Best ATV Trails for Summer Riding
The best summer ATV trails in the US are Moab Utah (red rock slickrock), Hatfield-McCoy WV (500+ miles of maintained trails), Uwharrie NC (technical forest trails), Ouachita National Forest AR (varied terrain for all skill levels), and the Sand Dunes in Florence OR (coastal dune riding). Find ATV rentals near each destination on ThrottleShare.
Top Summer ATV Destinations
- 1. Moab, Utah
Red rock slickrock, canyon terrain, and world-class technical riding. Peak season: March–May and September–November. Summer (June–August) is hot — start early or ride at elevation. Many ThrottleShare owners list in the Moab/Grand County area. - 2. Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, WV
Over 700 miles of maintained ATV trails across 12 distinct trail systems in southern West Virginia. Camping available throughout. One of the most developed OHV trail networks in the country. Best summer riding: June–September. - 3. Uwharrie National Forest, NC
Technical, challenging forest trails in the Uwharrie Mountains. Elevation makes it cooler in summer than the surrounding Piedmont. Popular for experienced riders. Open year-round. - 4. Ouachita National Forest, AR/OK
Diverse terrain from easy forest roads to technical rocky climbs. The Muddy Creek OHV area offers something for every skill level. Hot in summer — plan for morning rides. - 5. Oregon Dunes, Florence, OR
Coastal sand dunes riding along the Pacific. Unique terrain not found inland — wide open dunes with ocean views. Summer fog keeps temperatures moderate. Year-round access.
Summer Riding Tips
- ✓Ride early. Desert and southern destinations hit 100°F+ in summer afternoons. Ride 6–11 AM, rest midday, consider evening rides if trails allow.
- ✓Hydrate aggressively. More than you think. Off-road riding is physical and the heat is deceptive when you're moving and getting airflow.
- ✓Sunscreen. Open-cockpit riding at elevation burns fast. Apply and reapply.
- ✓Watch for thunderstorms in mountain and desert terrain — afternoon summer storms build fast and can catch you exposed.
How to Find ATV Rentals at Summer Destinations
Search ThrottleShare for the destination city or region. Many private owners near popular trail systems list their machines specifically for trail access. Ask owners for local trail recommendations — they know the best routes and current conditions better than any guidebook.
Book Summer Rentals Early
Peak summer weekends at popular destinations — Moab in September, Hatfield-McCoy any summer weekend — book up 2–3 weeks in advance. Search ThrottleShare early and lock in your dates. Owner rates at peak summer destinations run 10–20% higher than shoulder season — book shoulder (May–early June or September–October) for best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best state for ATV riding in summer?
Utah (Moab area), West Virginia (Hatfield-McCoy), North Carolina (Uwharrie), and Oregon (coastal dunes) are among the top summer ATV destinations. Each offers distinct terrain.
When is the best time to ride ATVs in summer?
Early morning (6–11 AM) in desert destinations avoids the worst heat. Mountain and Pacific coastal destinations are more temperate throughout the day. Avoid exposed terrain during afternoon thunderstorm windows in July–August.
Find ATV Rentals at Summer Trail Destinations
Browse owner-listed ATVs near Moab, Hatfield-McCoy, and top summer riding destinations on ThrottleShare.