Best Places To Ride ATV Trails near Auburn, AL

Now’s the time to get outdoors and explore Alabama’s vast trail system. There’s a destination close to home for riders of all skill levels, so bring the whole family. Now load up your quad and head out to any one of these great spots. Here are our picks for the best places to ride your ATV near Auburn.

William B. Bankhead National Forest

ATV riders can find the William B. Bankhead National Forest northwest of Birmingham. The 181,230-acre park is one of our four National Forests and is home to the state’s sole National Wild and Scenic River: the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River. The park offers a variety of educational and recreational programs, including the annual Youth Fishing Derby.

Bankhead National Forest also touts the 16-mile Flint Creek Multi-Use Trail. The route is open to ATVs that are less than 50 inches wide. Pick this trail if you want to reconnect with nature. It offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are plenty of opportunities for solitude with landscapes that include bluffs, canyons, waterfalls, and lakes. The trail is suitable for beginners. However, it can get muddy after heavy rains.

• Location: 1070 AL-33 in Double Springs.
• Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Talladega National Forest

Enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience riding ATVs in the Talladega National Forest. This park covers 392,567 acres and sits near the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. It offers ATV riders access to the popular Kentuck ORV Trail, where you’ll see incredible views and plenty of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillos, deer, and wild turkeys.

Get away from the crowds on this 23-mile trail. There are four loops, each with varying terrain for different skill levels. Some feature smooth surfaces, gentle grades, and sweeping turns, while other routes tout steep hills, tight corners, and sections of rough terrain with obstacles like rocks and logs. Remember that this is a two-way trail, so watch for oncoming traffic around corners and over hilltops.

• Location: 9901 AL-5 in Brent.
• Hours: 24 hours. However, the trails are closed from Jan. 1 through March 31 each year.

Top Trails OHV Park

Top Trails OHV Park is the ultimate off-roading destination near Auburn, Alabama. It offers riders various unique conditions, including mud, all year round. You have an unrivaled adventure when you explore 2,800 acres and over 100 miles of trails here. ATVs and other motorized recreational vehicles are welcome here, and there are trail options for beginners and experts. There’s even a Kiddie Track for the youngest riders in the family that’s safe and fun for kids.

You don’t have to go home after the fun is over, either. Stick around and stay the night at the campground. There are water, sewer, and power hookups at all 25 sites, and the campground offers a serene place for visitors to relax after a hard day’s ride. The property also touts an archery range, live concerts, and a convenience store for drinks and snacks if you forgot your cooler.

• Location: 1247 Horne Drive in Talladega.
• Hours: Thursday from 8 a.m. to midnight and Friday from 8 a.m. until Sunday at 5 p.m.

Geneva State Forest

Geneva is Alabama’s largest state forest at 7,120 acres and provides one of the state’s most precious natural resources: longleaf pine timber. It’s also a terrific place to ride your ATV. The lightly maintained trails that wind throughout the forest provide scenic views during your excursion. This spot is ideal for new riders, as there are miles of mostly wide and flat trails, making them easy to traverse. There are occasionally muddy spots. However, you won’t encounter many obstacles, and only a few water crossings will get in your way.

ATV riding is strictly limited to maintained roads and trails and prohibited in picnic areas. The park is also closed to riders during scheduled deer hunting days, usually during December and January. There’s also a 100-acre lake for fishing and plenty of native flowers and wildlife to liven up your day, like quail, fox, and bobcat. Get your daily permit from the Geneva State Forest Lake visitors center.

• Location: 1119 Forest Area Road in Kinston.
• Hours: Open year-round.

The Ridge Outdoor Adventure Park

The Ridge Outdoor Adventure Park boasts over 35 miles of off-highway vehicle trails available to four-wheelers and side-by-sides. Each is well marked by difficulty, and they run one-way for added safety. You’ll enjoy exploring all types of terrain, including tight woods, open fields, fire lanes, creeks, rocks, hill climbing, and lots of elevation changes. Don’t miss the Mud Bog or Hog Heaven, as regulars call it. With four deep mud holes, it’s loads of fun if you like getting dirt on your ATV’s tires.

Remember to stop by the 12,000-square-foot clubhouse and check out the Pro Shop if you need gear. There’s also a restaurant for filling up after a long ride on the trail. Rent an ATV if you don’t have one, or have yours repaired onsite. Helmets are also required at the park, and children must have a release form signed by a parent.

This destination is less than 2 1/2 hours from Auburn but still far enough away to spend the night. So plan an adventure and make this a unique day trip destination. The Ridge offers many accommodations, including two cabins, five hotel rooms, RV sites with 30- or 50-amp power, and numerous primitive camping sites, each with a fire pit. There are also two stocked fishing ponds, a bathhouse with hot showers, and a disc golf course.

• Location: 8745 Pine Mountain Road in Springville.
• Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Finding a place to ride your ATV can be challenging. Use our guide to find some of the best trails near Auburn, then stop by our showroom for a test drive. We have an extensive inventory of new Hyundai cars and SUVs that you can drive all over Alabama and beyond.

Close-Up Photo of a Dirty All Terrain Vehicle by Amar Preciado is licensed with Pexels License