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If you’re an off-road enthusiast looking for the best dirt bike trails in the USA, you’re in for a treat. From the rugged landscapes of Moab, Utah, to the endless dunes of Michigan’s Silver Lake, this list covers trails for every rider. From beginners to the most advanced riders, we’ve included trail systems offering a mix of both for great all-around family adventures. Whether you’re after rocky terrain, forested paths, the freedom of dunes, or adrenaline-pumping hill climbs, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Pack your gear, fuel up, and get ready for an epic adventure on two wheels.
1. Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah, is a mecca for all things off-road, and it certainly won’t disappoint riders. Moab has numerous trails available, so plan on riding in the area for at least a couple of days to a week. One of the most popular routes is the Slickrock Trail’s petrified dunes for intermediate and advanced riders, with 9.6 miles of undulating terrain to ride up and down and sideways, navigating over and around sandstone domes and washouts.
The other must-ride route is the White Rim Trail, which has 100 miles of rock formations and amazing views of the Canyonlands National Parks’ painted canyon walls with the Colorado River below. This one is usually done over a few days, so pack your camping gear, extra fuel, food, and bike repair tools and prepare for an exciting adventure. While the trails are open year-round, spring or fall is the best time to visit.
Remember to bring along extra power to keep your phone charged. The best power bank for camping on a dirt bike is compact and lightweight, like the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank. It offers wired and wireless charging and is about the size of your phone, so it takes up very little space.
2. Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West Virginia
The descendants of the famous dueling Hatfield and McCoy families created the Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia. They preserved the original homesteads and other local structures for some historical sightseeing and designated land over the Kentucky/West Virginia border for off-road adventurers.
With over 700 miles of terrain, this is perfect for riders of all skill levels, including easier routes for families with young new riders to advanced and challenging terrain for serious riders. The landscape includes narrow rocky paths, muddy washouts, and forested trails with plenty of tight turns and steep drops to test your skills. There are also lots of campsites and lodging options so you can stay close to the action.
When choosing the best campground, remember that it depends on how you like to camp. For those traveling in groups with an RV, ensure you have all the essential RV gear and look for a site that offers easy access to the trail systems. You can also camp in the trail systems and sleep in a tent. Either way, bring one of the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to keep all your essential devices charged and run camping lights at night.
3. Mojave Road, Nevada
The Mojave Road in Nevada offers about 150 miles of challenging and rewarding riding experiences. This is another one best done as a multi-day adventure, so pack your camping gear, food, and bike repair tools for an exciting adventure. This route is open all year long, but use caution as it’s highly susceptible to extreme weather conditions, including flash floods during the summer monsoon season and occasional fires started by lightning or careless visitors. Riders should be prepared for lots of sand and occasional mud, making the adventure even more fun.
4. Badlands, South Dakota
The Badlands in South Dakota offer over 3,600 miles of open road and over 650 miles of designated trails for all types of OHVs, so you can get your adrenaline pumping for days on end with plenty of rocky trails through piney forests with plenty of hills to ride up and down. The scenery along the trail offers a memorable adventure, so be sure to bring your phone and take lots of pictures. You’ll also be within a short drive of famous sites like Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
5. Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Michigan
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes is another perfect destination for riders of all skill levels since it has over 450 acres of riding dunes and another 3,000 acres of open dunes next to Lake Michigan. Multiple companies offer dirt bikes and ATV rentals for newbies just getting started or those who have to travel a long way. Unlike many other trails, this area is open, with expansive dunes to blaze your own trails, offering an unmatched sense of freedom and excitement.
You can choose an easy path or challenge yourself and test your limits. The area is open seasonally from April 1 to October 31. If you go in the summer, you can always take a dip in Lake Michigan to cool off after a hot day of riding.
6. Moro Plantation, Northern Maine
The Moro Plantation in rugged northern Maine offers over 1,000 miles of trails amongst breathtaking scenery. Terrains include dirt roads, mud bogs, stream crossings, and wooded trails for all skill levels, making it another excellent destination for groups and families. Take the easier routes with the little ones, then spend another day with the advanced riders—you’ll find plenty of rugged terrain for a good challenge.
