Wheeling the Allegheny Mountains

[Wayneraintree]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/atv_trails/regulations/


Looks like we are "class II" but it might be worth a phone call...

Anyone know if this is possible to wheel and primitive camp in the national forest? I am asking since it is not state game lands and on the topo's there are 4wd trails listed all over the place....

 

[CJBury]

Their web site states that camping is permitted as long as the trail isn't blocked. I also emailed them to see if we qualify as class II vehicles. Since it is a govt. web site we should get an answer in a month or so.

 

[Wayneraintree]

I am going to call.... it would be great to organize an overnight or two strictly in backcountry. I would bring the 60 and maybe even Em and Eva : ) No major wheeling, but hopefully lotsa trail miles and scenery.. maybe even some Elk.

I will look at my topos and see about a potential route... then report back to this thread.

 

[Wayneraintree]

These trails appear to be open to us:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/atv_trails/timberline/

described as: The Timberline ATV Trail is a system of 37.8 miles of interconnecting trails traversing scenic, forested hills of the Allegheny National Forest.

more: The Timberline ATV Trail provides an enjoyable recreational experience. The trail utilizes many old roads and railroad grades. Riding surfaces are generally level and wide (averaging 8 feet in width). Two-way travel is permitted on the trail.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/atv_trails/timberline/map.pdf is a map in pdf.

Looks like graded forest roads but scenic and backcountry camping.......

anyone interested in a scouting run? It looks to be three hours from me (I am an hour north of H-burg on I-80)

 

[toddslater]

I think they will shoot you down on the Class II ATV thing...but if they don't let us know.

 

[CJBury]

Did you call yet Jeff? What's the verdict?

 

[Klunky Chris]

wow, so it's NW of State College?
Looks like about a 4 hr cruise for me. I'd be up to it if we're allowed.

I have a strong feeling that we're not going to be allowed on ATV trails though...

 

[racefanmartin]

I would most definetly be into a scoting run...keep us posted

 

[Lugboot]

Yep--neat area, lots to explore. Found another blurb about vehicles here--

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/dispersed_recreation2006.pdf

It will be interesting to see if Chris gets any word back.

 

[Wayneraintree]

OK, the Marienville Ranger district is set up only for quads, etc. We do not fall under class II ATV status. No trails are open to us there.

The Bradford district ranger office tells me that we are allowed to overnight camp without permit under the dispersed recreation policy. Roads are not challenging but graded and scenic. There are some rules for camping (no new camp site, use existing, tread lightly, pack out, etc.)

We would have to stay on the National Forest System Roads as designated by the "brown signs" the ranger tells me.... and there may be closed gates but most are open.

I am told it is best to make a trip there, buy a map showing all the roads, and then take a day or two and just check things. I seriously doubt if we will find any challenging roads, but I am not really looking for that... just a neat place to camp in the backcountry, hang out, see some more of PA... and explore a little.

I am going to take a look at some maps today and see about a possible route for a day trip....

 

[CJBury]

Oooooph. Denied

Good Morning,

The DCNR-Bureau of Forestry has designated all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails at eleven locations on StateForest lands. These designated and signed trails are open to registered ATVs only. No other motorized vehicles are permitted on ATV trails on state forest lands, excluding snowmobiles during the winter months.

State forest roads, which are open to the public, are for use by licensed, registered, and inspected motor vehicles. DCNR-Bureau of Forestry does not currently offer Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails. However, private entities throughout Pennsylvania provide an avenue for OHV use. If you have access to the world wide web, you may view a couple of web links to riding areas at: http://www.offroaders.com or http://www.enduro.4t.com/riding.htm .

"All-terrain vehicle" or "ATV." Is described as a motorized off-highway vehicle which travels on three or
more inflatable tires and which has:

(1) a maximum width of 50 inches and a maximum dry weight of 800 pounds; or
(2) a width which exceeds 50 inches or a dry weight which exceeds 800 pounds.

ATV's described in paragraph (1) may be referred to as Class I ATV's, and ATV's described in
paragraph (2) may be referred to as Class II ATV's. This term does not include snowmobiles, trail
bikes, motorboats, golf carts, aircraft, dune buggies, automobiles, construction machines, trucks or
home utility machines; military, fire, emergency and law enforcement vehicles; implements of
husbandry; multipurpose agricultural vehicles; vehicles used by the department; or any vehicle that is
or is required to be registered under Chapter 13 (relating to registration of vehicles). In addition, this
term does not include off-road motor vehicles used exclusively as utility vehicles for agricultural or
business operations and incidentally operated or moved upon the highway.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Recreation Section
Bureau of Forestry




-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Bury [mailto:cbury@enter.net]
Sent: Saturday, July 07, 200712:48 PM
To: ra-askdcnr@state.pa.us
Subject: ATV trail Question
Madam/Sir,

My question pertains to what qualifies as an off road vehicle. Are trucks allowed on the trails and classified as a class II vehicle?



Thank You,

Christopher Bury

 

[Wayneraintree]

right, "State Forest" are no access at all and no backcountry camping. "National Forest" "forest roads" as designated by numbers on brown signs and also shown on the forthcoming map, are open to liscenced and insured vehicles with backcountry camping allowed.

I think we would be best served by taking 1-2 rigs with club members to the ranger station and planning to camp one night off a "forest road". Maybe the rangers can offer where good camping exists along with a scenic route. Thoughts? I can take the 60 and 4 people with gear.

If all goes well, maybe we could plan a larger "club" run when the foilage changes... we could also diversify the activities with biking or canoeing the river, etc....

 

[Wayneraintree]

this is closer...

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/camping/motorized.aspx

 

[CJBury]

I would love to say yes, but it would depend when. I am moving at the end of the month and the wife is getting more pregnant, tic toc. I am due for some camping though.