4 Best ATV Destinations for Your Summer Getaway
The weather is starting to get warmer, and you are already dreaming of hitching your ATV trailer up and heading off for an adventure. But where will you go? The United States is chock full of nail-biting, exhilarating ORV trails, so picking one might seem worse than finding a needle in a haystack. Not to worry! Here is a list of some of the best areas and trails in the country for your consideration.
Moab, Utah
Moab is a larger town in southeastern Utah, located conveniently between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. While ATVs are strictly prohibited within the parks themselves, there are tons of trails in the areas just outside of them, making Moab a great base camp for each day's adventures. Check out Metal Masher, Hell's Revenge, Chicken Corners, Poison Spider, and Seven Mile Rim trails for some of the most thrilling rides in the area – as well as some of the best views of the dusty desert rocks and canyons that the region is famous for!
West Virginia – The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System
These trails occupy a large area in the southwestern part of the state, and were actually created to cater to every ATV skill level. There are six trails, the Pocahontas, Rockhouse, Pinnacle Creek, Buffalo Mountain, Indian Ridge, and Bear Mountain, and each offers beautiful mountain and forest scenery. Choose the ones that best suit your experience level and desired setting, and don't forget that you need a permit to ride!
Maine – The Northern Trail System
This trail system is a miracle in and of itself. There are several thousands of miles of trails here, and more are being added every day! This is in large part because of a unique collaboration between local ATV clubs and public and private landowners who allow for responsible use of the land. Many of these trails run through valleys and onto white birch laden mountains or through plains. Check out the Down East Sunrise Trail, an 85 mile trail that runs through Washington and Hancock County, and is built on a rehabilitated railroad corridor. Another great option is the Aroostook County trails, which offer over a thousand miles of breathtaking terrain.
Michigan
The whole state offers unique opportunities for ATV riding that simply can't be matched anywhere else. After all, what other place offers forests, lakes, hills and even sand dunes in one location? Consider your particular preferences before deciding between the upper and lower peninsulas: the upper is unquestionably idyllic and has loads of pristine forests and fewer people; the lower offers the Silver Lake State Park, famous for its 450-acre ORV area and scenic dunes, as well as many other popular destinations. Check out the Little O trail, which is managed from mid-April to the end of November, and offers 41 miles of trails traversing sandy flats, oak studded hills, meadows and several bridges.
These are just some of the most sensational ATV trails out there, but there are many more. However, a word to the wise: before heading off to any of these places, make sure that your ATV trailer hitch, brake lights, and other components are working properly. Otherwise, you may spend time broken down on the side of the road instead of enjoying yourself.
