12 Best 4×4 Off Road Trails NY: New York

New York is surrounded by an environment perfect for off-roading. There are beautiful trails, well-maintained dirt roads, wooded scenery, canals, farms, and open grasslands.

Jeep offroad trails and venues for ATV riding in NY may not be in proximity to your favorite museums, bars, and restaurants, but they are definitely worth the trip from the city. So check out some of the best off road trails NY has to offer.

Here are the 12 best off road trails in New York:

1. Hunter Mountain Resort
2. Tall Pines ATV Park
3. Northeast Off-Road Adventures
4. Demon Run ATV Trails
5. Mettowee Off Road Extreme Park
6. Tar Hallow
7. Bear Run ATV Park
8. Hilltown Riders OHV Club
9. Tug Hill Adirondacks ATV Association
10. Fields of Dreams Family 4WD Farm
11. North Country ATV Association NYTRO
12. Oswego County ATV Club

New York is famous for its top-notch art and Broadway musicals, gigantic baseball stadiums, and tourist attractions. It also offers excellent outdoor activities, including off-roading. If you’re in the city or nearby, this article will highlight some of the best off road trails in NY to adventure.

12 Best 4×4 Off Road Trails NY

1. Hunter Mountain Resort

East of Catskill is Hunter Mountain, a popular destination with miles of Jeep trails to explore. It is frequented more in the winter, but activities like scenic sky rides, zipline adventures, and hiking make it quite popular during the summer. You can join an organized Jeep club or book a trip with Hunter Mountain’s 4X4 Off-Road Adventures.

You can choose from one- and two-day trips that include passing through the resort’s remote west-side logging trails, climbing up a 3,200-foot summit, meals, and an overnight stay on the mountain. Look forward to a full day of stream crossing, mud pass, and crawling over logs and rocks.

2. Tall Pines ATV Park

This 1,600-acre 4 x 4 mudding park is northwest of Andover near Barrett Hill Road and Jones Road. It has over 70 miles of wooded trails featuring mud bogs, an obstacle course, motocross tracks, and smooth field roads. Enthusiasts flock to Tall Pines ATV Park for its family-friendly atmosphere and its selection of hilly ATV trails, single-track dirt bike trails, and diverse terrain.

Off-roaders of all skill levels enjoy riding its rocky trails, muddy areas, and wide-open spots. Collectively, there are 49 sections throughout the entire trail system ranging from Cow Path to Bee Hive Road.

Vehicles permitted on the property are ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. Jeeps and other 4WD vehicles are not allowed. There are plenty of cabins and campsites throughout the park costing $10 per person per night. Camping fees include shower facilities (limited to 10 minutes maximum).

Meals have to be purchased separately from Kate’s Kitchen, which serves full breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals every Saturday and Sunday. Riding fees are not inclusive in the camping charges, so you should purchase the $30 two-day pass if you want to limit your expenses. If you’re looking for ATV trails in NY, Tall Pines ATV Park is a great destination.

3. Northeast Off-Road Adventures

Located in Ellenville, NY, this offroad 4×4 park features a 75-acre mountain top facility that offers 4WD training, driving, and event tours. Its unique SOAR program helps people with mobility disabilities to enjoy adaptive outdoor recreation. All you need is less than two hours’ drive from NYC to reach these 68 acres of rugged, challenging, and thrilling trails. NORA also holds Overland Fundamentals and other public classes that greatly benefit beginner to advanced off-roaders. You can progress from learning the basics to navigating 26-degree declines and finding your lines over boulders. There’s nowhere closer to NYC where you can tackle challenging terrain and enjoy fellow enthusiasts’ company.

4. Demon Run ATV Trails

This 1,000-acre hardwood forest west of Bath, New York, offers 20 miles of well-marked and properly rated wood trails, grassy meadows, play pits, and beautiful forestry. The terrain has varying difficulty, and about 90% of the park trails meander through mature forest with lots of moderate elevation changes – from smooth to narrow to winding. The property holds festivities, night rides, and scheduled memorial events.

Registered quads, motorcycles, and UTVs are permitted but must have an exhaust silencer or end cap. They must also have liability insurance before entering the property. You can find full-service campgrounds in nearby Lake Demmon Recreation Area. When planning to visit the park, take note that trails close during the first week of deer hunting season.

