If you’re looking for ATV Trails in Maryland, you’ll be glad to know that there are several destinations for recreational ATV riding in the state.
While Maryland is best known for the Chesapeake Bay and the city of Baltimore, the state still has a fair amount of recreational outdoor space, including recreational ATV riding. Maryland usually draws travelers of the boating variety, but you can find some amazing trails for ATV riding in Maryland as well.


If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that the whole family can enjoy, consider ATV riding in Maryland. There are plenty of scenic trails to explore, and you’ll get to experience all the beauty that Maryland has to offer.
So pack up your gear and head out for some fun times riding on all fours!
Are ATVs Street Legal in Maryland?
Before you go ATV riding in Maryland, you may be wondering what to expect.
In general, ATVs are not street legal in Maryland. You must have a title and registration for your ATV in Maryland.
ATVs as well as other ORVs are prohibited on public lands, except on the ORV trails designated and managed by the Department of Natural Resources and other agencies in charge of the state parks and forests.
ATV Helmets and eye protection are required, as well as a driver’s license or learner’s permit.

Now that you know the requirements, let’s explore some ATV trails in Maryland.
ATV Trails in Maryland
While there certainly aren’t a ton of trails in Maryland, there are definitely enough to keep you occupied for a few days! Check out some of our favorites!
Potomac-Garrett State Forest- Maryland ATV Trails In Spring and Summer
One of the few public areas where you can find trails in Maryland is the Potomac-Garrett State Forest near Oakland in Western Maryland.
This area of Maryland has spacious hardwood forests, high ridges, lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The trees put on a show in the fall.
There are several ATV trails in the area, as well as four established campgrounds and primitive camping along the forest roads.
The trails are open to two- and four-wheel vehicles from March 15 through December 15.
In the winter, these are snowmobiles.
Call ahead and check the maps carefully, as some trails are only open to snowmobiles.
- Backbone Mountain/Burkholder Road ORV Trail – a 2.7-mile trail near the Backbone Mountain Youth Center.
- Piney Mountain ORV Trail – a 1.7-mile trail that runs parallel to Cranesville Road
- Snaggy Mountain ORV Trail – a 3.2-mile trail running from Cranesville Road to Herrington Lake
- Wallman/Laurel Run ORV Trail – a 2.4-mile trail that follows the Potomac River along Laurel Run Road.
This state forest near the Pennsylvania border has two designated ORV trails.
Savage River State Forest is located near Grantsville, approximately 40 minutes from the Potomac-Garrett State Forest. Similarly, these trails have restricted usage and are only open to snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15.
- St. John’s Rock Trail – this is the first public area set aside specifically for ORV usage. In addition to several miles of trails, there are technical trail spur loops for ATVs and rock climb areas for 4WD vehicles. There’s also a campground and a children’s area.
- Meadow Mountain Trail – 11 miles of multi-use trails along the crest of Meadow Mountain.
This state park near Oakland has recently opened to Off-Road Vehicles after an extensive land-use study of this former coal-mining area.
Wolf Den Run State Park requires reservations and payment of a day-use fee or an annual passport.
The park has plans to expand OHV trails beyond the 12-mile trail in the Huckleberry Rocks Area with new trails along the Potomac River.
Camping is also part of the future plan for the park. In the meantime, camping is available nearby in the Garrett State Forest and along the Potomac River in West Virginia.
The towns of Oakland and Kitzmiller also have visitor services.
This motocross park near Easton has a designated quad track for ATVs, while the rest of the park has three tracks dedicated to motorbikes.
The Landing MX Park is a fun spot for the whole family, as there’s also a PeeWee track for the kids.
While this isn’t an expansive area with loads of ATV trails, it’s a great place to dust off your machine after some time off.
Camping is available nearby at Tuckahoe State Park and Martinak State Park.
This spot near Charlotte Hall, Maryland, is near several popular motorsports destinations.
Wicomico Motor Sports Park is just a stone’s throw from the Maryland International Raceway, and Budd’s Creek Motocross Park. There’s even a paintball park nearby.
Wicomico has several tracks for motorbikes and ATVs, as well as a five-mile ATV trail throughout the property.
If you are new to ATV riding or want to try out some new machines, check out Western Trails near Oakland in Western Maryland.
In addition to horseback rides, they now offer off-road ATV rentals and offroad side-by-side tours.
This ranch is family-owned and welcomes all experience levels. At certain times of the year, they also offer hayrides and pony rides for kids, and they are open year-round.
Fun ATV Riding Clothes
While protective gear is essential on the trail, it’s ok to look cute and share your wilder riding side with the world. I’m a big fan of ball caps and love this adorable “ATV hair, Don’t Care” hat from Sew Vivid Design on Etsy. Be sure to Check out all this cute ATV apparel.
Download Our FREE ATV Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
Recommended ATV Riding Resources
- Top ATV Trails Near Me in the Southeast
- Must-Have ATV Accessories
- ATV Riding Clothes– Everything you need to get started
- ATV Trails Near Me Facebook Group
MORE RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
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