Interest in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding in Pennsylvania has surged in recent years. Before the pandemic, Pennsylvania had about 185,000 active registered ATVs. Today, that number has risen to more than 295,000.
Pennsylvania’s riding opportunities have also increased. Examples include several successful ATV parks, ATV trails on state land, and the opening of the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail in 2021.
The expansion of ATV riding has led to more interest in developing regional ATV networks, which often rely on local roads. This approach has advantages, like the use of existing infrastructure and potential for local economic benefits.
But even when using existing roads, a successful network takes effort. A good starting point is a robust planning process with extensive public input. A strong plan investigates legal feasibility, marketability, potential management structures, enforcement, and long-term sustainability.
When you’re ready to begin your plan, DCNR has ATV planning grants that can support organizations and local governments. These grants can help assess the establishment of ATV riding facilities and networks. Grants have already supported completion of four county-wide planning efforts, with six more county plans underway.
