ATV Trails In Pennsylvania
Allegheny National Forest – 5 Trails
Overview
- Trail Miles: 108.8 miles spread over 5 different trails
- Fees:
- Daily Pass: $10
- Yearly Pass: $35
- Purchase from vendor or online
Rocky Gap & Willow Creek do not connect to one another
1) Rocky Gap ATV/Mountain Bike Trail
Overview
- Rocky Gap ATV/Mountain Bike Trail: 21.9 miles (summer/winter )
- Skill Level: Moderate / Advanced
- Usage: Light
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV’s < 50”, trail bikes, snowmobiles, horses, mountain bike
- Closest Town: Warren PA
This trail system is made up of 2 separate larger loops – the northern loop is 11.1 miles and the southern loop is 10.8 miles. The south loop is “more difficult” and the northern route is “most difficult”.
The main challenge for riders is steep side slopes where caution is recommended. Not ideal for new riders.
These loops connect and can be done as a single ride without needing to trailer.
Both loops are for one way traffic only.
In the winter, ATVers share the trail with snowmobilers as this trail provides access to the Snowmobile Loop system.
Free dispersed camping is allowed along the trail, but not at the trailhead. Blocking the trail is not allowed.
US Forest Service: Rocky Gap ATV Trail
2) Willow Creek ATV/Mountain Bike Trail
Overview
- Willow Creek ATV/Mountain Bike Trail: 10.8 miles (summer)
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV’s < 50”, trail bikes, mountain bike
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Usage: Light
- Closest Town: Bradford PA
No restrooms at the trailhead or on the trail. (…grab a bush I guess)
It’s a one way trail through scenic forests on old roads. It’s rating is “more difficult”.
Free dispersed camping is allowed along the trail, but not at the trailhead. Blocking the trail is not allowed.
US Forest Service: Willow Creek ATV Trail
Penoke, Marienville & Timberline ATV/OHV Trails
72 miles of interconnected trails. These are the best and most popular ATV trails in Pennsylvania. Expect crowds.
Trails Map
Penoke, Marienville, Timberline ATV/OHV Trail Brochure (with map)
US Forest Service: Penoke, Marienville & Timberline
3) Penoke ATV/OHM Trail
Overview
- Penoke ATV/OHM Trail Mileage: 23.1 miles (summer)
- Fees (includes all 3 riding areas):
- Daily Pass: $10.00 per vehicle
- Annual Pass: $35.00 per vehicle
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Usage: Heavy
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV < 50”, motorized dirt bikes, motorcycles
- Closest Town: Marienvill PA
Although ATVers can use this trail, it’s primarily recommended for OHMs.
It’s extremely rocky and twisty with a rating of “most difficult”.
Experienced motorcycle rider can finish this ride in a few hours, but ATVers need to plan for a full day adventure. It takes 4-6 hours for ATVs to complete this trail.
Definitely not recommended for new riders.
Camping allowed along the trail.
4) Marienville ATV/OHM Trail
Overview
- Marienville ATV/OHM Trail Mileage: 14 miles (summer/winter)
- Fees (includes all 3 riding areas):
- Daily Pass: $10.00 per vehicle
- Annual Pass: $35.00 per vehicle
- Skill Level: Moderate/Advanced
- Usage: Heavy
- Vehicles Allowed: ATVs < 64”, motorized dirt bikes, motorcycles
- Closest Town: Marienville PA
One way trail rated as “most difficult”. Scenic forested trail through the surrounding hills with several challenging hill climbs.
The hill out of Pigs Ear is paved with cement blocks to make the ride easier, but there is an easier bypass available as well.
5) Timberline ATV/OHM Trail
Overview
- Timberline ATV/OHM Trail Mileage: 39 miles (summer / winter)
- Fees (includes all 3 riding areas):
- Daily Pass: $10.00 per vehicle
- Annual Pass: $35.00 per vehicle
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV < 64”, motorized dirt bikes, motorcycles
- Skill Level: Easy
- Usage: Heavy
- Closest Town: Kane PA / Marienville PA
Camping On The Penoke, Marienville, Timberline Trail System
Free dispersed camping is allowed along the trail, but you must not block the trail.
