I've been dying for years to go to hit up some trails at a public place and just ride for miles and miles. However, none of my friends enjoy riding enough and I've never had a truck before to tow around multiple quads. However at the start of next year I'm thinking about getting my girlfriend one and going to explore some of these. I have a bit of questions on how they work though. I live in PA (in the US) by the way.

Here are some of my questions. I understand that they could vary greatly from trail to trail depending on where your at, but if anyone could give my a GENERAL idea that would be cool. Also keep in mind the Hatfield McCoy trails, I would REALLY like to go there someday.


1. Do you need ATV insurance to ride on most trials? I've heard you do for PA state park trails, what about non-state owned trail systems? Also, how much is ATV insurance?

2. Are most trails one way trails?

3. Do they allow riding 24 hours a day, even at night?

4. Are you allowed to camp out wherever you'd like and pitch a tent? If so, are campfires allowed?

5. Are there speed limits?

6. What is the general audience riding the trails? Are there punks doing 50mph trough the trails hogging it up, or are they usually more family oriented with people just cruising around at a nice pace?

7. How often do accidents happen? Seems to me with all kinds of people riding every which way, there would be a lot of accidents with people. Unless maybe I'm imagining it wrong.


I think that's all of the questions I can remember right now. Like I said, I'm sure there's no ONE answer for all of these questions since it will vary. But if you could just give me a general idea that would be cool. Or at least from your experience. Thanks.

 

I can only answer for the areas I've been in, and my experience, but here's my two cents.


1. Do you need ATV insurance to ride on most trials? I've heard you do for PA state park trails, what about non-state owned trail systems? Also, how much is ATV insurance?

We don't need it, yet, in Texas. It's not a bad thing to have though. Theft and a major accident are the two best reasons. Depends on what type, size and year model the atv is. I used Markel, and my old 2000 Trail Boss was down to 65 bucks a year. At the time, my new 2006 kfx 400 was 154 if I remember right.

2. Are most trails one way trails?

Yes, and no. Some are marked here, and some aren't. A lot of blind corners in the woods at one riding area we frequented.

3. Do they allow riding 24 hours a day, even at night?

A lot of places do not allow it. You just have to check with each park/riding area. I know one we used said no, but they allowed it anyway.

4. Are you allowed to camp out wherever you'd like and pitch a tent? If so, are campfires allowed?

Most places have a designated camping area if they allow it. Campfires down here are also subject to burn bans due to drought.

5. Are there speed limits?

Out on the trails, I've never seen one, but your riding skills should always be a determining factor. Back in the parking or camping areas, almost all places have one. Some aren't marked, but remember there are children playing in those areas, and the dust and noise you make could put you in a very unpopular view of the others around you.

6. What is the general audience riding the trails? Are there punks doing 50mph trough the trails hogging it up, or are they usually more family oriented with people just cruising around at a nice pace?

Both. I've been in the group putting around and have someone come flying around a corner, then I've been that person flying around the corner too. Be courteous and pull to the side. A nice gesture is the first person in the group hold up how many fingers for the number of people in the group. (assuming it's less than 10) The last person should hold up a closed fist (in a nice manner) indicating there are no more in the group. Not everyone does that, and not everyone will understand what it means when you do. Just be aware anything can happen.

7. How often do accidents happen? Seems to me with all kinds of people riding every which way, there would be a lot of accidents with people. Unless maybe I'm imagining it wrong.

I'd have to say carelessness, and riding above your abilities would be the most popular reasons. Add alcohol and it can only get worse. Accidents will happen, it's just the nature of the beast. As the saying goes, dress for the crash, not the ride.

I'm sure you'll get more responses that will hopefully be a little more specific to your area.

 

Scooter did a great job with his explanation!
the only things i would add is this: on local burn bans for campfires, contact your local county judge's office, they usually have that information, if they allow campfires and charcoal grills and propane grills, take a fire extiguisher. you want to leave as little of a footprint as possible out the in the country. i have a rule for my family, when there are other riders present, we ride with our lights on. even in daylight. easier to see lights shining through the brush/trees than a camo quad moving at you around the bend. you always have to watch out for the local village idiots riding 94 mph and being reckless. if riding on public lands, check with the park ranger's office, they'll give you all of the information for free or visit NPS.gov for your local areas.
once again, rule of thumb: leave a small footprint, pack out more trash than you make, enjoy the ride. be a good steward and a role model.
have a good'en!

 

One thing I did remember later.

Check to see if you need a state registration sticker for any government owned riding areas. There are a few places here that require it. The cost here is $8.00 per atv and is valid from Sep 1 to Aug 31st each year.

California seems to be the costliest sticker place.

Some places a violation may get you a ticket, some get your atv impounded.

Not a fun way to spend a vacation.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info guys it will be helpful. I wish I could get some more people to answer too though to see how each persons experiences compare.

Only $65 to $154 for ATV insurance for a YEAR?! Holy crap that's awesome, I thought it would be like $40 a MONTH or something. That's not too bad at all if that's the case.

Thanks a lot for the info. Would be cool if some other people could answer some of the questions too.

 

Here is some more specific information about Hatfield McCoy. The trails are two way and do not have a speed limit, but I believe the rules say you must ride at a safe and reasonable speed. We have ridden about 500 miles there this summer and I am yet to meet anyone riding out of control. That is not to say it doesn't happen. You do not need state registration to ride there, but a $50 yearly pass is required (well worth the money). Also, you do not need insurance, but like mentioned above, I highly suggest it. It is very cheap if you ever have to use it even once. Hatfield McCoy trails are only open during the daylight hours and you are not permitted to camp along the trails or at the trailheads. Most of the HM trail systems have camping available close to the trails. I would recommend Little Coal River Campground at Little Coal River and Mountain View Campground (I think that is the name) at Rockhouse. If you are looking for a cabin at Rockhouse, check out Home and I suggest the Willow or one of the other cabins at Canebrake. Ride right up the side of the mountain and on to the trais! At HM Little Coal River is a little easier trail system than Rockhouse. Both are more challenging than what we ride in Ohio. The black trails at Little Coal River are comparable to the blue trails at Rockhouse. Some of the black trails at rockhouse are not for beginners and can make junk of your equipment in a hurry. As mentioned above, the number and severity of wrecks NORMALLY depends on careless riding and riders thinking they can do things they can't. That does not mean accidents can't happen! Most public riding areas require helmets and eye protection.