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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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A Complete Guide to Off Roading in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the best states for off-roading in the country, with more than 12,000 miles of trails. You will find various terrains here, especially around the Appalachian Mountains. The Keystone State also has more than 83,000 miles of rivers and streams and about 4,000 lakes and ponds, so there is an abundance of fun water crossings.
This guide contains every park and trail network that off-road enthusiasts should know about in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania.
Alvin’s Offroad Playground
Long Pond
Pricing: $30 day passes for drivers and passengers, $85 for one-hour ATV tour
(vehicle and equipment provided), kids 5 and under ride free
Regulations: Riders must have at least one adult present, riders must bring at least one child 14 years or younger, helmets, long pants and close-toed shoes required, 30 mph speed limit on all trails
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no donuts, tail whips, rooster tails or wheelies, no night riding, no trailblazing, strictly enforced three-strike policy
Alvin’s is a 70-acre trail network in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The dirt trails are frequently watered to stay in prime driving condition, and the free-roaming forested areas are among the most picturesque in the state. You can choose to drive the Kawasaki Brute Force or Polaris Sportsman if you want to reserve a guided tour.
Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area
Coal Township
Pricing: $35 day pass for ATVs, UTVs and bikes, $40 day pass for full-size vehicles, $15 for riders under 18, $15 discount for Northumberland County residents
Regulations: Helmets and eye protection required, full-size vehicles must travel in pairs or groups, riders under 18 must have written consent from legal guardian, trail app Maprika highly recommended
Restrictions: No bicycle or novelty helmets allowed, no night riding, no trailblazing
Anthracite is the pinnacle of off-roading in Eastern Pennsylvania. The park has been named a top 10 destination in the U.S. for ATVs, dirt bikes and full-size vehicles. The 8,000-acre network will take you through mud pits, climbing hills, rock gardens and pristine wooded trails.
The main attraction for experienced off-roaders is The Mammoth, an old mining area with steep drop-offs, water impoundments and some of the best rock-crawling in the country. Your vehicle needs a high ground clearance to challenge The Mammoth.
Bayview ORV Area
Sharpsville
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee, must be renewed every two years
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets and eye protection required, 99-decibel noise limit, 70-inch maximum width, spark arrestor not required but highly recommended, riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing, no camping
The Bayview ORV Area is a five-mile trail network just outside Pittsburgh that navigates the Shenango River Lake area. State officials maintain the trail system, so it’s in great condition year-round. Dirt bikes dominate the densely forested landscape during the summer, while snowmobiles take over in the winter.
Ben Franklin Range
Templeton
Pricing: $25 day pass for drivers, $20 for passengers, kids 11 and under ride free
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No night riding, no trailblazing
Formerly known as Scrubgrass Village, the recently renovated Ben Franklin Range is a haven for gun enthusiasts and off-roaders. The 65-mile trail network includes loose dirt, hard-pack trails, rolling hills and water crossings that range from easy to extreme difficulty. If you’re looking for a challenge, head for “The Squeeze” or the “Can Am Crew Crawl.” When you’re done driving, you can go to the shoot house or firing ranges to blow off steam.
Bloody Skillet ATV Trail
Orviston
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Bloody Skillet is the main off-roading attraction in the Sproul State Forest Trail System. It includes about 36 miles of hard-pack trails, shallow creek crossings and old coal mining roads in densely forested terrain, which is why only small to midsize ATVs are allowed. These trails are prime training grounds for young novice off-roaders testing their first vehicles.
Burnt Mills ATV Trail System
Porter Township
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Burnt Mills is a roughly eight-mile section of the Delaware State Forest ATV Trails. State employees keep the gravel and dirt trails in prime condition for fast riding year-round. Most of the network runs through the Delaware State Forest, but the standout features are the rolling hills that take you to the 1,250-foot peak elevation with amazing views.
Dixon Miller Recreation Area
Porter Township, Pennsylvania
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
The Dixon Miller trails are also located in the Delaware State Forest near Burnt Mills. However, this 15-mile section has a wider terrain variety and reaches an even higher elevation of 1,900 feet. Mud pits and water crossings are more frequent among the hard-pack forest trails. Dixon Miller becomes a hotspot for snowmobiles during the winter because of the area’s unique geography in the Pocono Mountains.
