Top Scenic U.S. Off-Roading Destinations

1. Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West Virginia – Enjoy over 700 miles of forested trails, streams and rivers winding through mountains. There are seven different trails that vary from easy to more technical for ATVs, UTVs, off-road vehicles and dirt bikes. Restored towns tell the history of the Hatfield and McCoy feud, and local restaurants offer Appalachian cuisine. Lodging includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, log cabins and campgrounds.
 
2. Rubicon Trail, California – This 22-mile route goes through the Sierra Nevada mountains following an old stagecoach road from Georgetown to Lake Tahoe. It features narrow passages and fields of boulders, making it one of the hardest and most technical trails. Street legal and off-road vehicles are allowed on the trail. Take in Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty with hiking and boating, and you can camp at Loon Lake at the start of the trail.
 
3. Johnson Valley, California – There is something for every skill level in this 96,000-acre riding area. You’ll find rocks, sand dunes, rolling hills and dry lake beds for street legal and off-road vehicles. Camping is available anywhere in the OHV area, and you can enjoy the scenery by hiking Silver Peak. There’s also a 7-story-high boulder called Giant Rock that’s worth seeing.
 
4. Ouray, Colorado – There are numerous trails for off-road vehicles, dirt bikes and ATVs with varying terrain for all levels, including water crossings, rocks, steep grades, deep ruts and mud holes. There are organized tours available to see old mining and ghost towns, waterfalls, wildflowers and breathtaking mountain views, or you can follow a map and do your own thing. There are hiking trails and horseback riding available. In town, you’ll find restaurants and hotels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds.
 
5. Moab, Utah – With a full range of backcountry trails, drivers of all levels can enjoy the scenery. There are separate 4-wheel drive trails, but ATVs and UTVs also have access to more backcountry trails. You can expect to encounter slickrock, sand, streams, cliffs and boulders, as well as bentonite clay, which becomes sticky when it’s wet. There’s plenty to do in this gorgeous, red rock landscape: rafting, hiking and exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. When you’re ready to relax, there are campgrounds and hotels nearby.
 
6. Ocala National Forest, Florida – Experience almost 300 miles of trails for all skill levels through a sand pine scrub forest with downed trees and wildlife. ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles are welcome. There are over 600 lakes in the area to enjoy fishing and rent glass bottom kayaks or canoes for an underwater view of the fish. Several natural springs in the area provide crystal clear waters for swimming and hiking trails. Dispersed tent camping is allowed throughout the forest area, but there are also campgrounds and cabins with more amenities.
 
7. Drummond Island, Michigan – You need to take a ferry to get there, but the scenery is worth the trip. There are over 60 miles of ATV trails and 40 miles of off-road vehicle trails with varying levels from beginner to expert. The terrain includes dense forests, meadows, and steep, rocky ridges and ledges. Activities on the island include hiking, bird watching and exploring some of the unique land features along the way, such as puddingstones, alvar plant communities and cobble beaches. There are also plenty of hotels, campgrounds and restaurants to enhance your experience.
 
8. Las Cruces, New Mexico – There are three different areas for off-roading with trails for all levels.
   
   
   • The Aden Lava Flow Wilderness has volcanic craters, sand dunes, lava tubes and crevices with grasslands and desert shrubs. ATVs and dirt bikes are allowed on the trails.
   
   
   • The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument includes Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatrackways, and to protect it, viewing the fossils is limited. There are hiking trails, horseback riding and some OHV trails in this area.
   
   
   • The Robledo Mountains OHV Trail System is for extreme riding only. It has steep canyons, giant rocks and mountain ridges, perfect for thrill-seekers.
   
   

   Activities in the area are numerous: slide down the dunes at White Sands National Park, visit historic Mesilla where Billy the Kid stood trial, and hike the nearby mountains and canyons. There are a variety of dining options in town, and dispersed camping is allowed. There are also hotels and campgrounds if you’re looking for something less rustic.

 Part of the enjoyment of off-roading is the scenery. It’s a great way to explore nature’s landscape carved by glaciers, rivers, volcanos and wind into some truly breathtaking views. You can enjoy the challenge of a technical trail, but the experience is about the location and the memories you make. So, breathe in the fresh air, take pictures of the wildlife, smell the flowers and appreciate everything mother nature has to offer.