Forest Service News Release
Public Affairs Officer: Christopher Leeser
(814) 728-6281
christopher.leeser@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny
Allegheny National Forest ATV/OHM Trails
Summer Season Ends on September 24, 2023
Warren, PA, August 31, 2023— The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will close
all of the all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle (ATV/OHM) trails on Allegheny
National Forest at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
ATV/OHM trails will remain closed through the fall, with the following exceptions:
• The Marienville and Timberline trails will be open for a holiday weekend to allow
riders an opportunity to enjoy the autumn foliage. Trails will open at 8:00 a.m.,
on Friday, October 6, and close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 9. The
Timberline Trailhead will open Thursday, October 5 to accommodate riders
camping for the weekend. The Willow Creek, Rocky Gap, and Penoke Trails will
remain closed.
• The Tour de Forest Trail Ride, in partnership with the Marienville Volunteer Fire
Department, will be on September 30 and October 1, 2023. Only registered
participants may ride in the event and travel is only allowed on designated event
routes.
Riding the ATV/OHM trails requires a permit. Permits are valid through the end of the calendar
year. The 2023 ATV/OHM permit cost, mail-in forms, vendors, and directions for electronic
submissions can be found under Recreation Passes and Permits on the forest website.
Trail conditions can be challenging, and users are encouraged to consider their skill level when
evaluating whether to use any motorized trail.
Forest Service staff will monitor ATV/OHM trail conditions for potential winter use. “We are
hopeful that weather conditions with sustained cold temperatures may allow us to open some
trails for winter riding,” noted Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon. Winter use of the
ATV/OHM trail system requires sustained cold temperatures that freeze the trail surface and
push frost into the ground.
The forest will post information on the Allegheny National Forest website and social media
channels when ATV/OHM trail access changes. Please check access conditions before riding.
Forest visitors are requested to practice outdoor ethics such as Leave No Trace principles and
Tread Lightly. Users should employ caution when on any of the trails, as many are open for
multiple uses, and you may encounter vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, skiers, or hikers at any
time.
For more information about outdoor recreation opportunities on the ANF please visit our
website or stop by one of our offices.