Top Places to Off-Road in the United States
To see many of the most beautiful places in the country, you have to go off road. If you want to experience the best this country has to offer, you’ll need an off-road truck or Jeep with a lift kit that can take you deep into nature. Demand for outdoor recreation and off-road driving continues to grow year after year. We’ve created an off-road guide for all 50 states, so you can make the most of your time on the road. Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime, and learn about what it’s like to go off-road in every state in the country.
Alabama
With its mostly level terrain and lots of wilderness to explore, Alabama is a great place to go off-roading. Some of the main parks to watch out for include: Stony Lonesome in Bremen, Hawk Pride Mountain in Tuscumbia, and Busted Knuckle Off Road Park in Stevenson.
Alaska
Break out your snow tires if you plan on going off-road in Alaska. With much of the state uninhabited, you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Use caution when exploring Alaska’s many off-road trails and parks, but don’t miss the views at the Mount Marathon Hiking Trail.
Arizona
A great state for exploring the desert and doing jumps off dirt mounds, Arizona will keep you more than occupied when it comes to off-roading. Head over to Backway to Crown King in Peoria or Arizona Peace Trail in Quartzsite for the best trails.
Arkansas
Here’s a muddy state with multiple terrains (mountains in the north west and flat land in the south) that’s great for off-road truck owners. You’ll find plenty of mossy bogs and backwoods trails to explore. Head over to Hot Springs ORV Park in Hot Springs, Mack’s Pines in Dover, or Byrd’s Adventure Park in Ozark.
California
California is a massive state with all kinds of terrain, including sandy beaches, mountains, woods, and plenty of desert. You’ll find a range of different parks and trails up and down the state, so it all depends on what you like to do. Head up to Rubicon in Georgetown for some truly rocky trails or down to Johnson Valley for some less challenging terrain.
Colorado
Truly the perfect state for going off-road, Colorado is dominated by rural areas and cascading mountains that are full of awe-inspiring trails. It’s best to go out during the spring, summer, and fall when the trails aren’t as treacherous. Black Bear Pass and Imogene Pass in Telluride are some of the best parks in the state.
Florida
You might not think of Florida as the ideal place to go off-road, but this state is full of surprises. The terrain is mostly flat, but you’ll find plenty of bogs, wetlands, and dunes to explore. Head over to the Swamp Off-Road Park in Chipley or Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda for the best trails.
Georgia
Another magnet for off-road lovers, Georgia is a sprawling state with some of the best trails in the country. North or south, you’ll find plenty to get excited about if you happen to be in the area. River Rock ORV in Milledgeville and the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System tend to attract the most attention.
Illinois
Being in the middle of the country shouldn’t keep you from exploring the vast reaches of the wilderness. Illinois is a diverse state with lots of empty areas to cruise through. Head over the Cliffs Insane Terrain in Marseilles and Hillbillie Ranch in Jerseyville, and you’ll be in good company.
Indiana
Right next door to Illinois, Indiana tends to be just as rural and flat as its neighbor. The Badlands in Attica and Haspin Acres in Laurel are two major parks worth checking out. The winters can pretty brutal in the state, so watch out for ice and snow.
Kansas
Mudding fans pay attention! You won’t find as much diversity in Kansas as you would in other parts of the country, but there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun. You’ll see enough forestry and mud pits to last you a lifetime. Visit Kansas Rocks Recreation Park in Mapleton for the best trails.
Kentucky
A gem of a state when it comes to off-road trucking, Kentucky will keep you more than occupied. It’s full of vast forestry, muddy bogs, and tricky cliffs for you to maneuver around. Stop by Blue Holler Off-Road Park near Mammoth Cave or Black Mountain in Harlan for the best off-road action.
Louisiana
While a majority of the state sees plenty of swamp-covered land or water, Louisiana is full of surprises. North of New Orleans, you’ll find plenty of bogs, forests, and other off-road trails to enjoy. Visit Muddy Bottoms in Sarepta for some truly out-of-this-world mud pits or Catahoula Recreation Center in Sicily Island for more outdoor excitement.
Maine
One of the most rural states in the nation, Maine certainly gives you plenty of privacy. If you head away from the coast, you’ll find some thrilling off-road parks unlike anything else in the country. Down East Sunrise in Ellsworth and Rocky Mountain Terrain Park in Carthage are sure to get and keep your attention.
Maryland
A beautiful coastal state filled with national parks and some of the country’s best beaches, Maryland has something for every off-road enthusiast. Much of the state is low to the ground, helping you navigate the terrain safely. Check out Piney Mountain in Friendsville or Budds Creek in Mechanicsville. With a name like Mechanicsville, you can rest assured your off-road Jeep will be in good hands.
Massachusetts
A little more densely populated than some of the other states, Massachusetts gives you a good mix of terrain to work with. Visit Nauset Beach in East Orleans for some coastal action or Pittsfield State Forest for more secluded off-road trails.
Michigan
Paradise for any outdoor enthusiast, Michigan is full of gorgeous coasts and supreme forest lands. The farther north you go, the more remote the terrain will be. Head over to Bundy Hill Off Road Recreation in Jerome or Drummond Island in Drummond for some of the state’s best trails.
