All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts living in Maryland may feel at a loss when looking for places to ride. Compared to the big states out west it sometimes feels as if there's no where to go, but Maryland does have a wealth of great ATV trails. Remember that safety must always be the first priority, always wear a helmet and eye protection, and make sure that minors are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Southern Maryland ATV Park is located in the town of Budds Creek Maryland a little more than an hour south of Washington D.C. The facility offers over 300 acres of trails for both ATVs and dirt bikes as well as a designated kids only area. The park is open year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a reduced entrance fee for children 13 and under, and rental equipment is available. Call (301) 705-8933 for more information.
The six mile Chandler ORV trail system is located in Worchester County in Snow Hill Maryland. Trails are limited to ATVs under 1,000 lbs and must obtain a permit from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The system is comprised of a red, yellow and blue trail and is well mapped. The forest opens to ATVs at sunrise and closes at sunset. Three wheelers are not allowed. You must be 12 years of age or older to operate an ATV. ATVs must stay on designated trails to reduce environmental impact. Failure to do so can result in fines or penalties.
The Savage River State Forest located in Grantsville, Maryland contains three distinct ATV trails. The Poplar Lick Trail System is open to both ATVs and motorcycles. Highlights include a stream that must be forded several times and primitive campsites. The trail is closed from January through March and the area is prone to flooding. The Meadow Mountain Trail is 11 miles long and open to ATVs from March 15th to December 15th. Margroff Plantation Trail System is 7.5 miles long and open from March 15th to December 15th to ATVs except that certain portions of the trail are closed to all the public from the end of spring turkey season to August 15th. Negro Mountain Trail System is an eight mile loop that extends off Bowman Road. This trail is open to snowmobilers only and may not be used by ATVs.
The Potomac-Garrett State Forest located in Oakland, Maryland contains the Piney Mountain Trail, Snaggy Mountain Road and Potomac River Trail. The area is open to ATVs from March 15th to December 15th. The Piney Mountain Trail is 2.7 miles long. The Garret Trail System is nine miles but that includes the Swallow Falls/Herrington Manor trail and Garret trail which are both closed to motorized vehicles. ATVs are able to travel the Snaggy Mountain Road multi use trail. The Potomac River trail is 10.5 miles long.
The Green Ridge State Forest offers eighteen miles of well marked trails as well as day use parking areas and camping facilities. The Forest is located about eighteen miles east of Cumberland Maryland. Camping sites and permits can be purchased at the forest's headquarter at exit 64 on interstate 68.
