Trails For Serious Riders
Dirt bike trails in the U.S. deliver every kind of challenge a rider could want. Some demand slow, calculated moves; others reward speed with long, open stretches of pure thrills. You’ll even find sand that shifts under your tires and climbs that push both bike and rider. Most importantly, every location brings a distinct personality, shaped by its conditions. So, let’s take a look at 20 trails across the country, giving you a direct path to the rides worth your time.
Durhamtown Off Road Resort, Georgia 2016, FISHER’S OFF-ROAD
1. Moab’s Slickrock Trail, Utah
Moab’s Slickrock Trail in Utah covers 10.5 miles of ancient Navajo sandstone, where the natural grip makes steep climbs and sharp descents possible. Cooler spring and fall weather help make the physically demanding route more enjoyable from start to finish.
Brian W. Schaller on Wikimedia
2. Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West Virginia
Spanning over 700 miles, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails connect 10 unique systems into one expansive off-road network. Here, tight wooded paths flow into wide, fast gravel stretches, leading riders through old coal towns with convenient lodging and fuel.
3. Imperial Sand Dunes, California
Known locally as Glamis, this open riding area has no fixed trails, giving dirt bikes and dune buggies endless freedom to roam. Its vast expanse shifts with the wind, further creating new challenges every visit, and sunsets over the golden sand remain a highlight for riders.
4. Paiute ATV Trail, Utah
The Paiute ATV Trail features a 275-mile main loop connected to more than 1,000 miles of side trails. Its routes climb from 5,000 to 11,500 feet, winding through alpine forests and high mountain passes. Along the way, small towns provide food and fuel, while open stretches offer chances to spot wildlife.
5. Ocala National Forest Trails, Florida
Threading through pine scrub and hardwood forests, the Ocala National Forest Trails span more than 200 miles of sandy terrain. And with Florida’s mild winters allowing year-round access, nearby clear springs provide the perfect spot to cool off after a full day on the trails.
6. Timberline Trail, Colorado
The Timberline Trail unfolds like a natural rollercoaster, beginning with gentle singletracks that invite you to settle into the ride before leading into wider two-tracks. As the air thins at higher elevations, the cooler temperatures keep each climb refreshing rather than exhausting.
inkknife_2000 (7.5 million views +) on Wikimedia
7. Little Sahara Recreation Area, Utah
The Little Sahara Recreation Area offers a massive riding space with 60,000 acres of sand dunes and interconnected trails. Sand Mountain, rising 700 feet, is the main draw for hill climbs and open dune riding. Most importantly, campgrounds and RV hookups make it easy to stay on-site.
8. Windrock Park, Tennessee
Windrock Park makes a strong first impression with its sheer scale, holding the title of the largest privately-owned off-road park in the U.S. Its 300 miles of marked trails blend rocky climbs and fast runs, each transition keeping the ride fresh.
9. Red River Motorcycle Trails, Texas
Technical riders find plenty to like at the Red River Motorcycle Trails, where rocky singletracks cut through deep canyons and demand precise handling. Trials bike competitions add to the excitement, and on-site camping makes it simple to stay and ride longer.
UTV trail ride at Red River Motorcycle Trails (Bulcher, TX) by rabidusv
10. Mount Hood National Forest Trails, Oregon
Mount Hood National Forest delivers a mix of challenging and rewarding dirt bike terrain, with trails that move quickly from shaded old-growth corridors to exposed volcanic sections. Plus, the snow-covered peak is a constant landmark as riders cross summer-only high ridges.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region on Wikimedia
11. Brimstone Recreation, Tennessee
With more than 300 miles of connected routes, this trail system provides variety at every turn. Additionally, regular riding events and seasonal festivals keep the atmosphere lively, and the convenience of on-site cabins and campsites means riders can stay close to the action for multi-day adventures.
12. Hungry Valley SVRA, California
This 19,000-acre riding area gives dirt bikers plenty to work with, offering 130 miles of trails that shift quickly between wide grasslands and narrow canyons. With year-round mild weather and nearby camping facilities, it’s built for full weekends of consistent riding.
13. Durhamtown Off Road Resort, Georgia
You won’t run out of ground to cover here—over 5,000 acres hold 150 miles of trails that flip between hardpack stretches and loose sandy patches. And when you want a change of pace, there are motocross, supercross, and flat tracks waiting.
Durhamtown Off Road Resort, Georgia 2016 by VFISHER’S OFF-ROAD
14. Brown Mountain OHV Area, North Carolina
Steep, rocky climbs are the calling card here, giving riders plenty to dig into over 34 miles of designated OHV routes. Besides, the trails wind through dense hardwood forests, with the occasional creek crossing to keep things interesting.
New To Off-Roading? The Brown Mountain OHV Trail System is The PERFECT Place To Get Started! by Down South Adventures
15. St. Joe State Park, Missouri
Once a mining site, the terrain of St. Joe State Park has a unique feel and look, which sets it apart from other parks. Near-access means the scenery changes with the seasons, and on-site campgrounds and picnic areas make it easy to spend full days on the trails.
16. Croom Motorcycle Area, Florida
This 2,600-acre riding area keeps things interesting with deep sand trails full of whoops that test stamina and control. Shaded wooded sections break up the heat, and a dedicated youth area gives younger riders a safe space to practice.
Florida Tracks & Trails- Croom Motorcycle Area by Riding With Rhys
17. Rampart Range, Colorado
With more than 100 miles of riding options, this trail network moves easily between smooth two-track sections and rocky singletrack that demands focus. High points reward the climb with panoramic Rocky Mountain views, especially stunning in summer and fall.
18. Wayne National Forest Trails, Ohio
These trails roll through wooded hills that shift from smooth hardpack to rocky climbs requiring steady throttle control. Open from mid-April to mid-December, the network is supported by multiple staging areas with parking and restrooms.
Wayne National Forest on Wikimedia
19. Hollister Hills SVRA, California
Here, riders can pick their pace with clearly separated areas for different skill levels. Seasonal events and races keep the scene lively, and the mild coastal climate means you can ride any time of year without worrying about weather shutting things down.
Welcome to Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area by Hollister Hills SVRA
20. Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Trails here weave between granite spires and thick pine forests, offering a steady mix of forest roads and tighter singletracks to keep rides varied. Wildlife sightings are common enough to keep you alert off the bike as well.
BLACK HILLS National Forest 8K South Dakota (Visually Stunning 3min Tour) by More Than Just Parks
