Written by Danielle Taylor | Header photo by Jeff Harmer

Many Pennsylvanians and visitors to wild areas of the state enjoy exploring the outdoors by all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and Allegheny National Forest offers some great opportunities for riders with more than 100 miles of ATV trails open during the summer months. For two special weekends in May and October, however, 90 additional miles of trails and roads usually closed to ATV traffic open for the Tour-de-Forest, a popular ATV leisure ride that regularly draws 1,000 riders or more.

The huge network of rarely opened trails spans from Kellettville to Marienville to Duhring and beyond, and they rank at a low difficulty level to make it easier for younger and beginner riders to participate in the event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Marienville Fire Department.

For $40, riders get two days of access to the trails, one ticket for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, one lunch ticket redeemable at the Farmington Ladies Auxiliary lunch trailer or one of the participating local restaurants, and two tickets for the Prize Run cash giveaway. Alternately, $30 covers a one-day ride and one Prize Run ticket. Riders must bring their own registered ATVs, carry liability insurance, wear helmets and goggles or face shields, and comply with all event rules and Pennsylvania state ATV regulations.

In 2018, the Tour-de-Forest runs May 19-20 and October 6-7. For more information, go to VisitPAGO.com or call (814) 849-5197.