Where are the best ATV trails in the U.S.?
Whether you like single riding on ATVs or riding with friends on UTVs and side-by-sides, there’s nothing like tearing up the trails on an off-road ATV vacation. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best ATV/UTV trails for off-roading so you can get the most out of your off-road vehicle.
10 best ATV/UTV trails across America
1. Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah is a great place to ride. Hundreds of popular trails and thousands of miles of unpaved roads around Moab are perfect for ATV trail riding. Featuring diverse red rock trails, canyons, and Arches and Canyonlands National Park, Moab offers some great challenges, fun activities, and incredible views.
Riding within the parks is strictly prohibited, but the land surrounding the parks is permissible to ride.
2. The Paiute ATV Trail, Utah
The Paiute ATV Trail is the largest trail system in the country. With over 2,000 miles of designated trails in central Utah, it features rock formations, lakes, wild forests, and diverse wildlife. The main loop? Every rider’s dream. It’s made up of nearly 300 miles of primary trails that stretch over four Utah counties and takes nearly 25 hours to complete.
Pack your bags. You need to see it and ride it for yourself. The best time to visit is August through October. Due to the large size, you should plan on spending at least a couple days or even weeks riding out there. It’s the perfect spot for an ATV/UTV camping trip.
3. Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, West Virginia
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the most famous riding trails in the country. Also known as “Trails Heaven,” it features over 600 miles of professionally managed trails ranging from scenic mountain views to twisting turns in the woods. The trail system is open year-round, so dig in — rain, snow, or shine.
4. Imperial Sand Dunes, California
If you haven’t taken your ATV/UTV out on the dunes, what are you waiting for? The Imperial Sand Dunes, also known as Glamis, are in the southernmost section of California. With more than 20,000 acres open to off-roaders, they are not only the largest mass of sand dunes in California, but they are also the largest recreation area for sand dunes in the country. Some dunes even reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor.
The riding season usually begins in late September and runs through April. The park is open year-round, but the summer months are often too hot to ride in southern California.
5. Brimstone Recreation Area, Tennessee
Brimstone Recreation Area in Tennessee offers over 300 miles of off-road trails. Located on over 19,000 acres in northeastern Tennessee, it features riverside views, scenic overlooks, and numerous mountain trails. Test your skills with significant elevation changes, submerse yourself in nature, and ride Brimstone.
6. Ride Royal Blue Resort, Tennessee
Are you looking for privately owned trails? The Ride Royal Blue Resort in Tennessee is the place for you. Renowned for having some of the best ATV tracks in the country, the Ride Royal Blue Resort is home to 600 miles of trails featuring waterfalls and wildlife. There is also a wide range of trail difficulty — from easy and leisurely to the most technically challenging. Suitable for all skill levels, this is a fantastic place to take your family to try out the ATV life.
7. Maine
Maine is said to be an ATV/UTV trailblazer’s heaven. With over 6,000 miles of legal UTV trails, it’s just that. And that’s not all; they keep adding more. Terrain difficulty ranges throughout the state, and riders can expect wooded areas, mud, dirt, and even snow depending on where and when they ride.
8. St. Joe State Park, Missouri
St. Joe State Park offers 2,000 acres of trails, hills, play areas, and flatlands open to off-roaders. Wooded trails and sand flats are perfect for ATV/UTV riders. The trails also allow dirt bikes, 4WD vehicles, and dune buggies. Ride through the dirt, mud, gravel, rocks, trees, sand, inclines, and water crossings at St. Joe. The park also features two campgrounds — the perfect home base for a UTV camping trip.
9. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the country’s largest stretch of coastal sand dunes. Located on the southern Oregon coast, it extends over 40 miles along the mouth of the Siuslaw River to Cape Blanco at Coos Bay. Perfect for thrill-seekers, the dunes can be as high as 500 feet in some places and extend 2.5 miles inland.
Note: The largest riding area stretches between Spinreel Campground and Horsfall Road, and the highest dunes are in the Umpqua riding area.
10. Ocala National Forest, Florida
Located in central Florida just north of Orlando, the Ocala National Forest offers close to 200 miles of ATV trails and over 80 miles of off-road trails for larger vehicles. With more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, there is so much to do and see. The best part? It’s Florida, so you can ride year-round and go to the beach after you’re done.
Ready for your next ATV trail riding adventure?
There are thousands of off-road trails and parks for ATVs and UTVs — this list features a small handful of the best ATV trails and most diverse terrain. Whether you’re looking to take a riding vacation or hoping to check something off your bucket list, there are so many great ATV trails across America. Most of these parks and trails are also great for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and more. Before hitting the trails, learn more about ATV insurance, understand the difference between ATVs vs. UTVs, and learn tips for ATV safety.
