ATV Riding Near Atlanta, Georgia: 10 Best Trails & Parks

Atlanta, Georgia, renowned for its bustling city life and cultural attractions, also boasts a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts – ATV riding. Exploring its natural beauty and thrilling trails is the perfect escape from the urban bustle. In this article, let’s delve into the best ATV trails near Atlanta.

The best ATV trails in Georgia are predominantly private, with some housed within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. While these recreation areas are recognized for their trail systems and rentals, they are about a 1-4 hour drive from Atlanta.

Here are ten best places to ride your ATV around Atlanta:

1. Durhamtown Off-Road Resort
2. Highland Park Off-Road Resort
3. Beasley Knob OHV Trails
4. Moccasin Creek Off-Road Park
5. Houston Valley OHV Trails
6. Rockcrusher Farm
7. Fat Daddy’s ATV Park
8. Iron Mountain Park
9. 5313 Off-Road Park
10. Locust Stake OHV Trail System

Although it’s a good few hours’ drive from the city, you’ll be rewarded with destinations offering extensive trail systems, challenging terrains, and scenic landscapes. These venues provide the most stunning vistas and interesting detours you’ll ever find in the region.

The state is known as a mudfest hotspot — meaning there are tons of muddy trails — in addition to horseback riding, biking, and cruising — to enjoy and explore!

If you’re new to ATV riding or prefer a guided experience, Atlanta offers a range of guided tours. Professional guides lead you through scenic trails, ensuring both safety and fun. These tours provide fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna and often include stops at points of interest, which may include the off-road parks below.

Best ATV Trails and Parks Near Atlanta, GA

1. Durhamtown Off-Road Resort

A little over an hour from Atlanta, Durhamtown Off-Road Resort in Union Point sprawls over 5,000 acres with 150 miles of versatile trails. This trail system caters to ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s and welcomes novice to experienced riders. Ride passes range from $30 to $75 per person (slightly higher during winter), with a $15 fee for spectators and free entry for children under eight.

The property hosts MX and SxS racing tournaments with schedules posted on the Durhamtown Off-Road Resort official website (alongside park safety rules and other pertinent information). Rental hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a strict 2:00 PM cutoff on vehicle rentals. Weekends mandate full-day rentals and advance reservations, particularly for dirt bikes, ATVs, and SxS.

Rental rates vary from $100—$599 for half-day and $250—$799 for full-day rentals. These figures exclude damage deposits from $1,000 to $4,500, depending on the machine rented. As for cabin rentals, costs are between $40 and $300 — depending on the cabin’s area, inclusions, and group size capacity.

Hunters are also welcome, with daily rates of $300 per person and $250 for each subsequent day. Bringing a family member as an observer costs an additional $50. Annual hunting packages range from $350 to $1,750, valid for a year from purchase. Riding hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on trails and until 6:00 PM on tracks, strictly enforced for safety.

2. Highland Park Off-Road Resort

Highland Park Off-Road Resort, located in Cedartown, GA, offers 90 miles of trails amidst scenic terrain. It caters to various riders, welcoming ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and riders of all experience levels.

Riding fees vary from $10 to $75, with a $5 discount per person for advanced payments for each additional day. Spectators and children aged seven and below enter free of charge. The park doesn’t charge a gate fee but requires registration and signing a liability release form for both riders and spectators.

Riding hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily, with rental hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Late returns of rented ORVs incur a $50 surcharge, with higher fees if the rental machine requires retrieval or is misplaced. The park closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and running engines after closing is strictly prohibited.

For those seeking accommodations, tent and RV camping is available free of charge. For RVs requiring a 120V electrical hookup, there is a $10 nightly fee, and there’s accessible water on-site. Camping cabins start at $79 per night and have private toilets and showers, including dressing rooms.

Safety gear is mandatory, including helmets, eye protection, and over-the-ankle leather or motorcycle boots (view on Amazon). The park offers rentals for helmets and riding boots at reasonable rates, and affordable alternatives for eye protection and gloves are available for purchase.