Minnesota
Another mostly empty, rural state loaded with appetizing terrain, Minnesota doesn’t skimp on the thrills. Again, the winters can be treacherous, so use caution during the off-season. Visit Iron Range in Gilbert or Snake Creek in Kellogg for a great time you won’t soon forget.
Mississippi
A state made for mud-slingers, Mississippi is here to make your off-road dreams come true. The state is full of muddy trails, expansive forests, and messy bogs that are sure to get you excited. Head over to Barnyard Mudboggers in Fulton or Piney Hills and Hollows ATV Park in Duck Hill.
Missouri
Missouri will give you a run for your money. It doesn’t have the most challenging off-road terrain, but it’s a great place to get your tires wet. Visit Flat Nasty in Jadwin or Rush Springs Ranch in Pineville for some off-road action.
Nebraska
One of the flattest and least populated states in the country, Nebraska is perfect for roaming around without bringing a lot of attention to yourself. With lots of open terrain, you might notice fewer obstacles when you’re driving around. Halsey National Forest and Dismal River Park in Mullen are two of the best off-road parks around.
Nevada
Nevada is one massive desert that’s yours for the taking. You’ll find plenty of canyons, hills, and vast dunes to crawl over. Stop by Genoa Peak Road in Stateline or Hunter Lake Trail if you prefer more greenery.
New Hampshire
A mountainous state that’s known for its vast wilderness, New Hampshire is here to remind you why you own an off-road truck in the first place. Visit Jericho Mountain in Berlin for the most challenging trails. Or head over to Field & Forest in Harrisville for a more relaxed ride through the woods.
New Jersey
If you get away from the coast, New Jersey has its fair share of off-road trails to explore. Wharton State Forest and Pine Barrens in Hammonton are two of the best parks in the state. If you happen to be in the area, why not hit both?
New York
Upstate New York is a vast stretch of mountains and forestry. The Adirondacks and Catskill Mountains make for some particularly challenging terrain. Visit Tall Pines in Andover or Demon Run Trails in Bath for the best in the state.
North and South Carolina
Both states offer excellent off-roading opportunities. With sandy beaches and dense forest lands, you can quickly explore different kinds of terrain. Brown Mountain in Morganton, NC and Gulches Off-Road Park in Waterloo, SC give you the best of both worlds.
North and South Dakota
Open and seemingly endless, the Dakotas present their own unique challenge. Both states are filled with unoccupied wilderness, so you won’t get bored easily. Visit Talsma’s Trails Park in Avon, SD, Black Hills in Deadwood, SD, or Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area Trailhead in Langdon, ND for the best trails in the area.
Ohio
With its mix of farmland and lush forestry, Ohio is filled with open spaces and state parks that are prime for off-roading. Southington Off-Road Park in Garrettsville and Powerline Park in St. Clairsville are two of the best places to go exploring.
Oklahoma
This mostly flat state is perfect for grinding through mud pits and cruising over acres of open countryside. Both Green Acres and Burris Valley Ranch in Clayton are sure to wet your whistle. The mud can pile up after a heavy rainstorm, so your off-road truck might get dirty, but that’s all part of the fun.
Oregon
A gorgeous coastal state that’s known for its rugged countryside, Oregon is full of enticing off-road parks and trails. You’ll find a mix of mountainous cliffs for rock crawling, sprawling forests, and rocky dunes for everything in between. Stop by Aim Butte OHV Area in Deschutes National Forest or the Edison Butte OHV Trail System in Bend, Oregon for the best trails.
Pennsylvania
In between the steel mills and manufacturing towns, you’ll find plenty of off-road wonders to explore in the great state of Pennsylvania. Check out Rausch Creek Off-Road Park in Tremont and Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Coal Township for some sweet hills and trails.
Tennessee
Nothing says outdoors like Tennessee. This state is known for its off-road enthusiasm, attracting hundreds of drivers to the state every year. For the best trails, head to Windrock Park Campground in Oliver Springs or Ride Royal Blue in Pioneer, TN.
Texas
Another state that’s known for its off-road wonders, Texas is a massive playground for anyone who likes to veer off the beaten path. With its open deserts and lush greenery, you can explore a range of landscapes without breaking a sweat. Wolf Caves Off Road Park in Mason and Hidden Falls Adventure Park in Marble Falls are two of the best places to visit.
Utah
If you love the mountains and desert, you'll love going off-roading in Utah. Moab Utah is considered the mecca of Jeep off-roading and wheeling. You can also visit Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, UT for more action.
Virginia
Head away from the coast and the suburbs of Washington D.C., and you’ll find a range of exciting off-road destinations to explore. Visit Big Dogs Off-Road in Gore, VA or the George Washington National Forest for the most bang for your buck.
Washington
Just like Oregon and Northern California, Washington is another state that’s known for its off-road potential. From the coast to massive national forest areas, this state will keep you more than occupied. Visit Moses Lakes Mud Flats & Sand Dunes in Grant, WA for some seaside action.
West Virginia
Like Virginia, West Virginia is full of gorgeous landscapes. Head over to Chaos Off-Road Park in Capon Bridge for an adventure you’ll never forget.
Wisconsin
Last, but not least, Wisconsin has no shortage of off-road fun. Visit the Mole Lake Trails or Black River State Forest for some one-on-one time with nature.
To Sum Up
The U.S. is full of amazing places to go off-roading. Buy a lift kit for your off-road Jeep or truck and start exploring all these gorgeous parks and trails today.