East Kettle ATV Trail System
Glen Iron
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
East Kettle’s 16-mile network is arguably the most popular stretch in the entire Bald Eagle State Forest, and that’s saying something. Bald Eagle has a massive trail network for various vehicles, but the East Kettle Trail System remains the go-to destination for experienced off-roaders who want to cut loose in their small and speedy ATVs.
Famous Reading Outdoors
Pottsville
Pricing: Must have a membership to ride, $225 per year for adults and $175 per year 
for minors, $50 for adult guest pass, $35 for minor guest pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, riders must wear seat belt or safety harness at all times, riders under 18 must have written consent from legal guardians
Restrictions: No riders under 12 years old (can still be passengers), no night riding, no trailblazing
There’s a good reason Famous Reading Outdoors has a members-only policy. This place has more than 650 miles of forest trails and dirt roads that accommodate all types of off-road vehicles and take a lot of work to maintain. The locals have created a safe and fun atmosphere and intend to keep it that way. FRO has everything you want in a frequent off-roading destination.
Four Seasons Resort
West Finley
Pricing: $35 ATV sticker for members, $45 ATV sticker for nonmembers, must be renewed annually
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, 94-decibel noise limit, riders must be 14 years old and tall enough to ride alone, must be 16 years old to carry passengers
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s allowed, no night riding, no trailblazing
Four Seasons is a scenic 850-acre campground with about 35 miles of excellent hard-pack and dirt road trails, with plenty of mud, rocks and jumps mixed in. However, the paths go through several camping areas, so park officials take the noise and age limits seriously. Four Seasons is a great choice if you’re looking for a family-friendly destination with other outdoor activities.
Haneyville ATV Trails
Haneyville
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 50-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Haneyville is a pristine 19-mile network in the Tiadaghton State Forest with shaded trails and old logging roads. The trails close in the spring fire season for controlled burnings, but they’re always buzzing in the summer. Central Pennsylvania has a distinct off-roading landscape of park-like forests, long ridges, and deep valleys perfect for ATV and UTV enthusiasts.
Indian Creek Valley ATV Club
Melcroft
Pricing: Annual club membership rates start at $95
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, 64-inch maximum width, all riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Indian Creek Valley is another members-only trail system that works hard to maintain a positive reputation. The 40-mile network is a roller coaster of shaded hard-pack roads, hill climbs and rock crawls. The club strongly recommends riders use Polaris GPS Navigation to stay on the lightly maintained trails, which can be challenging for inexperienced riders.
Lost Trails ATV Adventures
Dunmore
Pricing: $39 day pass for adults, $29 day pass for minors, kids 5 and under ride free
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets and eye protection required, closed-toe shoes required, spark arrestor required, riders must wear ID wristband at all times, riders under 18 must have written consent from legal guardian, buddy system highly recommended
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps of 4x4s, no night riding (unless during an organized event), no trailblazing
Lost Trails is the pinnacle of off-roading in the Pocono Mountains. This 60-mile trail system has it all — hard pack, loose gravel, hill climbs, rock crawls, mud pits, water crossings and even a section of tunnels. There is a designated riding area for children so experienced off-roaders can cut loose and test their limits. There’s always something new to discover on the Lost Trails.
Majestic Trails
Smethport
Pricing: $25 day pass for adults, $10 day pass for riders 14 and under, $10 day pass for passengers
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, 99-decibel noise limit, riders under 18 must have written consent from legal guardian
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no double riding on sport quads, no riding past 9 p.m., no trailblazing
Majestic Trails is a 41-mile network of primarily single-track trails that run through dense forests and rolling hills, making it ideal for smaller off-road vehicles. It even has a 14-mile motocross section specifically for bikes, with jumping areas that cater to all experience levels. If your weapon of choice is a two-wheel ORV, you’ll have lots of fun at Majestic Trails.
Maple Run ATV Trail
Hawley
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Maple Run is all about speed. This seven-mile stretch in the Delaware State Forest consists of hard-gravel forest trails that allow you to drive at high speeds and develop your handling skills. It’s a popular destination for novices and amateurs because of the level terrain and clearly marked trails.
