ATV enthusiasts can hit the trails again Friday, May 22, as the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail reopens the for the 2026 season with nearly 1,000 miles of connected roads and trails across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will manage the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail through Sunday, September 27— giving riders plenty of opportunities to explore the additional 130 miles added to the trail this season. 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.
“The interest in the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail continues to grow and the Shapiro Administration is responding by continuing to build up this trail system to provide more riding opportunities to Pennsylvania’s strong ATV community,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “We expect riders to follow all rules and regulations for a fun, safe summer. Thank you to our state, county, and local partners for continuing to support this opportunity and helping to grow riding opportunities in the region and across the state.”
The 513-mile preferred route includes 256 miles of township roads; 186 miles of state forest roads and trails; and 51 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. In total 932 miles can be ridden this season, which includes connecting roads and trails in the region.
Through PennDOT, the Shapiro Administration has created a new process that allows municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks to request an ATV route designation, furthering opportunities to connect trails.
The trail had already become one of Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, boosting the economy of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. A 2024 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.
Permits are required to access PennDOT and State Forest Connector Roads. Fees help cover program implementation and management costs: $70 for Pennsylvania-registered ATVs and $100 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 – 6:00 PM. Permits can be purchased on weekends at the Tioga, Tiadaghton, and Susquehannock forest district offices. More information about permits and a detailed trail map are available here.
