Best Offroad Summer Riding Trails

Looking for somewhere new to ride this summer? Regardless of where in the US you're located, we've found nearby trail for you. 

We’ve picked 10 of the best off-road parks and trails across the country. From haunted rail lines turned into off-road trails to sandy dunes on the coast of California, we’ve found something for every skill and adventure level.

East Cost

1. Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut

Located in Voluntown, this forest has over 22,000 acres and 58 miles of off-road trails that are shared with hikers, snowmobilers, motorcyclists, and equestrians. The trails are filled with a variety of elevation changes, from light to moderate. If you are looking for a peaceful yet scenic trail, this is the place for you! Learn more here.

2. Carolina Adventure World, South Carolina

We all have that friend that doesn’t have an off road vehicle yet, but wants to get their toes wet. This is the perfect place! Visitors can rent ATVs or dirt bikes. Learn more  here.

Midwest

1. Silver Lake, Michigan

Best known for its beautiful sandy dunes, Silver Lake is an adventure waiting to happen. At Silver Lake Sand Dunes visitors can ride their own 4x4’s over 450-acres - they just need an ORV sticker and a 10-foot orange flag. Venturing outside the dunes, you’ll find over 4,000 miles of state-dedicated ORV trails and routes. Just grab a license and trail permit  and you’re free to ride for a year! Learn more here. 

2. Hatfield McCoy Trails, West Virginia

Also referred to as “Trails Heaven”, this West Virginia area is perfect for off-roading. The park has 10 managed trails spanning 1,000 miles, local lodging and ORV-friendly towns to explore nearby. It has trails for all riders, ranging from mild to rugged. This is the perfect park and town if you want to get off the beaten path. Learn more  here.

3. Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

You may think of corn fields when you think of the midwest, but BHNF shows there’s much more! There are 680 miles of dedicated trails taking you through 11 reservoirs, 1,300 miles of streams and 13,000 acres of wilderness making for a scenic ride. Off-road permits are $25 and can be used on all 21 trails. Learn more here.

Gulf Coast

1. Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area, Texas

Located 5 miles north of Gilmor, Texas this recreational park was built and designed specifically for off-roading. It features 1,850 acres of trails for $15/day for members and $30/day for non-members. The park has primitive lots, cabins and bunkhouse rentals so visitors can set up camp and make a trip of it. Learn more here. 

2. Claiborne Multi Use Trails, Louisiana

Within the Kisatchie National Forest at Claiborne, Louisiana, you’ll find 74 miles of marked woods trails. Consisting of three main loops, the trail takes riders through pine forest and even an abandoned WWII military camp. There is no permit requirement, entry or parking fee but you will need a $5 / per person riding pass. Learn more here.

Rocky Mountain Region

1. Bunce School Road, Estes Colorado

As part of Estes Park, this trail is 90 minutes from Denver and right at the east entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. These beautifully mountainous trails begin 18 miles south of Estes Park and run from near Allenspark, Colorado to Peaceful Valley Campground. You’ll pass a T-33 military jet crash site on your way in and maybe even spot a moose at one of the Pony ponds. Learn more here.

2. Switzerland Trail, Estes Park, Colorado 

Also located within Estes Park in Southern Colorado, this trail is a favorite for off-roaders - especially Razor riders. The trail is an old railroad line now used for hiking and off-road driving that takes riders by Gold Lake and the beautiful ghost town of Sunset, CA. The smooth grade and slight, 2%-5% slope of the railway makes it an enjoyable and pleasant ride. Learn more here.

West Coast

1. Pismo Beach State Park, California

Located on the central coast of California, this powdery-soft beach offers 3,500 acres of dune riding terrain and 314 days of sunshine. As the only beach in California that you can drive on, it is a unique combination of views and terrain. Learn  more here.

2. Palm Springs, California 

Another great California option, Palm Springs may not be what you expect. Unlike what the name suggests, Palm Springs is a vast desert with over 80,000 acres of off-roading terrain and is known as one of the most extreme CA parks with both flatlands and rolling dunes. Learn more here.

Happy Summer Riding!

We hope this list gets you as geared up for summer riding as we are. Whether you need a repair kit to keep you on the road or recommendations for the best camping spots - let us know how we can make your adventures a success. Happy riding!