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Outdoor Adventure: Off-Roading in the Susquehanna River Valley
Off-Roading Adventures
The geography and geology of the coal region resulted in a coal industry that fueled the Industrial Revolution and brought immigrants and their heritage to local towns. Today, these attributes fuel the imaginations of outdoor adventure seekers. Literally rising from the ashes of the coal industry, outdoor recreation is a game-changer for this region, gaining recognition nationwide as an off-road riding destination. Here, history and recreation collide.
The Coal Heritage region is home to Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), one of the top 10 destinations for ATVs, full-size vehicles and dirt bikes. Adjacent to AOAA is Famous Reading Outdoors. Combined, these two ATV destinations offer 30,000 acres of outdoor adventure.
Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area
4100 State Route 125, Coal Township, PA 17866
570-648-2626
The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area is an extensive, family-oriented off-road trail system located in Central Pennsylvania. Riders of ATV's, SxS, dirt bikes and full-size vehicles enjoy the diversity of the trail system on 8,000 acres of wooded land that provide many experiences to keep riders coming back for more. The Event Center near the parking area gives riders shelter to eat, as well as portable bathroom facilities. **See website prior to visit for current hours and policies.
Famous Reading Outdoors, LLC
200 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901
570-573-1038
Famous Reading Outdoors owns and operates approximately 20,000 acres located in Schuylkill and Northumberland counties in central-eastern Pennsylvania. Famous Reading Outdoors is actively managing a family-friendly, motorized, non-motorized and hunting recreation facility. *SEE WEBSITE FOR STATUS, HOURS AND SAFETY RESTRICTIONS.
Bald Eagle State Forest
18865 Old Turnpike Rd., Millmont, PA 17845
570-922-3344
Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American, Chief Bald Eagle, includes 194,000 acres in Snyder, Union County, Centre, Mifflin and Clinton Counties. The forest spans across the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles of pristine mountain streams and tracts of old growth forest. Bald Eagle offers unparalleled pleasing beauty and boundless recreational opportunities such as an extensive network of trails, awesome scenic vistas, flaming fall foliage and picturesque drives. **See DCNR alert at top of this page and visit website for details. Bald Eagle State Forest provides miles of trails for ATVs and dual sport motorcycles as well as shared use trails.
Bald Eagle State Forest Public Use Maps
Bald Eagle State Forest Public Use Map (PDF)
Bald Eagle State Forest ATV Trail (PDF)
Dual Sport Motorcycle Trail Map (PDF)
Central Mountains Shared Use Trail (PDF)
When winter snows arrive, Bald Eagle State Forest has about 250 miles of state forest roads and trails open for snowmobiling. The Bald Eagle State Forest Snowmobile Trail Map (PDF) shows the location of the roads and 14 access areas. Snowmobile trail maps are also available from the district office.
Snowmobile Trail Maps and Brochure
Bald Eagle State Forest Snowmobile Trail (PDF)
Bald Eagle State Forest Snowmobile Trail Brochure (PDF)
Shade Mountain Off-Highway Motorcycle Trails
The Shade Mountain Off-Highway Motorcycle (OHM) trails on State Forest lands are OPEN to motorcycles from the Friday before Memorial Day through the last full weekend in September (summer riding season). The OHM Trails are closed to all motorcycles outside of the summer riding season (no winter riding season).