The Best Off-Road Trails In New Jersey For ATVs and Jeeps

When you think of off-roading, New Jersey isn’t typically the first place that comes to mind.

This may be due to much of the land being designated for conservation purposes, making it illegal to ride through a large number of areas. Abuse of the natural landscape has made it necessary for officials to crack down on preserving much of New Jersey’s trails. New regulations have made it illegal to go off-roading in many state-owned parks, making off-roading a challenge.

But, avid ATV Riders can still find a few hidden gems in New Jersey and can have a riding experience that is difficult to find anywhere else.

With dense forests and beautiful beaches, you’ll miss out on a lot if you skip New Jersey and its neighbors as off-roading destinations.

But, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of New Jersey’s rules for off-roading before you book a trip, such as joining a private group for off-roading access as well as having the proper vehicle registrations in order. Not following guidelines like these can land you in hot water.

If you’re looking for a special outdoor experience, don’t overlook New Jersey and its neighboring states in the northeast as a spot on your next trip. Let’s take a look at some of the best off-roading trails in New Jersey and its bordering states for your next outdoor excursion.

Table of Contents

• New Jersey Motorsports Park Field of Dreams
• Ready to Ride Off-Highway Vehicle Park
• Island Beach State Park
• Rausch Creek Off-Road Park 
• Rock Run Recreation
• Darkwater OHV Trail
• Mountain Ridge ATV Park
• Bayview OHV Area
• Snake Creek Motocross Park
• Burnt Mills
• Conclusion

New Jersey Motorsports Park Field of Dreams

If you’re looking for an off-roading spot that accommodates all skill levels, New Jersey Motorsports Park Field of Dreams is a great place to start. This park has many tracks to suit the capabilities of your ATV. 

You can kick up dust to your heart’s content on the track as you run your vehicle through the gauntlet. 

The trails at New Jersey Motorsports Park Field of Dreams are surrounded by over 3 miles of perfectly maintained woodlands. This makes for a nice scenic ride through the park if you’re looking to do a small bit of exploring as a change of pace from the action. The woods also connect to an additional trail network for an even more immersive riding experience.

You can even participate in one of the several races the grounds host, so you can put your skills to the test against some of the top riders in the area.

Also, don’t fret If your ATV is on the mend or you don’t own one. You can rent a vehicle on the grounds, so you can take part in all the fun.

Ready to Ride Off-Highway Vehicle Park

Ready to Ride is an OHV park you can enjoy year-round. This park is a feature of the police athletic league in South Jersey. You can have a load of fun in this park due to the flat, sandy trails and ride in an environment that’s based on forming friendships and growing your skills.

First-time visitors must go through a park-mandated orientation before riding. But after you’ve met this requirement, you can plan your trip. Also, you must be a member of Egg Harbor Township PAL to use the trails at Ready to Ride, and the cost of membership varies based on age and state residency.

Island Beach State Park

New Jersey is known for having some of the more beautiful beaches in the country, and Island Beach State Park fits the bill. Here you can take your Jeep through 10 miles of beautiful shoreline where you can take in

• Scenic views
• Dunes
• Dense marshes
• Lush forests

Also, Island Beach State Park gets you close to a wide variety of plant and wildlife species that you won’t find in many other places.

If you’re a New Jersey resident and want to have an off-road adventure, make sure to keep Island Beach State Park in mind as you start your search.

Rausch Creek Off-Road Park

While it can be tricky to find legal off-roading spots in New Jersey, there are several places you can take advantage of if you’re willing to make a drive outside the state. Rausch Creek Off-Road Park is an example of 

If you’re willing to make the 4-hour drive to Pennsylvania,  this park can help you escape the tight riding regulations of New Jersey.

Here you’ll encounter 3,000 acres of varying terrain including sharp rocks and steep hills that are sure to test your vehicle. A color-coded system makes it easy to identify the type of terrain you’re working with so you can adjust the course accordingly. 

With the trails having varying degrees of difficulty, riders of all experience levels can enjoy themselves at Rausch Creek.

While it’s possible to find your way around on your own, it’s recommended that first-time visitors go with a guide to get acquainted with the terrain and the surrounding area.

Rock Run Recreation

Another option for those who don’t mind the ride to Pennsylvania, Rock Run Recreation is a muddy treat you’ll enjoy. The park includes trails ranging in all levels of difficulty, so you’re covered whether you want a challenge or an easy ride.

Rock Run also has something for nature lovers as the park sits in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains.

If you want to take in the views, you’ll love getting a long look at the area’s mountain tops.

Make sure you take plenty of pictures so you can savor the moment.

Darkwater OHV Trail

Are you looking for an extensive challenge? Pennsylvania’s Darkwater OHV Trail is up to the task. It’s estimated that the trail takes over 15 hours to complete from start to finish, so you’ll want to have plenty of free time available when you try to slay this beast. 

You can take on plenty of rocky areas as you rip through the mud. 

Be mindful of your surroundings as some areas aren’t marked well, but expert riders can find their way around with ease.

Mountain Ridge ATV Park

Over 150 miles of trails are the main highlight of this ATV park. Mountain Ridge ATV Park is one of Pennsylvania’s premier off-roading destinations. Located in Central City, Pennsylvania, the Park is about a 4-hour drive west of New Jersey, depending on your route and traffic conditions. 

You’ll see that you’ll have tons to do when you reach the park and take a look around. Once you’ve spent time rolling through its 16 trails, you’ll feel that the drive is worth it.

Another characteristic that helps this park stand out from the pack is they offer night rides on select dates. Night riding can make for an even more immersive experience, so make sure to mark your calendar if you don’t want to miss it.

Bayview OHV Area

Another riding option in nearby Pennsylvania, New Jerseyans can enjoy the Bayview OHV area. This park is primarily built for beginners, making it a safe and easy environment for new riders to begin developing their skills. 

Although the trails aren’t difficult to navigate, you’ll still find thrills when you hit the mud holes and hills spread throughout 200 acres.

You’ll want to catch this trail before wintertime, as the harsh weather can cause park closures during the season.

Snake Creek Motocross Park

If you can put up with a 3-hour car ride south to Delaware, Snake Creek Motocross Park will reward you for your patience. 

The park is ATV-friendly and is known for massive jumps throughout its trails, making it an adrenaline-fueled rush you’ll want to experience again and again.

Burnt Mills

Part of the Delaware state forest network, Burnt Mills gives avid ATV-Riders a combined 28 miles of trails to explore. An easy ride for beginners, Burnt Mills has mostly flat, hard-packed terrain to cruise on. 

There are some areas with large rocks, but you’ll find very few hazards throughout the park.

Unfortunately for mud lovers, there aren’t many bogs to rip through in this park as it mainly caters to simple riding. This may be a tad off-putting for those who want a more intense experience, but some riders love taking it easy and enjoying the outdoors on their ATV.

You can expect to have a relaxing, scenic ride on your ATV at Burnt Mills.

Conclusion

While options for off-road riding are limited in the state of New Jersey, there are a few places where you can make the most of your ATV. Although many parks have been forced to shut down to protect the environment from mistreatment, you can still find a few diamonds in the rough in New Jersey.

Some people are willing to live with strict off-roading laws and do their best to enjoy all New Jersey has to offer. 

Others would rather take their chances elsewhere in neighboring states to find the off-road thrills that they crave.

Whatever your preference is, you can be sure to find trails in the northeast that both inspire awe and quince your thirst for adventure.

The search takes some patience. But once you find a trail that fits your desires, you can bet that you’ll want to return again and again.