Martin Hill ATV Trail System
Rainsburg
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
The Martin Hill Trail System is a 16-mile section of the Buchanan State Forest that gets a lot of use during the summer months. The trails are mostly old logging roads overtaken by the dense Pennsylvania woodlands. You’ll also find bridge crossings and might see interesting wildlife activity, including unique animals like bobcats and wild turkeys.
Michaux State Forest ATV Trail System
Fayetteville
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No motorcycles or trail bikes, no night riding, no trailblazing
Pennsylvanians call Michaux the state’s “cradle of forestry” because of its emphasis on conservation. The trail network is well-maintained with minimal disturbance to the surrounding oak trees, creating a fairy-tail appearance you won’t find anywhere else. There are more than 40 miles of trails, so your family will never tire of exploring this breathtaking forest.
Mines and Meadows ATV Resort
Wampum
Pricing: $25 day pass, $275 gold pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets and eye protection required, 99-decibel
noise limit, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No children 5 and under allowed on trail system, no night riding, no trailblazing
Mines and Meadows is one of the most unique off-roading destinations in the country. It has about 84 miles of recreational forest and meadow trails marked for direction and difficulty, including an eight-mile single track for experienced dirt bikers and a peewee track for kids. The rest have plenty of room for the largest ORVs.
The main off-roading attraction is the tunnel-riding area that takes you through abandoned limestone mines to a massive underground lake. You can journey 250 feet below the surface for an extra $5.
Mountain Ridge ATV Park
Central City
Pricing: $30 day pass on weekends and holidays, $25 day pass on weekdays, $20 day pass for passengers
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required
Restrictions: No night riding (unless during organized events), no riding on gravel roads, no trailblazing
Mountain Ridge is well known for its terrain diversity. The massive 150-mile trail network includes a pleasant mixture of forest trails, hill climbs, mud pits, rock crawls, drag strips and motocross tracks. It’s also one of the few destinations in Pennsylvania that host regular night-riding events, which should be reason enough to visit Mountain Ridge.
Penoke, Marienville and Timberline ATV/OHM Trails
Marienville
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee, $10 day pass, $35 annual pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, 99-decibel noise limit, 50-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
This complex trail network connects three municipalities and provides a unique off-road experience for bikes and ATVs. The Penoke section includes 23 miles of challenging rocky terrain best suited for off-road motorcycles. The Marienville section is 14 miles of old roads and steep hill climbs that traverse the Allegheny National Forest. The Timberline section has 39 miles of easy-to-moderate two-way trails that also go through the forest.
Rausch Creek Off-Road Park
Pine Grove
Pricing: $60 required annual membership, $70 day pass for riders, $25 day pass for passengers, children 15 and under ride free
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets and eye protection required, riders must wear seat belt or safety harness at all times, all vehicles must have at least one tow point or comparable spare, all vehicles must have a hard top or roll cage, everyone must ride in pairs or groups
Restrictions: No quads, bikes or UTVs, no night riding, no trailblazing
Rausch Creek is an off-roading haven specifically for trucks, jeeps, SUVs and 4x4s. As you can imagine, the trails are full of significant obstacles. Rock gardens, steep hill climbs, mud pits and water crossings pepper the landscape, giving high-powered vehicles a real challenge. The park also offers daily and monthly instructional trail rides for inexperienced visitors.
Rock Run Recreation Area
Patton
Pricing: $10 park vehicle registration fee, $22 day pass, $15 for children 11 
and under, $145 individual season pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets and eye protection required, 99-decibel noise limit, ATVs, dirt bikes and SXSs must be trailered into the facility, jeeps, trucks and 4x4s only allowed on designated OHV trails
Restrictions: Width restrictions on a few narrow bridges, no night riding (unless during organized events), no trailblazing
Rock Run welcomes all types of off-road vehicles and has more than 140 miles of trails. Most are easy to moderate, but there are plenty of areas for experienced off-roaders, including specially maintained OHV trails for trucks, jeeps and 4x4s. Rock Run also hosts numerous events, including night rides, holiday festivities and the annual ATV Summer Blast.
