Finding ATV Trails to Hit your Next Time Out

Perhaps you’ve been hitting the same ATV trail for a few months now and it is getting too crowded or too familiar for your tastes. How do you go about finding ATV trails in your area? How do you find the best ATV trails to hit as you plan your vacation three states away? Finding ATV trails is a concern for anyone who loves touring the great outdoors via their Quad. Here are your best options for finding ATV trails where you want to ride.

1. ATV maps: Many riding clubs and associations put out annual maps of the best trails in a certain area of a state or region. They update these ATV maps yearly by adding new trails or showing where old trails have been closed for repairs, logging, excessive danger, or other reasons. These ATV maps can be found in a variety of locations. They’ll show up in local gas stations and convenience stores, outdoor gear and sporting goods stores, and anywhere that ATVs are sold or repaired. When you are exploring a new area in which to get in a great ride, finding ATV trails can be as easy as picking up a map in the town closest to the trail head. They usually range in cost from just a few dollars up to $10 or $15.

2. Your ATV dealership: The guys at the local ATV dealership likely get out and ride every chance they get. Ask them for ideas on where to ride. They may even let you in on where their favorite ATV trails are, complete with fantastic scenery, maybe a cool lake for a hot summer day, or breathtaking vistas overlooking valleys.

3. Word of Mouth: This time-tested way of gathering information might be your ticket to finding ATV trails that are often overlooked by others. In areas frequented by ATV riders it’s not unusual to see them at the gas station, the local fast food restaurant, the trail head, etc. Start a conversation and pick the brains of other riders about trails they really like.

4. Find them Yourself: You’ll need to know your state or county laws for this one, but it may be allowable to ride your ATV on state or federal land in your area, regardless of whether or not it is a certified ATV trail. This may potentially open up hundreds of miles of two-tracks and other off-road opportunities. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is just one place where ATV riding is allowed on state land unless where specifically prohibited and marked.

5. Online: There are a host of websites that provide information on local, statewide and even national ATV trails. Doing a web search on the area you want to ride can be a fast and easy way to find ATV trails where you want to ride.

6. Local ATV riding clubs: Check out the website for the All-Terrain Vehicle Association to find riding clubs in almost any area of the country. These clubs know how to find ATV trails and help keep them in good repair as well as clearing them of downed trees and debris.

Do some digging to find ATV trails that will deliver the kind of ride you want. And while many ATV trails are well-known and heavily travelled you can always find overlooked gems that offer a unique and satisfying ride.