ATV trails will close for summer in Allegheny National Forest on September 29
- by Guest Contributor
- September 20, 2024
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Information from press release from the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Trails for motorized recreation will be closed at the end of this month in the Allegheny National Forest, part of the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape within the Pennsylvania Wilds, with two notable exceptions for fall events.
The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will close the all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle (ATV/OHM) trails in the Allegheny National Forest for the summer season at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
ATV/OHM trails will remain closed through the fall, with the following exceptions:
The Tour De Forest Fall 2024, operated by the Marienville Volunteer Fire Department under a special use permit authorized by the Forest Service, will be on October 5 and 6, 2024. Only registered event participants may ride in the event and travel is only allowed on designated event routes. Preregister online at marienvillevfc.regfox.com/tour-de-forest-fall-2024.
The Marienville and Timberline trails will be open for Columbus Day weekend to allow riders an opportunity to enjoy the autumn foliage. Trails will open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11, and close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 14. The Timberline Trailhead will open Thursday, October 10 to accommodate visitors camping for the weekend. The Willow Creek, Rocky Gap, and Penoke Trails will remain closed.
Riding the ATV/OHM trails requires a permit. Permits are valid through the end of the calendar year. The 2024 ATV/OHM permit cost, mail-in forms, vendors, and directions for electronic submissions can be found under Recreation Passes and Permits on the forest website.
Trail conditions can be challenging, and s are encouraged to consider their skill level when evaluating whether to use any motorized trail.
Forest Service staff will monitor ATV/OHM trail conditions for potential winter use. Weather conditions with sustained cold temperatures may allow the opening of some trails for winter riding. Winter use of the ATV/OHM trail system requires sustained cold temperatures that freeze the trail surface and push frost into the ground.
The Forest will post information on the Allegheny National Forest website and social media channels when ATV/OHM trail access changes. Please check conditions before riding.
Forest visitors are requested to practice outdoor ethics such as Leave No Trace principles and Tread Lightly.
Users should employ caution when on any of the trails, as many are open for multiple uses, and you may encounter vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, skiers, or hikers at any time.
For more information about recreational activities on the Allegheny National Forest, please visit the ANF website or stop by one of the forest offices.
About the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