Watch out for bears and moose as you ride through the woods, and dress warm, wearing layers even in summer, as it can get a bit chilly if you camp out on the trail. Plan to spend a week, and you can also access the nearby Aroostook County ATV Trails, which offer another 1,200 miles of riding adventures.
7. TransAmerica Trail
The TransAmerica Trail (TAT) system stretches 4,253 miles across the country from Morehead City in North Carolina to Port Orford, Oregon. A spur on each side will also take you to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While you won’t likely be able to pack enough gear to do the entire route on a motorbike, there are plenty of locations to get on and off the TAT, and you can access maps by state online.
The trail is made of dirt roads, logging roads, farm roads, and an occasional paved road and is designed for dual-sport motorbikes, dirt bikes, and OHVs. The trail offers challenges, including mud, sand, rocky terrain, and snow in the winter, and the scenic views and unique attractions along the TAT make it an incredible journey.
Bring the compact and lightweight EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station to keep your devices charged up. It easily fits in your backpack and offers multiple output ports for charging various devices. Out on a multi-day adventure? Bring some portable solar panels so you can recharge and stay powered up no matter how long you go off-grid.
8. Morrow County OHV Park, Oregon
Oregon’s varied terrain and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for riders, and the Morrow County OHV Park is perfect for those who want to experience all of what Oregon offers. With hills, valleys, and unique rock formations, you will have an exciting riding experience.
While this location is loved by intermediate and advanced riders alike for its well-maintained but challenging terrain, there are also accessible and family-friendly trails to bring the whole family along to develop their riding skills in the beautiful Oregon landscape. The park also offers exciting jeep-only trails for multiple off-road experiences, and fishing and hunting birds and large game are allowed in the park, providing a wide variety of outdoor adventures. This is also one of the few parks along the Columbia River that are open all year.
9. Aquarius Trail, Utah
Here we are back in Utah, a popular destination for all outdoor enthusiasts, and the Aquarius Trail is another one you don’t want to miss. It offers over 34 miles of dirt bike-friendly trails with an elevation gain of 3,400 feet, peaking at 10,023 ft. That means it’s a summer-only trail open from around July to October. The challenging terrain, elevation climb, and breathtaking views make it a perfect location for adrenaline junkies who want to push their limits while enjoying the scenery. However, this trail is not recommended for beginners. You can backcountry camp along the route, but there are also a series of huts where you can sleep in bunks and enjoy a BBQ and a shower.
Plan to spend a few days and bring some warm clothes for the cool nights, even in summer. Bring all your road trip essentials, including the lightweight EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W Solar Panel. This small solar generator offers 245W capacity, keeping your essential devices charged up, and it’s compact enough to fit in your backpack.
10. Brimstone Recreation Area, Tennessee
We can’t forget beautiful Tennessee, another popular destination for dirt bike riders. The Brimstone Recreation Area offers the perfect mix of rugged natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping fun. With over 300 miles of trails through panoramic forests and hills, riders of all levels can get out and develop their skills or test their limits. The famous annual White Knuckle Event attracts hundreds of riders nationwide for a Memorial Day weekend of high-speed racing, mud-slinging, and off-road excitement. There are plenty of family-friendly events and live music, so it should be on every rider’s bucket list.
Frequently Asked Questions
California is often considered the best state for dirt bikes thanks to its diverse terrain and its large number of off-road parks and trails. However, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado are all close contenders in popularity.
The TransAmerica Trail (TAT) is the longest dirt bike trail in the US, at 4,253 miles across the country. There are even additional spur trails that go west to the Pacific Ocean and another spur that goes to the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
Final Thoughts
No matter your skill level or preferred terrain, the USA offers some of the best dirt bike trails in the world. Each destination provides a unique thrill and stunning scenery, from the legendary TransAmerica Trail to the challenging Slickrock Trail in Moab. Preparation is key, whether you’re tackling technical rock climbs, speeding through open dunes, or exploring deep forests. Pack essential gear, including a lightweight and portable power solution like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W Solar Panel, to stay powered up on your journey. Now, it’s time to hit the trails and experience the ride of a lifetime.