Gilbert’s main draws are Rockhouse trail riding, Guyandotte River outings, R.D. Bailey Lake and small-town recreation.
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Miss the Rockhouse Trail System and you miss the main reason to visit this Mingo County town. For travelers weighing things to do in Gilbert, WV, a satisfying weekend pairs one full trail day with river or lake time, then adds a local museum, meal or indoor activity.
Gilbert is small, so the appeal comes from direct access rather than a long attraction list. Bring an ATV or UTV plan, arrive with your own road vehicle, and treat nearby Justice, Matewan and Logan as useful extensions when your group wants more than off-roading.
Start With The Rockhouse Trail System
The Rockhouse Trail System is Gilbert’s defining activity, with more than 100 miles of riding and direct access to Gilbert and Man. Its mix of easier routes, technical sections and connectors toward the Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain systems can fill a full day or a multi-day trip.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails set 2026 permits at $65 for nonresidents and $26.50 for West Virginia residents. Drivers and passengers each need a permit, so include every rider when budgeting. Bring a trail map, fuel, water, eye protection and a recovery plan; cellular service can fade in the hollows.
Gilbert has few scheduled guided outings within town. Nearby Matewan currently lists Hatfield McCoy Airboat Tours, giving mixed groups a bookable water option away from the machines:
Gilbert Activities For A Full Weekend
Gilbert works best when visitors combine one major outdoor activity with two or three shorter stops. The table below separates the core experiences from the weather backups and regional add-ons.
| Experience | Setting | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rockhouse Trail System | More than 100 miles of motorized trails with town access | ATV, UTV and dirt-bike riders |
| Guyandotte River | Local river access for paddling and fishing when conditions allow | Anglers and calm-water outings |
| R.D. Bailey Lake | Boating, fishing, camping and nearby walking in Justice | A half-day water trip |
| Larry Joe Harless Community Center | Pool, indoor track, courts, fitness rooms and playground | Families and rainy days |
| Timber Targets | Axe throwing in Gilbert, normally offered Thursday through Sunday | Groups seeking an indoor activity |
| Town Of Gilbert Historic Museum | Local artifacts and town history inside town hall | A short history stop |
| Downtown Gilbert Walk | A roughly one-mile route past shops, eateries and the town mural | A low-effort afternoon break |
| National Trailfest | An October off-road gathering with town and trail activities | Riders whose dates match the event |
River, Lake And Rainy-Day Choices
The Guyandotte River, R.D. Bailey Lake and Gilbert’s indoor recreation sites give non-riders enough variety for a second day. Water conditions and operating hours can change, so confirm access before leaving your lodging.
Paddle Or Fish The Guyandotte River
Gilbert Beach at Veteran’s Memorial Park is the town’s clearest riverside starting point. The town has used this area for the Guyandotte Regatta, with a route toward the Elk Creek public launch. Independent paddlers should check current flow, arrange a shuttle and wear a personal flotation device.
Fishing is another simple option along the Guyandotte River. West Virginia license rules apply, and access can be muddy after rain, so pack footwear that can handle a rough bank.
Spend Half A Day At R.D. Bailey Lake
R.D. Bailey Lake sits in Justice rather than central Gilbert, but it is the area’s most useful water-recreation day trip. Visitors come for boating, fishing, camping and seasonal swimming, while the nearby Salt River Trail gives hikers a marked route outside town.
Planning note: Gilbert has no designated hiking trail in town. Use R.D. Bailey Lake or Chief Logan State Park when hiking is a priority.
Use The Indoor Options When Weather Turns
The Larry Joe Harless Community Center offers an Olympic-sized pool, indoor track, basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground, sauna and fitness facilities. Day passes are available, but current prices and public-use hours should be confirmed by phone.
Timber Targets adds axe throwing to the local mix and advertises Thursday-through-Sunday operation. Reserve ahead for a group and confirm age rules before bringing children.
What Should Riders Know Before Going?
Every Rockhouse rider and passenger needs a current permit, approved helmet and eye protection, and riding is limited to daylight hours. Children under 6 cannot enter the trails, while riders younger than 16 must remain within sight of a parent or guardian.
Read the official Hatfield-McCoy trail rules before loading the machine. Alcohol, glass containers, fires and camping are barred on the trails, and every vehicle must meet the system’s equipment rules.
- Download or carry the current Rockhouse map rather than relying only on cell service.
- Start early enough to return before dark.
- Match the route color and difficulty to the least experienced rider.
- Carry water, basic tools, a tire repair kit and identification.
Town Stops Between Trail Days
Downtown Gilbert is better for a relaxed hour than a packed sightseeing day. Walk the town route, photograph the large Gilbert mural, browse small shops and stop for breakfast, pizza or a homestyle meal.
The Town of Gilbert Historic Museum is inside town hall and focuses on local people, events and coalfield history. Current visitor hours are not clearly posted, so check with the town or Gilbert Convention and Visitors Bureau before making it the center of your schedule.
National Trailfest is held in October and has run for more than 20 years, but the current event page may not show the next confirmed dates. Book lodging only after checking the organizer’s live schedule, since trail weekends can fill cabins and trailer-friendly sites.
Where To Stay For Trail Access
Trail riders should favor a cabin, campground or downtown rental with trailer parking and direct or near-direct Rockhouse access. Riverfront lodging suits quieter evenings, while downtown stays make meals and supplies easier.
Compare the location of Gilbert stays before reserving, especially when a property advertises ride-from-the-door access:
Add Chief Logan State Park For A Longer Trip
Chief Logan State Park is the strongest regional add-on for travelers who want marked hiking instead of another motorized day. The park lists 18 miles across 12 trails, plus fishing, picnic areas and seasonal recreation near Logan.
Easy Shawnee Trail covers 0.5 mile, while Buffalo Trail runs 2.2 miles with a steep section. Chief Logan works well for non-riders, families needing a slower day or visitors extending Gilbert into a three-night southern West Virginia trip.
A Two-Day Gilbert Plan
Two days are enough for Gilbert’s main activities when Rockhouse is the priority. Add a third day only for a longer trail connection, Chief Logan State Park or a history-focused outing toward Matewan.
- Day one: Ride the Rockhouse Trail System from morning until midafternoon, return before daylight fades, then eat in town and take the downtown walk.
- Day two in dry weather: Paddle or fish the Guyandotte River, or drive to R.D. Bailey Lake for boating, fishing and the Salt River Trail.
- Day two in rain: Use the Larry Joe Harless Community Center, book an axe-throwing session and visit the town museum if it is open.
For an off-road group, prioritize Rockhouse, trailer-friendly lodging and an early start. For a mixed group, build the second day around the river, lake or community center so non-riders still get a complete weekend.
References & Sources
- Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority.“Trail Rules & Regulations.”Supports permit, helmet, age, daylight and prohibited-item requirements for the trail system.