14 Best ATV Trails in PA – Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a wealth of trails and recreation parks to offer ATV enthusiasts thanks to its landscape variety, mountains, hills and ridges, and dedication to keep the trails in top shape.

Riding on ATV trails in PA is a great way to explore the natural world in the Keystone State, and it will enable you to get familiar with some incredible places. It’s also an enjoyable way to get to the best viewpoints! So, what are the best ATV trails in PA?

From stand-alone smaller routes to big trails and recreation parks, here are our top 14 ATV trails in PA:

1. Marienville Trail
2. Allegheny National Forest ATV Trails
3. Rock Run Recreation Area
4. Darkwater OHV Trail
5. Mountain Ridge ATV Park
6. The Lost Trails ATV Adventures
7. Mines Meadows ATV/RV Resort
8. Famous Reading Outdoors
9. East Kettle ATV Trail
10. Burnt Mills
11. Bloody Skillet ATV Trail
12. Bayview OHV Area
13. Haneyville ATV Trails
14. Indian Creek Valley ATV Club

Whether you’re looking for a quick scenic ride or a long day out, there are lots of public ATV trails in PA, as well as great ATV parks and clubs on private land to discover. Pennsylvania is an outdoor-loving state where off-road riding can be an absolute joy, so let’s have a look at the best spots for PA ATV trails.

14 Best ATV Trails in PA

1. Marienville Trail

Situated within the Allegheny National Forest, Marienville Trail can be accessed easily through the trailhead 10.5 miles northeast of Marienville, PA. The trailhead actually opens up access to the whole trail system within Allegheny National Forest, with Marienville Trail itself representing 14.2 miles out of over 100 miles of ATV trails available in the forest. It is one-way only, but you can connect to others such as Penoke Trail and Timberline Trail, which are on either side of the trailhead.

2. Allegheny National Forest ATV Trails

While Marienville, Penoke, and Timberline Trails are part of the southern trails of the Allegheny National Forest, there is more fun to be found on the northern side with Rocky Gap and Willow Creek Trails.

These make up 50 miles of riding together and are on the more to most difficult side of ratings, which will make them an exciting challenge. Find out more about all Allegheny National Forest ATV trails here, including maps and useful contacts.

3. Rock Run Recreation Area

Over 140 miles of dedicated ATV trails await in this park located in Northern Cambria and Southern Clearfield counties. Trail maps highlight the difficulty level of each route, so you know what to expect. You need to pay to ride in the park ($15.00 Wednesday or Thursday, $22.00 Friday to Sunday per driver), and they are open from April to October. Times change, so check their website before heading over.

At Rock Run, you can expect to climb to the very top of the Allegheny Mountains and get spectacular views. The park also has various events throughout the year, the highlight being the ATV Summer Blast taking place every August with fun rides, demos, and raffles.

4. Darkwater OHV Trail

Head over to Pottsville, PA, for this 30-mile trail, which offers open and woody parts, twisting trails, and lots of variety. You’ll gain up to 3,000 ft of elevation throughout, so be prepared to climb!

5. Mountain Ridge ATV Park

Another dedicated PA ATV trail paradise, the Mountain Ridge Park, has more than 140 miles of trails in some amazing forest scenery near Reels Corner, in Eastern Somerset County. With six easy trails, six moderate, and four marked as hard, they have something for everyone. Moreover, you can camp in primitive camping sites, camp spots with electric hook-ups, or rent a rustic cabin to stay on-site.

There is a park fee, and rates vary from weekday to weekend; however, you will have access to lots of excellent facilities and great riding while you’re there. Mountain Ridge also organizes night rides and other events throughout the year, so it’s worth sticking around for more than one day. If you’re looking for ATV parks in PA, this is one to visit.

6. The Lost Trails ATV Adventures

Open all year, this park is just 25 minutes north of the Ponoco Mountains in Dunmore, PA. It offers excellent ATV trails across 2,000 acres of their property. Riding here is technical, and there is a large variety of terrain. You’ll get stunning views by climbing to the top of the Ponoco Mountains. All trails are mapped and marked.

What’s more, there is a kids’ riding area with a set of places for them to get their skills in while they’re young.

The park also organizes ATV rental tours and a few other guided adventures, and there are lodging options on-site, too.

7. Mines Meadows ATV/RV Resort

How about an ATV resort for your next visit to Pennsylvania? That’s what Mines Meadows call their ATV trail park, featuring 84 miles of recreational trails on 877 acres of land in Western PA. This is the only ATV park where you can also ride underground!

