For those who have a passion for off-roading, riding an all terrain vehicle (ATV) can be a thrilling journey. There are a ton of highs to achieving daring rides across dirt trails, forests, or mountainsides. But to truly experience the best ATV adventures, sometimes it pays to pack up and hit the road to some of the most adventurous destinations a little further afield around the country. In this post, you’ll explore some off-road adventures and the top ATV destinations worth discovering.
Beyond the trails winding around your house, gear up for a trip with your ATV this year. Take your wheels to unusual locations and experience challenging off-road trails. Feel the rush of adrenaline while cruising through remote terrains and enjoying the magnificent views and fresh air. When it comes to finding top-notch ATV destinations, there are different routes to choose from. Some areas offer mountain trails, while others provide vast swaths of forests packed with scenic trails. The important thing is finding the right fit for you and your machine. And before setting off, you’ll need to ensure you’re fully prepared too. This includes having a utility trailer, and there are different opinions on how to choose the best one. In terms of preparedness, you’ll also need to make sure you have the right safety gear, spares and tools, first aid kit, and of course enough food.
So once you’re ready with all the practicalities, where should you go? Here are some of the top ATV destinations worth discovering.
Moab, Utah
Moab sits in a gorgeous landscape of extraordinary rock formations that provide unparalleled views for its riders. The terrain is well known for its incredibly challenging rock crawl events, which are infamous as some of the most incredible and difficult trails in the region. Visitors can look forward to trails made of various rock formations filled with broad arches and even ancient fossils. Riders can also explore nearby canyons, visit some Native American ruins, and camp under the stars.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West Virginia
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail covers a vast area of land spread over nine different trail systems. Every trail offers a unique riding experience, and there is a trail for every kind of riding level. Newly paved roads, mud and water, and rocky terrain at elevations of up to 4,000 feet make this area an excellent location to test out your ATV riding abilities. The trail system features almost 700 miles of challenging terrain combined with fantastic scenic views.
Gulf of Mexico, Texas
The Gulf of Mexico area mostly known for its beachline, but deep in the coastal marshes is a paradise perfect for off-road enthusiasts. Brand new ATV parks are popping up, providing riders miles of open fields and beginner through to advanced trails. The Mustang Island State Park is a 5-miles of driving shoreline open for off-road adventures, and visitors can even stay overnight on the beach.
Paiute Trail System, Utah
The Paiute Trail System is a legendary network of 1,200-acres of trails in Utah that offer riders a selection of the stunning desert and mountain scenery in one system. The system offers an extensive selection of trails, looping up to over 800 miles to explore. The trails pass through a wide range of landscapes filled with forests of pine and aspen, rolling meadows, yawning canyons, dramatic mountains, and wildflower meadows that are hard to resist.
Arizona Peace Trail, Arizona
The Arizona Peace Trail is a 170-mile trail through breathtaking desert vistas that ranges from easy to extreme. The area is an exciting opportunity to explore the Southwest United States with its unique geography. Riders can take on the challenging passes, narrow streambeds, and high mountain ridges located in the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. The trails offer a variety of terrains, ranging from sand washes to steep inclines, and riders get to enjoy four-season riding.
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
The Bighorn National Forest is a beautifully rugged mountain terrain combined with lush valleys, alpine lakes, and towering mountains. It features more than 200 miles of trails for ATV riding, and the area is perfect for both experienced riders and beginners. Highlights include a wide selection of single-track and double-track trails featuring a variety of terrain, as well as mountain views.
St Joe State Park, Missouri
The St Joe State Park in Missouri is an 8,200-acre park that offers riders a great selection of trails and terrain. The park features over 100 miles of trails for ATVs, including single-track winding through woods and hills. Plus, the area offers 70 miles of additional trails for off-road motorcyclists, providing a variety of terrain and incredible views.
Ocala National Forest, Florida
The Ocala National Forest is full of trails and terrain perfect for all-terrain vehicles. The area provides an incredible variety of natural scenery and wildlife, which makes it perfect for ATV riders. The trails range from easy-rolling terrain to twisty, technical trails that offer a real challenge. And if you’re looking for a scenic escape, the area also offers plenty of opportunities to explore nearby springs and lakes.
Imperial Sand Dunes, California
The Imperial Sand Dunes are located in the far southeastern corner of California and offer more than 40 miles of sand-filled terrain. The area provides a spectacular view of the desert and is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. The dunes are very popular with ATV riders, making it an exciting place to ride.
Capitol State Forest, Washington
Capitol State Forest is an expansive area of land covering over 100,000 acres in Washington. It features a wide variety of terrain that ranges from muddy trails and steep hills to wide-open meadows. The area provides ATV riders with a great selection of single-track, double-track, and cross-country trails.
The ATV destinations featured here are just some of the best places worth discovering in the US. Embark on off-road adventures that will deliver more thrills than what your backyard trails may not offer. Planning your off-road vacation makes for an unforgettable experience that you can always look back on and share with family and friends. So, hop on your ATV, pack up for a trip, and ride to one of these top ATV destinations in the US. With a bucketful of adrenaline and unforgettable memories, you’ll come back for more.