The Timberline ATV Trail system and Marienville ATV Trail system located in the Allegheny National Forest are one of the best ATV trails in Pennsylvania, alongside Potter County ATV Trail, that are suitable for all rider levels.
Trail Info
Timberline ATV Trail
Timberline ATV Trail is 39 miles of combination of smooth riding, with some slightly rocky spots, on logging roads and trails thru the Alleghany National Forest. This two-way trail system consists of 6 loops: Warm-Up Loop, A/C/D/E Loops and then B Loop that can take you to either the Pig’s Ear Trailhead to connect to the Marienville ATV Trail or Russell City where can stop for break and restroom at the Russell City Store.
There are a couple of play areas (the one in the D loop has a few mud pits, if you are into getting muddy). However, the only outhouse is located at the Timberline Trailhead. There used to be 1 or 2 other outhouses along the trail but those were removed.
Quick Replay of Timberline ATV Trail:
Marienville ATV Trail
Marienville ATV Trail is 14 miles of more rocky riding and consists of a few steep hills(nothing that a beginner couldn’t handle and the 1 steepest hill has a by-pass for the more inexperienced rider). This is a one-way trail system and also connects to the Penoke Bike Trail that is a 23 mile one-way challenging trail system for experienced riders only.
Quick Replay of Marienville ATV Trail:
Here is some other useful information for both Timberline ATV Trail and Marienville ATV Trail:
- ATVs, Side by Sides(UTVs), and Dirt Bikes are allowed.
- Maximum Width is 64” or less to be able to fit thru gates. If decide to try the Penoke Bike Trail maximum width is 50”.
- There is permit required (can purchase day pass for $10 per vehicle or annual (Jan 1-Dec 31) pass for $35 per vehicle) and must be registered with proof of liability insurance.
- Permit – Scroll down to the ATV/Off-Highway Vehicle Permits section which includes locations to purchase in person or mail in: Passes-Permits
- Timberline ATV Trail and Marienville ATV Trail are open from Memorial Day weekend through the last full weekend in September
Timberline ATV Trail & Marienville ATV Trail Map:
Direct Access for Campers, RVers to Timberline ATV Trail & Marienville ATV Trail:
Trailheads
Timberline Trailhead offers primitive camping (apprx 10 sites) and is one of the most popular during holidays(as campers jam pack in and situate in more than 10 sites available) so if choosing this location make sure to get a spot early otherwise is a high chance will not be any available.
A 2nd option is the Pine Camp Trailhead.
For tent campers, another option is Rocket John Trailhead.
The Forest Lodge & Campground
44078 Route 66
Marienville, PA 16239
814-927-8790
contactforestlodge66@gmail.com
The Forest Lodge & Campground, but is not a direct connection as have to take a short ride on a town road to get to the Marienville ATV Trail. We stayed here twice (once in the motel room, once on RV site) and would not stay again unless made come changes/upgrades. However, the owners were extremely helpful and very kind.
They have electric only sites for RVs, primitive tent sites, as well as couple of Houses for larger groups and of course motel rooms. Click here to see their campground map.
The RV sites are not level and be warned if it rains will be standing in water/mud. There is no dumping station on site or any dumpsters for campers to dump their trash bags, but do have firewood available for sale. To get to the campground 4WD is recommended otherwise may not be able to make it down/back as have to go down rocky hill to get to the RV/Camp sites and come back up it when leaving. The bathhouse, for the RVers/Campers, has a time limit on water and open non-private showers. They separate shower room for women/men and within each are 2 shower stalls that are covered by shower curtains. Once step out of the shower you are in open space with sink and toilet with no private space to dry off/get dressed.
The motel rooms are comfortable with very small refrigerator/microwave along with small bathroom, but the beds/pillows themselves are not very comfortable. However, each room opens up to backyard and there is a walking trail to enjoy as well as a small playground area for kids.
There is not much selection of restaurants or stores in town so we would recommend bring all supplies needed.
Other Resources:
80 East Corydon Street
Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701
McKean County, USA
800-473-9370
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
info@visitANF.com
Marienville Ranger District
131 Smokey Lane Marienville, PA 16239
1-814-927-6628
r9_allegheny_nf@fs.fed.us