.
Burning Rock has A Lot to Offer!
They have trails, lots of trails! There are trails for every individual of every level from novice to pro, with more than 100 incredible miles located on 10,000 breathtaking acres of land. These trails vary from the stock friendly “Tams loop” to intermediate blues to the hardest and most challenging blacks trails. There are rocky trails, muddy trails, trails with gorgeous views, and trails that are challenging even for the most experienced. So if you would like to test your skills or take an easy ride to one of many beautiful overlooks, they have a trail for you. Burning Rock’s trails are professionally maintained and mapped. With the right phone app you can GPS yourself all over the 10,000+ acres Burning Rock has to offer.
Burning Rock History
Countless things make Burning Rock Off-Road Park special, but none stand out more than the park’s location on former coal mining land. One hundred years ago, coal mining companies were filling the land where this off-roading park now stands with unusable rock and refuse from their operations. In fact, so much rock and other materials were dumped onto the land that the trailhead of the park now stands 40 feet higher than it did during its coal mining days.
Coal mining operations ended in the 1950s. The current owners have taken the land back and opened the park to the public in 2008. Since they reopened the park they have made numerous upgrades to the property, most importantly developing and maintaining the trails.
Environmentally Friendly
Because Burning Rock is on land that was reclaimed for coal mining, the property is monitored by WVDEP on a regular basis with testing of five water outlets to determine the impact of trail traffic as well as any nearby timbering and/or mining operations.
The team at Burning Rock notes, “We have always exceeded expectations as far as water quality. Continuing to do so is something we keep foremost in our minds as we maintain and develop our trails. This is done by how we minimize creek crossings when possible and carefully select where they are incorporated into the trail system.
Facilities
The trailhead at Burning Rock Off-Road Park comprises over 70 acres. With its multiple cabins, RV sites, and spaces for tent camping there are plenty of options for lodging right at the park. Other pluses are the game room, pavilion, large center fire pit and gathering area. For those who would like to stay off-site, the park is only 10 miles away from plenty of hotels and motels.
Accommodations
Now everybody has the chance to enjoy this beautiful area with Burning Rocks!
For more information about all Accommodations “Click Here”
- Camping – Tent campsites
- RV Sites – Easy pull-through parking and close to our always-clean bathhouses
- Rustic Cabins – Sleeps up to 5
- Bunk House – Sleeps up to 9
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Burning Rock-Glamping is a suite in a tent. Includes: Bed, Refrigerator, Coffee Maker and Bathroom with Shower Burning Rock now even has Glamping! – This is a new addition to the Burning Rock lodging inventory. The Glamp site offers a rustic feel with some plush amenities. While ultimately the glamp is a wall tent up on a platform, it is nicely furnished with a full bed, night stand, and can easily fit an additional cot. The Glamp has a full bathroom equipped with a shower stall, toilet, and sink as well. You’ll also find your own refrigerator and coffee pot. The large covered porch offers a great place to sit, relax and talk about the day on the trails.
Other Off-Site Accommodations
- Beautiful Luxury Log Cabin and Treehouse Rentals – The Cabins at Pine Haven.
- Additional Motels and Restaurants in nearby Beckley and Sophia.
Note: Sophia allows ATV/SxS/Dirtbike traffic on McAlpin Road and the main street through town. You are welcome to use these 2 roads to access dining and shopping. ALL other streets in city limits are off-limits. If traveling to Go-Mart (left at the light, on Rt 16) you are required to ride along the side of the road and obey all WV ATV laws. If in doubt, contact Sophia City Hall at (304) 683-4456.
Fees
Burning Rock Off-Road Park is not a park and ride off road park. The park is set up as a member-based facility. That means to ride in the park, you’ll need to be a member. Even though they do have members that stay only for the day, most of their guests stay for multiple days. Park Rates and Fees
Hours
The store at Burning Rock stays open between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM. However, it should be noted that it stays open an additional few hours and does not close until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The store is not open on Christmas Day. During the spring, summer and fall they have onsite concessions. Trails are open year-round and riders can hit the trails from the moment they receive their daily wristband to when it begins getting dark and are asked to return to the trailhead.
Regardless of what you are looking for, the team at Burning Rock Off-Road Park is ready to provide you with the family-like atmosphere and experience you are looking for. Whether you are headed out in your Jeep, on your dirtbike, or in your ATV, Burning Rock Off-Road Park has plenty to offer from a great mix of beautiful trails, comfortable cabins, and friendly staff ready to help you in any way possible. This is a great place to check out if you would like to see one of the best spots for off-roading that West Virginia has to offer!
Special Events
Burning Rock has held events for the Special Olympics, Rehabilitation Centers, the local Police Department, for family medical expenses, food banks and so many other great causes. In addition to the charity events, they have hosted venues for other groups and clubs.
One of their favorite days of the year at the park is the Thursday before Halloween, when the team at Burning Rock holds a Trunk or Treat! This started over 10 years ago. The first year they had 10 kids show up and just as many cars/Jeeps/ SxS (Side by Sides) handing out candy. The second year there were approximately 50 kids. Now, about 2,000 kids show up to have fun gathering treats on that night, and with the help and support of local businesses and guests the kids all leave with tons of candy and treats!
For more events, check out the website Event Calendar.
Guest Comments
Brenda Black Taylor commented, “The reason we love this off road park so much is because it is always well maintained, the trails are marked with numbers and also if it is easy, moderate or difficult, this info is also on the paper map that you can pickup at the general store when you check it. There is also a phone app that you can download and Burning Rocks trails are loaded on there so you will always know where you are at.”
Brandon Hamby commented, “I love Burning Rock and the people that run it. I consider them all very good friends. You can find trails there from stock friendly to ‘oh no, I shouldn’t have tried that!’ Dyane and Kenneth Corcoran are some of the best people you’ll ever meet in your life. They even loaned me their trailer to go pick up the ton axles for my Jeep.”
Visit Burning Rock Off Road Park Facebook page and Website for more information.
Ed Witman we are very appreciative of all you have done for MJM and our great partner, Burning Rock Off Road Park. Our sport will continue to grow because of the hard work of you and your team.