A day pass for riding is $20 per rider. It is worth every penny as you see crops and farm animals. You can even save more by purchasing monthly or seasonal passes, ranging between $25 and $140 (covering a whole family). Check out Demon Run ATV Trails’ Facebook page for more details.

5. Mettowee Off Road Extreme Park

Mettowee Offroad Extreme Park is considered by many to be the perfect getaway if you want some 4WD action. A few hours’ drive toward the New Hampshire border will reward you with a 120-acre park that welcomes all 4×4 vehicles – Jeeps, OHVs, trucks/SUVs, and ATVs/UTVs.

This New York off road park offers almost every outdoor activity imaginable – from steep rock crawling to trail explorations. Plus, it is a popular venue for racing and mud bog events, including the annual Sling Fling Mudfest.

Admission fees range from $10 to $30 depending on age (children six years old and below come in free). The gates open Saturdays from 8 AM – 8 PM and Sundays from 8 AM – 6 PM. There is no camping on-site, but avid frequenters can still enjoy wheeled activities in the park.

Take note that trails become slick and more challenging after thunderstorms but if you are not a fan of slippery surfaces, visit the park between March and August. Also, riders must wear helmets and attach whip flags to their four-wheelers for safety.

6. Tar Hallow

Tar Hallow ATV Ride (the park’s official name) is situated east of Hancock, New York, and north just past the East Branch Delaware River. This off road trail in New York draws hundreds of quad riders throughout the year, especially during their Spring and Fall events held every June and September.

The area has grown in popularity with Jeep clubs like the Long Island Off Road Club. Events like this typically charge for drivers and additional passengers, and camping. Organized group rides at Tar Hallow entertain novice to experience off-roaders. You can choose between self-guided and guided trail rides, depending on your experience and driving capability.

7. Bear Run ATV Park

Ten miles of well-maintained ATV trails were carved into this 750-acre property in The Woods at Bear Creek Glamping Resort in the heart of Franklinville, NY. Since 2015, Bear Run ATV Park offers off-roading enjoyment to enthusiasts through its moderately challenging trails. All machines used on the property must be registered and insured, except for UTVs that only require insurance. Furthermore, riders using the park are required to sign a waiver and abide by the park rules.

The glamping resort is so picturesque that it is not limited to offroading. Guests can also hold banquets and wedding ceremonies. Even for a regular off-roading stay, the park provides luxurious overnight accommodations. Guests can stay in one of 80 RV sites, a cabin, or a tent.

Paddle boating, kayaking, swimming, playing tennis, taking a ride on the 1,400-feet long zip line, and registering for the Dice Run are among other activities that you can do here. Amenities also include the Bear Creek Lodge, where riders can access all their food and beverage needs. So if you’re looking for a good ATV trail in NY, check out Bear Run ATV Park.

8. Hilltown Riders OHV Club

If you’re looking for off road trails near Albany NY, This ATV membership club is about 20 minutes away. It contains 2,000 beautiful acres that feature 30 miles of well-maintained and properly marked trails – from easy to very difficult. To ride on the land, you must either be a member or obtain a guest pass.

To be a member, you need to have an insured ATV, dirt bike, or SxS. Not only are you going to enjoy trail riding on the property, but you will also have access to area events such as arenacross, motocross, county fairs, and other OHV events occurring in the capital region.

Only ATVs designed for two riders are allowed on the property for two-up riding. The park does not allow rigs modified to accommodate a rider and passenger by attaching a rear seat within the premises. Additionally, all riders are required to wear DOT-approved helmets.

If you live further away but would like to ride here, check out lodging near I-90 in East Greenbush. For a full list of guidelines, view their FAQs page, or contact them via post, phone, or email.

9. Tug Hill Adirondacks ATV Association

Tug Hill Adirondack ATV Association serves as an advocate for the ATV riding community and helps clubs in several surrounding counties. Presently, the association serves four counties in the Tug Hill Adirondack area. Previously known as Lewis County ATV Trail System, it encompasses about 600 miles of trails with more to come – all in conjunction with other agencies and Lewis Counties Chamber of Commerce.

The place is a dream to ride and looks even more striking with changing tree hues in the fall. The Moose River Plains Wild Forest shows how beautiful these multicolored trees can be.