The mines the park is based around provide lots of thrills, different perspectives, and an all-around fantastic experience. You can purchase a day pass for $25 or stay the night and go for one of the many camping options as well. Don’t miss their events either!

8. Famous Reading Outdoors

This is a coal mining company that’s opened their property up for ATV riding, offering a wide variety of trails on hills, open play areas, valleys, and steep climbs. Many of the trails are on old mining roads and will take you back in time a little.

You can ride all year at Famous Reading Outdoors, but the area is open to hunters in winter, so you need to make sure you’re wearing highly visible colors. To ride here, you’ll need a permit that can be ordered online.

9. East Kettle ATV Trail

You will find this 16-mile trail in Bald Eagle State Forest, allowing you to enjoy mixed hardwood forest scenery on a mostly easy trail. The hardpacked terrain is excellent for beginners, although there are side trails that offer a bigger challenge, and there are also some gravel sections. ATVs can be ridden here free of charge as long as you have your insurance, and the vehicle is registered. Find out more about how to get there here.

10. Burnt Mills

Burnt Mills ATV trails are 7 miles long and can be found in Delaware State Forest. This PA ATV trail is scenic and easy to ride, as it offers hardpacked terrain and is relatively flat. This makes it ideal for beginners, especially as it’s not a very long trail, it’s free to ride, and is open most of the year except deer hunting season.

11. Bloody Skillet ATV Trail

Another old coal-mining road section turned ATV trail, Bloody Skillet in Sproul State Forest, takes you into the woods and over shallow creek crossings and bridges. Expect to find deer, bears, and wild turkey when riding here.

The trail is open except for the hunting season, so you can also enjoy it in winter. And what’s the reason for the name? It’s believed to be linked with an old farm and slaughterhouse used when the area was used for coal mining.

12. Bayview OHV Area

Head to Shenango River Lake for this area with 200 acres of ATV trails on the western shores. There are mud holes and hill climbs, but overall, the trails are on the easy side and welcoming to riders who are just starting out. You also have the option of staying at Shenango Campground a few miles away. Be aware, however, that these trails are open from 1 October to Memorial Day weekend.

13. Haneyville ATV Trails

Located in Tiadaghon State Forest, these trails are also free to ride and offer exceptional riding conditions with varied terrain on old logging roads over 17 miles long. The great thing about these ATV trails is that they’re marked, easy to follow, and require a mix of skill levels. Find out more here.

14. Indian Creek Valley ATV Club

Indian Creek Valley ATV Club is a private location with 40 miles of ATV trails maintained by the club. There are various levels of difficulty on the trails, and the club organizes a range of events throughout the year. A downside is that you have to be a member to ride here.

ATV Riding in PA – A Few Quick Notes

Before you hop on your ATV, you’ll need to be mindful that PA state parks require you to bring your certificate of registration and proof of liability insurance with you at all times. You’ll also need to make sure your ATV is registered with any expiration stickers if it’s not an unlimited registration.

People aged 8 to 15 can ride on public ATV trails as long as they have a valid safety certificate.

Information for ATV trails in PA state parks and forests can be found here. There are also some suggestions of places to ride. Another excellent trail resource is via the DCNR website.

Finally, check with the national and state parks websites whether you need to have a permit to ride on their trails (you do for Allegheny National Forest trails, for example). And be aware that many PA ATV trails are shared with motorbikes, dirt bikes, and sometimes hikers and their dogs. So, if this is indicated at the trailhead, be extra cautious!

Conclusion – ATV Trails in PA

So, where are the top ATV trails in PA? To summarize, here they are once again:

1. Marienville Trail
2. Allegheny National Forest ATV Trails
3. Rock Run Recreation Area
4. Darkwater OHV Trail
5. Mountain Ridge ATV Park
6. The Lost Trails ATV Adventures
7. Mines Meadows ATV/RV Resort
8. Famous Reading Outdoors
9. East Kettle ATV Trail
10. Burnt Mills
11. Bloody Skillet ATV Trail
12. Bayview OHV Area
13. Haneyville ATV Trails
14. Indian Creek Valley ATV Club

If you’re heading to Pennsylvania for an ATV trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the various trail options, free or paid. There are many parks to hone your skills in or ATV trails in the wild once you’re more adventurous. Coupled with the excellent camping facilities and all the other outdoor sports and activities you can enjoy simultaneously, PA ATV trails offer a fantastic holiday option.