3. Beasley Knob OHV Trails

Spanning 13.4 miles of challenging terrain, Beasley Knob OHV Trails encompasses a mix of interconnecting dirt trails, rock hill climbs, and gravel roads within the Chattahoochee National Forest and is a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. This off-road haven caters to experienced riders and welcomes ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and 4×4 vehicles.

For convenience, there are two trailheads where riders can access the OHV trail: Satterfield Trailhead and Blue Rock Trailhead. At the Satterfield Trailhead, you’ll find a vault toilet facility offering essential amenities for visitors.

Day passes are available for a nominal fee of $5 and can be obtained digitally through this website or in person at the Blue Ridge Ranger District Office. For those planning frequent visits to various OHV locations, annual passes priced at $50 per operator are valid not only for Beasley Knob but also for Houston Valley, Whissenhunt, Town Creek, Oakey Mountain, and Davenport OHV Trails.

The off-roading season runs from mid-March to January 2nd, with the trails temporarily closed from January 3rd through March to protect the natural resources. For the safety and preservation of the property, the night riding and the use of bolted, studded, or tire chains are strictly prohibited.

4. Moccasin Creek Off-Road Park

Moccasin Creek Off-Road Park is three hours and 52 minutes away from Atlanta via I-75 N. Located in Blackshear, this park has eight miles of well-maintained trails sprawled on 500 acres of land — offering a diverse off-roading experience on trails, across water crossings, and through mud. It also features a 1-mile stretch along the Satilla River, complete with sandbars and river beach access.

Amenities include a kid zone play pit, hiking trails, wash stations, and numerous camping sites equipped with water hookups, 12 full RV hookups, and a climate-controlled bathhouse. Full hookup camping reservations are exclusively available online, while dry RV camping and primitive camping are included in the ticket price.

Guests are required to sign a waiver, conveniently accessible on their official website. Quiet hours are enforced from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM for a peaceful camping experience.

Moccasin Creek Off-Road Park is known for hosting many events and concerts. As of this writing, they have exciting events lined up until December 29th.

5. Houston Valley OHV Trails

This popular 25-mile motorized trail system extends over 22.7 miles and offers a range of trails, rated from easy to difficult, within a wooded setting. The trail system is known for its difficulty level but generally accommodates riders with various experience levels.

Day passes for this trail system are available for $5 and can be conveniently obtained digitally through the Recreation.gov website or the Conasauga Ranger District Office. Annual passes, priced at $50 per operator, are valid for several designated locations, including Whissenhunt, Beasley Knob, Town Creek, Oakey Mountain, and Davenport OHV Trails.

It’s essential to note that the trails are closed during significant rain events to protect the natural resources. Additionally, no ORV or equipment rentals are available on-site, so visitors should bring their own. In this respect, the open season runs from April to December 31st, and riding hours are between 8:00 AM—12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—4:30 PM, from Mondays to Fridays.

Know that the Houston Valley OHV Trails only welcome motorbikes and ATVs not exceeding 50″ in axle width. Also, the area provides designated paved parking for up to 35 tow vehicles and an ADA loading ramp for accessibility. For safety, children under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed driver. Lastly, contact the Conasauga Ranger District for real-time information on trail status and conditions.

6. Rockcrusher Farm

Initially established as Rockcrusher MX twenty years ago, this working cattle and agricultural farm is situated at the junction of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Spanning 560 acres, the Rockcrusher Farm boasts 20 miles of trails, including six directional trails and four MX tracks. As if that were not enough, it also offers 15 miles of 5-diamond-rated trails and 11 extreme hill climbs for more technical or advanced riders.

The park (best accessible via McDonald Road in Hayesville, North Carolina) operates primarily on an advertised-event basis, hosting Open Ride Days, Races, Training sessions, and other Special Events. For regular ride days, they welcome dirt bikes, dual-sport bikes, ATVs, and SxS. The rate is $20 per rider or passenger each day, with no charge for spectating or parking.

