Through PennDOT, the Shapiro Administration created a process that allows municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks to request an ATV route designation, furthering opportunities to connect trails.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy has grown by $3.5 billion, supporting approximately 177,000 jobs.
Clearfield, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration announced six new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Connector Routes in Elk and Potter counties, expanding connections to two regional trail networks and creating new opportunities for riders to safely access local communities and businesses. The new routes connect to the Elk County Trail of Dreams and Northcentral Regional ATV Trail.
The routes were approved through a new Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) process that allows municipalities or regional organizations that manage ATV trail networks to request an ATV route designation. The process is designed to help connect existing trail networks while providing safe, responsible access to communities and destinations.
The six new routes are:
Fox Township, Elk County, connecting to the Elk County Trail of Dreams:
- South Kersey Road (Route 2007) between Boone Mountain Road and Chicken Hill Road
- Irishtown Road (Route 2007) between Old Shawmut Grade Road and Brown’s Road
- Brandy Camp Road (Route 2011) between Route 219 in Horton Township and Cuneo Road in Fox Township
- Toby Road (Route 2003) between Kylers Corner Road and Hogback Road
- All of Kylers Corner Road (Route 2013) in Fox Township
Potter County, connecting to the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail:
- Branch Road (Route 144) between Button Hollow Road in West Branch Township and Bridge Street in Galeton Borough
“The Shapiro Administration is focused on mobility and economic growth across Pennsylvania, and many communities are supported by ATV trail riders,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “PennDOT developed a way to partner with local governments to help riders travel safely and efficiently while they support our rural economies.”
ATV Connector Routes are intended to provide necessary connections within broader regional trail networks. PennDOT evaluates proposed routes based on factors including safety, traffic volume, crash history, posted speed limits and roadway characteristics.
ATVs are permitted on designated connector roads during daylight hours only and during the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)’s designated riding season, which begins the Friday before Memorial Day and ends the last Sunday in September.
“DCNR is committed to expanding safe, sustainable ATV access that helps more people explore Pennsylvania’s natural places while supporting rural communities and the small businesses that depend on outdoor recreation, all while balancing our mission to conserve the Commonwealth’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
DCNR invested $1.4 million to expand ATV access and improve trail infrastructure across Pennsylvania in 2026. With more than 278,000 active ATVs registered across the Commonwealth, the connector routes help meet the rising need for well-managed riding areas that also support rural communities and boost local economies.
Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation assets are made up of 6,500 local parks — including 125 state parks — more than 14,000 miles of trails, and over 84,000 miles of waterways. Under the Shapiro Administration’s leadership, the industry has added $3.5 billion and approximately 12,000 new jobs to the Commonwealth’s economy. New data shows the industry grew by $1.5 billion in 2024 — reaching $20.4 billion, outpacing the national growth rate, adding 9,000 jobs to support approximately 177,000 jobs total, and generating $9.5 billion in wages across the Commonwealth.
The Shapiro Administration continues to support Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy through investments in parks and trails, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign, and Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, which supports business development and innovation across the industry.
Travelers can check conditions on major roads by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict2.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
PennDOT: Timothy Nebgen, tnebgen@pa.gov or 814-765-0598
DCNR: Wesley Robinson, werobinson@pa.gov, 717-877-6315
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