Free dispersed trailhead camping is also available at Timberline, Pine Camp, Rocket John and Penoke Trailheads.
Camping is not allowed at the Marienville and Pigs Ear Trailheads.
Buchanan State Forest – 2 Trails
Overview
- Location: Chaneysville PA
- Trail Miles: 33 miles (summer)
- Martin Hill in Bedford County: 18 miles
- Sideling Hill/Ray’s Hill area of Fulton County: 15 miles
- Skill Level: 55% Moderate / 45% Easy (approximate)
- Usage: Moderate
- Open: Memorial Day weekend – last weekend in September
- Vehicles Allowed: Registered Class II ATVs < 58” and < 1,200 lbs. No motorcycles/dirt bikes allowed.
1) Martin Hill ATV Trail System
18 miles of old forest, logging, service roads and trails that travel through a heavily wooded area. They’re a mix of easy and moderate.
There are some extremely narrow sections that are over grown with encroaching bushes and trees. Wear long sleeves so you don’t get scratched up.
Large loose rocks and some rocky hill climbs are as bad as it gets. Overall, not extremely technical, just not total newbie friendly.
Martin Hill ATV Trail Brochure (with map)
2) Sideling Hill/Ray’s Hill
15 miles of old forest roads, trails and logging roads.
Some portions of this trail are narrow with some rough sections that may not be suitable for new riders.
Sideling Hill/Ray’s Hill Brochure (with map)
Sproul State Forest – 2 Trails
1) Whiskey Springs ATV Trail
Overview
- Location: Westport PA
- Trail Miles: 50 miles (summer and winter)
- Skill Level: Easy/Moderate/Advanced
- Usage: Heavy
- Open: Memorial Day weekend – last Sunday in September. Reopens after deer season for winter riding
- Vehicles Allowed: Class II ATV’s < 64” and < 1,800 lbs
Miles of ATV trails in a former strip mining area that is still bare and scarred. Trails are on former mining and forest roads, so they’re primarily easy.
In addition to the surreal barren strip mines, riders will also enjoy beautiful, heavily forested rolling hills. There are seven scenic vistas where riders can enjoy the view as they ride.
In June, acres of mountain laurel begin to boom, covering the hill in delicate, light pink flowers.
2) Bloody Skillet ATV Trails
Overview
- Location: Orviston PA
- Trail Miles: 38 miles (summer and winter)
- Skill Level: Easy/Moderate/Advanced
- Usage: Heavy
- Open: Memorial Day weekend – last Sunday in September. Reopens after deer season for winter riding
- Vehicles Allowed: Class II ATV’s < 64” and < 1,800 lbs
I estimate that about 96% of the trails are easy, with a few small moderate and advanced sections. Three old strip mining pits now serve as advanced riding areas.
This is a former strip mining area with most of the trails being former mining roads. In some parts, the land is still stripped bare, while other sections have begun to grow back.
Trails travel through forests and hills with some overlook vista areas to soak up the view.
Future plans include expanded riding opportunities in the area, but the timeline hasn’t been fully formalized.
Camping is allowed on the trail, but you need to purchase a camping permit at the District Office.
Bloody Skillet ATV Trail (with map)
Lyman Run State Park/Susquehannock ATV Trail
Overview
- Location: Coudersport PA
- Trail Miles: 43 miles of multiple connected loops (summer)
- Skill Level: Easy
- Usage: Heavy
- Open: Memorial Day weekend – last Sunday in September
- Vehicles Allowed: Registered Class 1 and Class II ATVs
This is one of the nicest family friendly ATV trails in Pennsylvania.
The entire trail system is on hard packed dirt and gravel that meanders through a forested area.
No cars, trucks, golf carts, dune buggies, or motorcycles allowed on the trail.
Camping On Susquehannock ATV Trail
Lyman Run State Park
Lyman Run State Park is a great option for camping on the Susquehannock ATV Trail.