Remarkably, Rockcrusher MX is the only off-road trail/park in this guide that welcomes non-aggressive and kenneled/leashed pets within its grounds. Conversely, it prohibits overnight camping and is closed during heavy rain and inclement weather conditions.

It’s also important to note that the park has no fixed, regular schedule. So for the most current information on park status and opening hours, it’s advisable to contact them directly.

7. Fat Daddy’s ATV Park

A 4-hour drive from Atlanta via I-75 N, Fat Daddy’s ATV Park covers 500 acres of trails, mud areas, hills, and sandy tracks suitable for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. It caters to riders of all experience levels, from beginners to intermediates, and operates with a daily rate of $25 on weekdays and $50 to $60 on weekends. Kids under eight years old enjoy free entry unless they are actively riding.

Riding hours are from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the park closing to patrons at 5:00 PM on Sundays. On Saturdays and Sundays, gates open 30 minutes earlier for guests and riders eager to start their off-road adventures. The park also provides ample primitive camping opportunities and enforces specific riding and camping regulations, available in detail on its official website for visitors to review.

8. Iron Mountain Park

In Dahlonega, GA, Iron Mountain Park sprawls across 4,300 acres with over 150 miles of diverse trails featuring hills, rocks, and scenic routes suitable for dirt bikes and ORVs. It accommodates riders from beginners to intermediates, with park passes ranging from $10 to $75 depending on the type of vehicle.

Iron Mountain is Georgia’s largest family off-road park and camping destination. It offers round-the-clock access to its trails and a restaurant that operates seven days a week for visitors to enjoy.

9. 5313 Off-Road Park

5313 Off-Road Park in Calhoun is the closest to Atlanta, Georgia, of all trails and parks in this guide. It covers 112 acres and offers a diverse terrain featuring trails, mud, hills, and rocks suitable for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and 4×4 vehicles, accommodating riders of all skill levels. For current rates and pertinent information about its operations, it’s advisable to inquire directly with the park or check its official Facebook page.

10. Locust Stake OHV Trail System

(The lower section is closed until further notice.)

Locust Stake OHV Trail System is situated in Toccoa, GA, offering outdoor enthusiasts an extensive riding area with 1.2 miles of interconnected trails. Although the majority of these trails are relatively short, riders have the flexibility to connect them and create more diverse routes for their off-road adventures.

The trails within this system are known for their excellent maintenance standards. They are regularly graded to ensure a smooth and safe riding experience and are generally devoid of rocks, enhancing overall rideability.

Locust Stake caters to a wide range of off-road vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s. However, the USDA website doesn’t specify the axle-width limit for ORVs. It’s also essential to note that the trail system undergoes a seasonal closure from January 1st through March 31st each year. Hence, patrons should plan accordingly.

For the most up-to-date information regarding the status of the trail system and its schedules, it’s best to contact the Chattooga River Ranger District hotline. This ensures you get accurate information about any changes or closures before planning your visit to this exciting off-road destination.

Conclusion — Best ATV Trails Near Atlanta, Georgia

To recap, here are the best places for ATV riding in Atlanta:

1. Durhamtown Off-Road Resort
2. Highland Park Off-Road Resort
3. Beasley Knob OHV Trails
4. Moccasin Creek Off-Road Park
5. Houston Valley OHV Trails
6. Rockcrusher Farm
7. Fat Daddy’s ATV Park
8. Iron Mountain Park
9. 5313 Off-Road Park
10. Locust Stake OHV Trail System

With hundreds of miles of trails and numerous riding spots in every corner of the Peach State, enthusiasts may find it challenging to adhere to the last part of the state’s motto, ‘Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.’ Perhaps this is one of the reasons behind the strict regulations and resource conservation initiatives implemented in the region.

But limitations aside, Atlanta and its neighboring cities are well worth every rider’s self-restraint. After all, as off-roading enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to ensure the preservation of Georgia’s natural beauty and environment for the next generation of riders.