Harrisburg, PA – Riders can hit the trail starting Friday, May 23, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) reopens the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail for the 2025 season. The trail offers more than 600 miles of connected roads and trails across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties, and will remain open through Sunday, September 28.
Although the riding areas will be marked, riders are expected to familiarize themselves with permitted routes to ensure they are operating in legal riding areas.
Now in its second full year, the trail has quickly become one of Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. A recent study found the trail system generated $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023 — up from $10.4 million the previous year.
“The Northcentral Regional ATV Trail has provided new opportunities for the Pennsylvania riding community and has been a boost to local economies in the Pennsylvania Wilds,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “I encourage riders to follow all rules and regulations for a fun, safe summer. Thank you to our state and local partners for making this opportunity possible.”
The trail’s reopening aligns with the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to expand Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation economy, which supports more than 164,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Governor Josh Shapiro established the Office of Outdoor Recreation and launched a statewide Outdoor Business Alliance to help support and organize this growing sector.
In 2025, DCNR is investing $1.3 million to expand ATV access and improve trail infrastructure across Pennsylvania. The Shapiro-Davis Administration also celebrated the recent opening of the 24-mile Piney Rail Corridor, another major investment in outdoor recreation that supports both motorized and non-motorized use.
The trail builds on a successful three-year pilot program and responds to growing demand for legal, long-distance ATV riding opportunities in Pennsylvania. With more than 290,000 ATVs registered across the Commonwealth, the trail helps meet the rising need for well-managed riding areas that also support rural communities and boost local economies.
The 600-mile trail includes more than 400 miles of township roads;167 miles of state forest roads and trails; and 33 miles of PennDOT-administered roads, and was made possible through partnerships with local governments and private landowners — particularly townships that voluntarily opened roads to the trail system.
Permits are required to access PennDOT and State Forest Connector Roads. Fees help cover program implementation and management costs: $40 for Pennsylvania-registered ATVs and $60 for out-of-state riders. Permits can be purchased at the Tioga, Tiadaghton, Sproul, or Susquehannock State Forest District offices, Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, and Saturday: 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM. More information about permits and a detailed trail map are available here.
Riders can help maintain those positive relationships and ensure long-term trail access by riding during off-peak times and respecting speed limits; riding in smaller groups to reduce dust; cleaning up trash; and staying on designated trails and off private property. Operating an ATV while impaired is illegal.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about ATV riding opportunities in state forests and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
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