The Wild East Awaits—Tackle These Legendary Trails Through West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania & Beyond
When most people think “off-road adventure,” they picture the wide-open deserts of the West—but Appalachia? It’s a whole different kind of wild. Dense forests, rocky climbs, hidden mud pits, and miles of scenic ridgelines make the Appalachian region a goldmine for off-roaders.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best off-road trails and OHV parks in the Appalachian region—ready for Jeeps, trucks, and built-out rigs looking to escape the pavement.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails – West Virginia
Location: Southern WV
Type: OHV Trail System
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
This massive network of over 1,000 miles of trails spans across multiple counties in southern West Virginia. You’ll find everything from easy gravel trails to intense rocky hill climbs. Best part? The trails weave through small towns that welcome off-roaders with food, fuel, and lodging.
Why it rocks:
- Ride-legal in many towns
- Family-friendly loops to hardcore rock crawling
- Year-round access
Trail Tip: Try the Rockhouse or Bearwallow systems for a mix of challenge and scenery.
Potts Mountain Jeep Trail – Virginia
Location: Jefferson National Forest, near Covington, VA
Type: Natural Trail
Skill Level: Moderate to Advanced
This 7-mile trail is known for its rugged rock ledges, narrow passages, and steep climbs. It’s one of the few legit Jeep Badge of Honor trails in the region, and it’s not for the faint of heart. A lift, lockers, and some armor go a long way here.
Why it rocks:
- Legit technical trail in the East
- Badge of Honor trail
- Killer views at the top
Trail Tip: Conditions can change quickly—check recent reports and don’t go alone.
Rausch Creek Off-Road Park – Pennsylvania
Location: Tremont, PA
Type: Off-Road Park
Skill Level: All Levels
This 3,000-acre private off-road park is a favorite in the Northeast. Rausch Creek offers green (easy), blue (intermediate), and black (advanced) trails for all types of rigs. Whether you’re just testing your suspension or crawling through boulder gardens, there’s something here for you.
Why it rocks:
- Membership or day passes
- Guided rides available
- Events and competitions
Trail Tip: Don’t miss “Crawler Ridge” or “Trail 11” if you’re looking for a challenge.
AOAA (Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area) – Pennsylvania
Location: Northumberland County, PA
Type: Multi-use OHV Park
Skill Level: All Levels
Spread over 8,000 acres, AOAA features a mix of trails for 4x4s, SxS, dirt bikes, and more. It’s one of the top-rated off-road destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. There’s a good mix of wooded trails, hill climbs, coal dust flats, and deep mud sections.
Why it rocks:
- Incredible variety
- Trail maps and GPS support
- On-site facilities
Trail Tip: Bring recovery gear—mud season here gets real.
George Washington National Forest Trails – Virginia & West Virginia
Location: Various access points near Harrisonburg, VA
Type: Public OHV Trails
Skill Level: Beginner to Moderate
This forest is home to multiple dispersed OHV trails, including Union Springs and Second Mountain. These trails wind through mountain passes and remote forest with beautiful ridge views and challenging terrain.
Why it rocks:
- Scenic, natural trails
- Camp-friendly locations
- Great intro to backwoods wheeling
Trail Tip: Trails close seasonally—check USFS status before heading out.
Sideling Hill ORV Trail – Maryland
Location: Green Ridge State Forest
Type: Public ORV Trail
Skill Level: Beginner
Maryland doesn’t have a ton of off-roading, but Sideling Hill is one of the few legal options. It’s a short loop trail great for beginners and anyone wanting to explore the Green Ridge area with a mild challenge.
Why it rocks:
- Legal off-roading in Maryland
- Good for shakedown runs or stock rigs
- Scenic surroundings
Trail Tip: Permits required—easy to get online or at the ranger station.
Bonus Tip: Bring the Right Gear
No matter which trail you’re heading to in Appalachia, make sure you’ve got recovery gear, spare parts, and a solid trail plan. Cell service can be spotty, and trails can turn from fun to gnarly real quick.
Looking for trail-ready suspension, tires, lights, or recovery gear? We’ve got you covered.
Ready to Explore Appalachia?
At High Mountain Off-Road, we help you build a rig that’s ready to take on the roughest terrain—from Potts Mountain rock gardens to coal country mud pits. Whether you need suspension upgrades, tire installs, or recovery gear setups, we’ll get you ready for the road less traveled.
Need trail advice or help prepping for your trip? Hit us up—we live for this stuff.
Phone: Oakland Shop Morgantown Shop