Little Coal River

The Little Coal River is a branch of the Coal River that drains parts of northern Boone County and eastern Lincoln County in western West Virginia (WV). The Little Coal River sources at the junction of its Spruce Fork and Pond Fork at Madison, WV. It joins the Coal River and Forks of Coal.

Pinnacle Rock, a geologic landmark outcrops above a meander on the Little Coal River off the US-119 expressway, and a roadside park has been developed there. The Ivy Ridge and Little Coal River trail networks, part of the Hatfield & McCoy ATV Trail System, are located on and near the river northwest of Julian, WV.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and Coal River Group have embarked on a restoration project that has placed boulders and logs in the river to help remove excess sediment and support a habitat that sustains aquatic life.

Little Coal River Communities

From source to mouth, the following select cities, towns, and villages are located on or near the Little Coal River.

Madison, WV
Danville, WV
Julian, WV
Horse Creek Junction, WV
Adams, WV
Irene, WV
McCorkle, WV
Forks of Coal, WV

Regional Information

Information on lodging, dining, and recreation on and near the Little Coal River may be found in our guide to travel in the Hatfields & McCoys Region in southwestern West Virginia.