Rocky Gap ATV Trail
Warren, Pennsylvania
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee, $10 day pass, $35 annual pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, 99-decibel noise limit, 50-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no trailblazing
Rocky Gap is a 23-mile network of challenging single-track trails for bikes and small ATVs. It’s also open to horses and mountain bikes, so you need to watch your speed. The main reason for Rocky Gap’s popularity is night riding. The trail is open 24/7 and there are no night riding restrictions whatsoever, which is extremely rare in the U.S.
Sideling Hill ATV Trail
Broad Top Township
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 58-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: no bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Sideling Hill is a 15-mile stretch of lightly maintained forest hills in the Buchanan State Forest. The hills include hard-pack, gravel, mud and sporadic rock gardens, which offer an ideal challenge for intermediate riders. The entire network is covered in dense ancient woodlands that make the off-roading experience feel otherworldly.
Snow Shoe Rails to Trails
Morris Township
Pricing: $20 annual membership per motorized unit, $20 guest pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets, eye protection, pants and closed-toe shoes required, 99-decibel noise limit, 70-inch maximum width, 1,800-pound maximum weight, riders under 16 must have a DCNR safety certificate and be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Snow Shoe is a combination of forest trails and abandoned roads or railways that make up about 40 miles. Volunteers work hard to maintain the system and provide a safe off-roading environment for families and big riding groups. It even offers a youth training program. The place is buzzing with ATVs and UTVs during the summer and snowmobiles during the winter.
Susquehannock ATV Trail
Galeton
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 64-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
The Susquehannock ATV Trail is a 43-mile system that runs through Lyman State Park. It has the highest peak elevation on the list at 2,200 feet, which you can easily reach via the hard-pack and gravel trails. This network isn’t much of a challenge, but the amazing views and riverside campgrounds make it a popular destination nonetheless.
Tri-County ATV Park
Heilwood
Pricing: $165 annual individual membership, $230 annual family membership
Regulations: DOT-approved helmet and eye protection required, all riders under 18 must have written consent from legal guardian
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Tri-County is a members-only ATV park, but once you get a membership, you can roam the trails with minimal restrictions. The park has over 100 miles of heavily marked and maintained forest trails, rolling hills and muddy stretches, providing the quintessential off-road experience. Tri-County also hosts many events, including competitive scavenger hunts and haunted trail rides during the fall.
Whiskey Springs ATV Trail
Renovo
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, only ATVs with three or more wheels allowed, 99-decibel noise limit, 64-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: No bikes, trucks, jeeps or 4x4s, no night riding, no trailblazing
Whiskey Springs is a 50-mile chunk of the massive Sproul State Forest with various landmarks, including abandoned strip mines, logging roads, steep hill climbs, mudding areas and rock gardens. It closes during hunting season but quickly picks up again in mid-January when snowmobiles take over the trail system.
Willow Creek ATV Trail
Bradford
Pricing: $20 ATV state registration fee, $10 day pass, $35 annual pass
Regulations: DOT-approved helmets required, 99-decibel noise limit, 50-inch maximum width, 1,200-pound maximum weight, all riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, only dirt bikes and ATVs allowed
Restrictions: No trucks, jeeps, 4x4s, SXSs or UTVs, no night riding, no trailblazing
Willow Creek is yet another trail system in the Allegheny State Forest. It has the thickest woodland off-roading terrain on this list, which is why only dirt bikes and ATVs are allowed. It takes some serious handling skills to navigate this narrow 10-mile stretch. Come to Willow Creek to see what real undisturbed wilderness looks like.
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to The Can Am Crew
Find Your Off-Roading Paradise in Pennsylvania
You can find some of the best off-roading terrain in the country hidden in Pennsylvania’s mountains and forests. It won’t take much searching for you to find your off-roading paradise in the Keystone State. Off-roading can be a thrilling adventure that takes you into the wilderness, over challenging terrain, and offers a level of freedom that you can’t get from a typical road trip.
Pennsylvania, with its diverse terrain, boasts several off-roading spots that cater to enthusiasts at all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newbie, here are some fantastic off-roading destinations in Pennsylvania. Start by adding some of these destinations to your bucket list and check them off before the season is over.
