ATV Trails in Northeastern Pennsylvania

With its mountainous landscape, endless forests and old coal history, Northeast Pennsylvania offers an ideal territory for ATV riding. Encompassing thousands of acres of state forests in the Pocono region and beyond, the trails are varied and accessible in all seasons. Many people enjoy quadding on private land close to their homes or in unofficial areas, such as former coal mine areas referred to as the strippings. The state forest system offers several options for legal ATV riding trails,

  1. Dixon R. Miller Recreation Area

    • Formerly known as the Pohopco Tract, this Monroe County ATV-friendly area offers 13 miles of summer and winter riding trails. The forest terrain is mostly for amateur riders and, at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,200 feet, the trails offer scenic views of the Poconos. The Miller Recreation Area is within the Delaware State Forest and is accessible from Route 115, five miles south of Interstate 80 near Blakeslee. Registered Class II ATVs less than 58 inches and 1,200 pounds are permitted. The trails are open between the Friday before Memorial Day and the last full weekend of September. They reopen for the winter the day after deer season begins and remain active through April 1. Nearby attractions include Pocono International Raceway, various Pocono ski resorts and plenty of camping. Admission is free.

    Maple Run Tract

    • Situated in Peck's Pond and part of Pike County's Delaware State Forest, Maple Run Tract offers 8 miles of summer trails. The park is open from the Friday before Memorial Day through the last full weekend in September. The scenic forest trails include some novice and mostly amateur terrain. Access the park from the parking area on Route 402, just about 2 miles from Pecks Pond. Registered Class II ATVs less than 58 inches and 1,200 pounds are permitted; no fees are charged to ride the trails. Other recreational activities nearby include a picnic area and kayak rentals at Peck's Pond.

    Burnt Mills

    • Pike County's Burnt Mills offers 7 miles of summer and winter trails. The forest trails are made up of mostly amateur terrain with few hazards. Part of the state park system, the trails are free to ride. Burnt Mills opens for the summer season the Friday before Memorial Day and stays open through the last full weekend in September. The trails reopen in the winter the day after deer season begins and remain open through April 1. Registered Class II ATVs less than 58 inches and 1,200 pounds are permitted. The trails are within Delaware State Forest, with access off of Route 402, 1 mile south of Porter's Lake.

      Promised Land State Park is nearby and offers other outdoor recreation activities including camping, boating and swimming.

    HeadQuarters Moto Facility

    • HeadQuarters Moto Facility in Lake Ariel is an urban, manmade motocross center open to motorcycles and sport ATVs --- no utility ATVs allowed. The site offers two 1.5-mile tracks, mostly novice to amateur terrain. The park has daily rates and offers a season pass for frequent riders. HeadQuarters is a seasonal track, closing down each winter. The park offers camping facilities and is close to Promised Land State Park.

    Private Land and Communities

    • Aside from official ATV-friendly riding trails through the state forest system and privately owned tracks, many local municipalities and private housing developments in Northeast Pennsylvania allow quads in designated areas. Many private residents living in rural area also allow ATVs riders they know personally to ride on their land. Contact local ATV dealers or off-road clubs, such as the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association (see Resources), for ideas.