ATV trails open in ANF

Trails opened for off highway vehicles in the Allegheny National Forest on the Friday before Memorial Day.

Off highway vehicles include all terrain vehicles, motorized dirt bikes and motorcycles.

The Allegheny National Forest provides adventure for riders of all skill levels on over a hundred miles of trails designated for different sizes and types of off-highway vehicles. Trails are rated from an easier ride on the Timberline Trail to moderate on the Marienville, Rocky Gap north loop, and Willow Creek Trails, to difficult on the Rocky Gap south loop, and recommended for bikes only on the Penoke Bike Trail.

Motorized travel is only allowed on designated trails and requires an Allegheny National Forest annual or daily ATV or off-highway motorcycle permit.

Riders will receive a ATV/OHM trails map when purchasing a permit. Permits cost $35 each year or $10 per day. Day permits can be purchased up to 14 days ahead of the day you plan to ride. If you do not ride on that day,, there are no exchanges or returns.

Permits are available online or in person at the Allegheny National Forest Headquarters in North Warren, the Bradford Ranger District Office on Route 59, or at the Marienville Ranger DIstrict Office. Permits can also be purchased at 1776 Notary Services in Clarendon, Connies Notary Service in Youngsville, Forest Lodge and Campground in Marienville, Leisure Time Powersports in Bradford or Corry, Myers Motorsports in Kane, or Route 66 Sporting Goods in Shippenville.

There are several ATV trails in the forest. The Rocky Gap trail is almost 22 miles long, with a maximum width of 50 inches and is used by ATV’s, trail bikes, horses, and mountain bikes. The Timberline Trail is 39 miles long with a maximum width of 64 inches and is used by ATVs, motorized dirt bikes and motorcycles. The Willow Creek ATV/Mountain Bike Trail is 10.8 miles long, with a maximum width of 50 inches. It is used by ATV’s, trail bikes and mountain bikes. THe Marienville ATV/OHM trail is 14 miles long, with a maximum width of 64 inches and is used by ATVs, motorized dirt bikes, and motorcycles. The Penoke ATV/OHM Trail is 23.1 miles long with a maximum width of 50 inches. It is used by ATVs , motorized dirt bikes, and motorcycles.

Pennsylvania State Regulations apply to the operation of ATVs, Dirt Bikes, and other off-highway vehicles in the Allegheny National Forest. These include regulations on children riding an ATV. If your child is required to ride in a child safety seat or booster seat in your vehicle, the same is required for an ATV. The only way you can install a child safety seat or booster seat in an ATV is if you have a side-by-side that comes with manufacturer installed seat belts. Children under 8 are not permitted to ride double on an ATV or dirt bike.

Children that are between 8 and 15 years old must complete ATV Safety Training before riding and have a valid Safety Certificate with them while on the trail. They must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.

No passengers are allowed on all-terrain vehicles, unless vehicles are designed to carry passengers.

The Allegheny National Forest is a “Land of Many Uses”, of which off highway vehicle use is one of many. Be considerate of hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and other trail users. Control your speed at all times on trails and approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend. Wear a helmet and protective gear.

All vehicles must be registered and licensed. State traffic laws apply to all national forest roads; violations are reported to the state department of motor vehicles.

The ANF reminds riders to stay on trails to minimize erosion and avoid cutting switchbacks, avoid muddy areas and the banks of creeks and lakeshores that are easily damaged, and pack out what you pack in. If you see litter, please help out and pack it out. A clean forest is better for everyone.