Lyman Run is not ride in ride out.
You have to keep your ATVs/OHVs on a trailer at all times. You will have to trailer and unload at one of the trailheads.
Campground is open from the second weekend in April to the end of deer season in December. Pets allowed in designated sites. Reservations accepted.
Trailhead Camping
- Rock Run Trailhead – free camping permit required
- Sunken Branch Trailhead – free camping permit required
Susquehannock ATV Trail Brochure (with map)
Susquehannock ATV Trail Parking/Staging Areas
This trail connects to the Sweden Twp. Road system, which is open to ATV’s, near the intersection of the Billy Lewis Road, Irish Farm Road, and US Rte. 6. These roads are also open to ATV use, so riders will find additional miles open to riding.
- Forest District Office – Main Trailhead
- Located on US Route 6 at Denton Hill. Lots of room for vehicles and trailers.
- Sunken Branch Trailhead
- This trailhead along Sunken Branch Road offers ample parking for trucks and vehicles with trailers. Camping permitted at this trailhead. A free permit is required.
- Route 44 Trailhead
- This trailhead along PA Route 44 offers ample parking for trucks and vehicles with trailers.
- Rock Run Trailhead
- This trailhead along Rock Run Road offers a small parking lot for trucks and vehicles with trailers. Camping permitted at this trailhead. A free permit is required.
- Lyman Trailhead
- There is a small ATV trailhead that is limited to five trailers and has a vault restroom. The food concession at Lyman Beach is within walking distance of the ATV trailhead. ATV use is not permitted beyond the trail and trailhead at the state park.
Delaware State Forest – 4 Trails
Overview
- Location: Pecks Pond PA
- Trail Miles:
- Maple Run Tract: 8 miles (summer)
- Dixon R. Miller Recreation Area (Formerly Pohopoco Tract): 13 miles (summer and winter)
- Burnt Mills ATV trail: 7 miles (summer and winter)
- Dancing Ridge: 1,800 acres for disabled riders only (year round)
- Skill Level: Easy
- Usage: Moderate
- Open: Memorial Day weekend – last Sunday in September. Reopens after deer season for winter riding
- Vehicles Allowed: Registered Class I & Class II ATV’s < 58″ and < 1,200 lbs
1) Maple Run
Maple Run Trailhead: Parking area is off Route 402 – 1-3/4 miles north of the village of Pecks Pond
2) Dixon R. Miller Recreation Area
Dixon R. Miller Recreation Area Trailhead: Access is from Route 115 five miles south of I-80
Dixon R. Miller Recreation Area Map
3) Burnt Mills ATV Trail
Burnt Mills ATV Trail Trailhead: Parking area is on Route 402 one mile south of Porters Lake
4) Dancing Ridge
The Dancing Ridge disabled sportsperson area has 1,800 acres available year-round to disabled ATV operators.
Contact the district office to obtain an application form and detailed information. ATV’s must be registered with the DCNR, covered by liability insurance, and comply with other regulations.
Bald Eagle State Forest – 3 Trails
Overview
- Location: Bald Eagle State Forest / Glen Iron PA
- Trails:
- East Kettle ATV Trail: 20 miles (summer)
- Vehicles Allowed: Registered Class I & II ATVs < 58” and < 1,200 lbs
- Skill Level: Mixed skill levels – 96% Easy
- Seven Mountains (Sand Mountain Dual Sport Trails): 90 miles (summer)
- Vehicles Allowed: Street legal dual sport only! 650cc or smaller recommended. No motocross or unlicensed bikes permitted. No ATVs
- Skill Level: Mixed
- Shade Mountain OH Motorcycle Trails: 17 miles approx. (summer)
- Vehicles Allowed: OHM (doesn’t have to be street legal). No ATVs
- Skill Level: Advanced
- East Kettle ATV Trail: 20 miles (summer)
- Usage: Heavy
- Open: Memorial Day weekend – last Sunday in September. Reopens after deer season for winter riding
1) East Kettle ATV Trail
Most of these trails are easy and accessible to riders of all skill levels.
