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Trail tips and locations for ATV fun Courtesy of ARAcontent  |
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 (ARA) - As the all-terrain vehicle riding season shifts into high gear, the sound of ATVs rolling over rocky hills and cruising down dirt paths is slowly building across the country.
With 15 million ATV riders in the United States, ATVs have become synonymous with enjoying the outdoors. But, finding a great place to ride can be tricky, with trails ranging from dilapidated to extraordinary. Whether you’re among the 70 percent of riders who hop on ATVs as a family activity or an experienced rider looking for a challenge, check out the following trail systems recommended by Polaris Industries as well as tips on how to keep the trails in tip-top shape.
Paiute Trail -- Marysvale, Utah
Featuring more than 2,000 miles of trails spanning much of southern and central Utah, the Paiute Trail is the largest trail system in the country. Intended for leisurely riding, the Paiute Trail is a perfect riding destination for families or small groups looking to take in the scenery and enjoy the outdoors. Riders looking to encounter wildlife along their trip are rarely disappointed; mule deer, elk, golden and bald eagles, numerous song birds and even the occasional moose have been spotted. Because of the towering peaks along the trails, the best time to ride the Paiute Trail is during the early autumn months, after the summer storms have passed and before the cold winds of mountaintop winter begin to blow.
Trail tip: Encountering wildlife is one of the fun surprises involved with trail riding. Observation is the magic word -- keep your distance and respect any animals you meet. If animals feel threatened, they may relocate, taking away from the experience for future riders.
Trail tip: Some areas are more fragile than others and simply can’t handle the effect of regular ATV riding. Only ride on trails marked for ATV use.
Brimstone Recreation -- Huntsville, Tenn.
Cutting through the remote wilderness of northeastern Tennessee, Brimstone’s trails can be mapped out for a family getaway on easily navigated gravel roads or can offer more experienced riders incredibly challenging paths, loaded with deep mud, wash-outs and steep climbs. With trails ranging from very basic to extremely difficult, Brimstone offers trail diversity that can suit large groups of riders who may plan to spend the week camping together, but have very different ideas of what riding experience they’d like to enjoy. Because Brimstone sits deep in the woods of Tennessee, it offers outdoor enthusiasts much more than just ATV riding, with opportunities to hunt, fish, bird watch, camp and hike or simply relax in the serenity of the outdoors.
Trail tip: Don’t litter. Littering not only ruins the natural beauty of trails, but also has a negative effect on the ecosystem of the area.
Algodones Dunes -- El Centro, Calif.
The dunes -- situated in southeastern California along the Arizona and Baja California borders – provide enough wide-open space for as many as 150,000 enthusiasts to camp out and ride in a single weekend during the peak riding season. The name Algodones Dunes originates from the Spanish word for “cotton,” which accurately portrays the sand that sweeps over the landscape. The dunes offer a sense of open space that few other recreational areas can match, and the area is a perfect place for those looking for a uniquely challenging ride.
Trail tip: Heavy rain can make trails more susceptible to deterioration. To prevent damaging the trails in these conditions, accelerate and ride slowly and avoid portions of the trail that appear flooded, soft or in any way fragile.
Trail tip: Monitoring trail conditions on large systems is an extremely difficult job. Help keep trails in their best condition by reporting problems to the trails’ administrator.
For more information on ATVs and other recreational vehicles, please visit www.polarisindustries.com.
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