You must have a registered, insured vehicle and a trail permit to ride on the trails. You can also opt for a club or individual membership. Fees range between $10 and $200. Once a member, you can get up to 30% off regular ATV trail permit pricing, reducing your first trail permit to $45 and $20 for succeeding ATV permits in the same household.

10. Fields of Dreams Family 4WD Farm

Located 30 miles north of Syracuse is Fields of Dreams Family 4WD Farm. This 100-acre property offers tight off-road trails rated 3-6 in normal weather conditions, and densely wooded areas. It was designed for slightly modified 4WD vehicles and small to mid-size stock vehicles used as daily drivers. All trails allow two-way traffic, with by-passes around the most troublesome sections.

The park owners have incorporated thousands of boulders and field stones into the trails apart from the mud. Over 30 hill climbs range from five to 75 feet in height. Water obstacles are also on the wooded trail. The depth of these water crossings ranges from a few inches to 3 feet, depending on the season.

Stock Jeeps are sure victors on these trails, but other four-wheelers may need at least a 2.5-inch lift and up to 35-inch tires. Unfortunately, this is a park for mid-size vehicles, so no full-sized trucks or large SUVs are permitted.

11. North Country ATV Association NYTRO

Leased by an ATV club in Greenfield Center, NCATVA offers members access to approximately 2,042 acres of family-friendly riding with a nearly 53-mile trail of hard-packed dirt, mud, and rocks for all skill levels at four locations.

The club started with only ten members and a mission to change NY’s impression of the sport of OHV, alongside increasing OHV trail access and membership count. They eventually became part of the New York Trail Riders Organization, or NYTRO, in 1997.

The park is open year-round and allows motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs, and SxS. It also hosts late wheeling within the premises and camping at designated areas. Fun-filled events, hunting, picnics, and club rides are other benefits that members receive from participating in the club.

All you have to do is secure membership by attending one of the club meetings held every last Tuesday of the month.

12. Oswego County ATV Club

This park has over 100 miles of family-oriented, low-effort trails where off-roaders can ride safely. The entire trail system is environmentally friendly, and the club takes significant measures to ensure that the current state of the park is maintained. The terrain is diverse and consists of mud bog areas, woods, fields, railroad beds, bridges, and small hills to climb. ATVs and utility machines are welcome.

Amenities on-site include picnic spots with tables and shelter. Online membership is now available and payable through Paypal. If you’re interested in applying, ensure that you fill out the form entirely and pay through their official website as incomplete forms will not receive a club membership. Membership runs for the calendar year, and trails open in April and close in September. Visit their official website for full by-laws or more information about the club.

Despite the existence of these fantastic locations, it is undeniable that the state battle between nature conservators and the off-roading community continues. As OHV parks become fewer and more restricted, ATV laws continue to change in context and implementation.

Both aim for the same things – responsible off-road driving and care for the environment. This tug-of-war will not end until off-roaders truly abide by park rules and state mandates, and nature advocates understand how off-roading widens a person’s perspective.

Conclusion – 12 Best 4×4 Off Road Trails NY

So, what are the best 4×4 off road trails in NY? To summarize, here they are once again:

1. Hunter Mountain Resort
2. Tall Pines ATV Park
3. Northeast Off-Road Adventures
4. Demon Run ATV Trails
5. Mettowee Off Road Extreme Park
6. Tar Hallow
7. Bear Run ATV Park
8. Hilltown Riders OHV Club
9. Tug Hill Adirondacks ATV Association
10. Fields of Dreams Family 4WD Farm
11. North Country ATV Association NYTRO
12. Oswego County ATV Club

Apart from these off-road parks, NY is more widely known for its biking trails sprawled across the state, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wading in the river’s cool waters. Some of these parks offer better views of the surrounding counties and nature preserves than the off-roading trails listed above.

Worth mentioning are Albany County Rail Trail with its leaf-covered asphalt roads, Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail in Saratoga Springs with its wetland habitats, Champlain Canalway Trail with its serene waterways, and New York’s only National Recreation Trail – the Zim Smith Mid-County Trail. Cross-country skiing is also a well-loved outdoor activity in NYC and a welcome alternative for adventurers who prefer to discover nature without riding in a Jeep or ATV.

Ultimately, New York has many pleasant surprises for the off-roading community. Just do a bit of research, pack your bags, and enjoy the outdoors!