There are 3 short moderate sections and 1 short advanced section. These sections are completely optional and avoidable if you only want to ride the easy sections.
This trail system is on old logging and forest service roads which make for easy travel.
The moderate sections are overgrown with shrub encroaching on the trail, this makes them very narrow in parts. There are also big loose rocks. Be sure to wear long sleeves so you don’t get scratched up.
Trailhead is 3 miles south of Glen Iron along Route 235
East Kettle ATV Trail Brochure (with map)
2) Seven Mountains (Sand Mountain Dual Sport Trail System)
This trail has a mix of trails for all skill levels – forest road, drivable trail, double track and single track.
Advanced riders can enjoy the more challenging narrow, steep, rocky and off camber sections. These more advanced riding trails are optional and can be avoided if you’re not up for the challenge.
Trails are marked with a purple dual sport trail blaze.
Trailheads
Access is from two parking areas, one on the east side and one on the west side
Jack’s Mountain Parking Area: 3 miles south of Glen Iron along Route 235, on the west side of Rte. 235
Sand Mountain Trail Head: Along Rte. 322 West
Sand Mountain Dual Sport Trail System West Brochure (with map)
3) Shade Mountain OH Motorcycle Trails
Lots of rocks!
Overall, Shade Mountain is geared more towards advanced riders. The trails are steep, rocky, narrow and off camber.
Mileage information about this trail is hard to come by. I dug deep and the best that I could find is that this trail is somewhere between 17 and 30 miles long. According to the map, it looks to be about 17 miles.
Shade Mountain OH Motorcycle Trails Map (riding area is at the bottom of the map in the center)
Michaux State Forest ATV Trail System
Overview
- Location: Gardners PA
- Trail Miles: 35 miles (summer) / 42 miles (winter)
- Skill Level: Easy / Moderate / Advanced
- Usage: Heavy
- Open:Memorial Day weekend – last Sunday in September. Reopens after deer season for winter riding
- Vehicles Allowed: Registered Class II ATVs. No dual sport or dirt bikes allowed
This trail system has a good mix of trails for riders of all skill levels. Old logging roads and forest service roads are perfect for beginners while more advance riders will enjoy the narrow, steep rocky climbs of Rocky Pass and Grave Ridge.
The trail breakdown is about 40% easy, 55% moderate and 5% advanced.
In the winter, ATVs share parts of the trail with snowmobiles.
Michaux State Forest ATV Trail System
Related Post: ATV Parks In PA
- ATVs are required to be registered and insured to ride the ATV trails in Pennsylvania
- ATV trails on state forest lands are open Memorial Day weekend – last weekend in September
- Pennsylvania has special rules for disabled riders that allow them additional trail access. A DCNR permit is required.
- There are 777 miles of ATV trails in Pennsylvania state forests + 100 miles of ATV trails in Allegheny National Forest.
- All ATVs in Pennsylvania must by registered and titled with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. $20 every two years.
- Some ATV trails open again after deer season for winter use
- Winter season is from mid-December to April 1. Check with the forest district for winter use restrictions.
While riding your ATV, you must carry with you or on the vehicle:
- Certificate of registration
- Proof of liability insurance
- Registration plate affixed to the vehicle
- Expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration)
- Valid safety certificate (ages 8-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property)
- Pennsylvania has special rules regarding youth operators
Pennsylvania ATV Laws Brochure
Out Of State Riders
- Non-resident registration is accepted if the following apply:
- The other state has a registration program in effect
- The machine from the other state displays a current registration sticker from that state
- The other state must accept a PA registered ATV’s (reciprocity)
Pennsylvania Youth Operator Rules
- Children under 8 years old are not allowed to operate an ATV on state property
- Youth operators ages 8-15 are required to complete an ATV safety training course and receive an ATV training certificate to ride on public ATV trails in Pennsylvania
- Children 8-9 years old can only ride ATVs with engine sizes 70cc or less
ATV Trails In Pennsylvania
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