Best UTV & Side-by-Side Trails in America: Where to Ride Before Summer Ends

Make the most of the last weeks of summer riding season. Here are the best UTV and side-by-side trails across the US — from Moab's slickrock to the Appalachians — with terrain details, difficulty levels, and gear tips.

7 min read
Best UTV & Side-by-Side Trails in America: Where to Ride Before Summer Ends

August is a limited window. The trails are open, the days are still long, and the crowds of peak summer are starting to thin. If you've been putting off that UTV bucket list destination, this is the month to stop waiting and start planning.

Whether you're dialing in a long weekend trip or scoping out ideas for next season, here's a region-by-region breakdown of some of the best UTV and side-by-side trail destinations in the country — with terrain snapshots, difficulty notes, and what to pack.

East — Hatfield-McCoy Trail System | Mingo County, WV

Terrain: Appalachian hardwood forest, rocky climbs, mud sections, technical switchbacks
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert (multiple trail systems within the network) 
Best Time to Visit: May–October

If there's one trail network that belongs on every serious UTV rider's list, it's Hatfield-McCoy. Spanning over 600 miles of off-road trails across the heart of the West Virginia mountains, this system is one of the largest and most storied OHV destinations in the eastern United States. The terrain is legitimately diverse — you'll find trails that welcome beginners alongside sections that will humble experienced riders. The loose-rock climbs, mud-slicked descents, and whippy switchbacks that the Appalachians are known for are well represented here.

Multiple trailhead systems (Rockhouse, Bearwallow, Devil Anse, Pocahontas, and more) mean you can plan a multi-day trip without retracing your path. On-site lodging, camping, and amenities at many trailheads make it easy to turn a day ride into a full weekend.

What to bring: Tow strap and recovery gear are essential. Helmets required. Check individual trail system rules on vehicle width before you go — some narrower trails restrict wider UTV builds.

Southeast — Windrock Park | Oliver Springs, TN

Terrain: East Tennessee mountains, hardwood forests, creek crossings, rocky climbs
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert (300+ miles of marked trails across difficulty levels)
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with fall being particularly scenic

Windrock is massive in the best way possible. Spanning roughly 73,000 acres in East Tennessee, it's one of the largest privately owned off-road parks in the country. With over 300 miles of marked and maintained trails running day and night, riders can spend a full weekend — or longer — without repeating a single run.

On-site cabins and camping mean you don't have to leave when the sun goes down. The park's general store and rental units make it accessible to newer riders or those without their own rigs. For more experienced UTV pilots, Windrock's most demanding trails — including serious rock sections — will give any machine a workout. A winch and skid plates are smart additions before you tackle the park's upper-tier trails.

What to bring: Winch, recovery boards, and spare belts for demanding lines. Helmet and safety gear. Book cabins well in advance for peak fall weekends — they fill up fast.

South — Hidden Falls Adventure Park | Fischer, TX (Texas Hill Country)

Terrain: Texas Hill Country limestone, creek crossings, wooded trails, rocky technical sections
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Best Time to Visit: September–May (summer heat in Texas is significant; late summer/early fall is ideal)

Hidden Falls Adventure Park packs nearly 240 miles of OHV trails across 3,000 acres in the Texas Hill Country, making it one of the premier off-road destinations in the South. Side-by-sides have access to nearly the full trail network, with a mix of flat, accessible terrain for newer riders and technical sections — like the Wildcat Stairway — that rank among the park's most demanding experiences.

The Hill Country setting offers creek crossings, limestone rock gardens, and dense cedar and oak canopy that make for a genuinely beautiful day on the trails even when you're not pushing your machine hard. The park offers camping and accommodates large groups, making it a solid pick for club rides and family weekends.

What to bring: Good skid plate protection for limestone rock gardens. Plenty of water — even in September, Texas days can run warm. Helmets required on property.

Midwest — Drummond Island | Drummond Island, MI

Terrain: Dense hardwood and conifer forests, wildflower meadows, rugged island ridges, Lake Huron views
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Time to Visit: June–October

Drummond Island hosts Michigan's most extensive closed-loop ORV trail system, making it one of the top four-wheeling destinations in the Upper Midwest — and one of the more unique UTV experiences in the country. Riding on an island in Lake Huron means the scenery shifts constantly: deep forest gives way to wetlands, meadows, and lake overlooks in a way that feels nothing like a typical trail park.

Getting there requires a ferry crossing, which adds a bit of planning but also keeps the trails from getting the crowd levels you'd see at a more accessible mainland destination. For riders looking for a low-key, scenic late-summer trip that's manageable for all skill levels, Drummond Island delivers.

What to bring: Ferry schedule planning is a must. Insect repellent in summer months. Map or GPS — cell service on the island can be spotty.

Southwest — Poison Spider Mesa | Moab, UT

Terrain: Slickrock sandstone, soft sand, gravel, steep technical climbs, Moab Valley canyon views Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November (summer temperatures in Moab are extreme)

Moab is the holy grail of American off-road destinations, and Poison Spider Mesa is one of its crown jewels. The mesa rises to over 4,700 feet above the Colorado River's meander loop, with roughly a dozen miles of varied terrain that includes exposed slickrock, loose sand, and bare stone ledges that demand both machine capability and rider skill.

The payoff is some of the most dramatic scenery in the American Southwest — views across Moab Valley, the La Sal Mountains, and landmarks like Little Arch are unlike anything you'll find on a wooded trail system. Ancient Fremont Culture petroglyphs and Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks add a dimension to the experience that goes well beyond the ride itself.

August note: Moab can be brutally hot in midsummer. If you're planning a late-summer trip, aim for late August when temperatures begin to moderate, or plan early morning rides and get off the rock before midday.

What to bring: Extra water — heat and sun exposure on exposed slickrock are serious considerations. A capable machine with appropriate tires for slickrock. Recovery gear. Download offline trail maps before leaving cell range.

West — Bighorn National Forest | Sheridan/Buffalo, WY

Terrain: High mountain grasslands, alpine passes, pine and aspen forests, mountain views
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate (with more challenging backcountry options)
Best Time to Visit: June–September

Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest offers roughly 1,200 miles of trails across one of the most open and uncrowded off-road destinations in the western United States. The sheer amount of space here is part of the appeal — even during peak season, you won't feel like you're riding on top of other people. The terrain skews more toward sweeping mountain meadows and forest two-tracks than technical rock challenges, making it an excellent destination for riders who want big mileage and big scenery without punishing machine demands.

Multiple ATV and UTV-friendly resorts on and near the forest make it easy to stage a multi-day trip. Wildlife sightings — elk, deer, and various birds of prey — are a regular part of the experience. August is an ideal window here before snow closures begin to affect higher elevation trails in September and October.

What to bring: Fuel planning is critical — services are sparse in the national forest. Layers for mountain weather that can shift quickly. A paper map as backup. Be bear-aware in camp.

Southeast Bonus — Ocala National Forest | Marion County, FL

Terrain: Sandy, flat forest trails with moderate climbs, wetland edges, pine flatwoods
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Time to Visit: October–April (Florida summers are hot and humid — late September starts to become manageable)

Ocala National Forest offers year-round access and one of the most beginner-friendly OHV trail networks in the country. Three main riding areas — the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail, Ocala North OHV Trail, and Wandering Winegrass Trail — provide varied terrain without the intensity of rock or mountain riding. The sandy, flat character of North Florida terrain makes it forgiving on machines and riders alike.

The forest contains over 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, so trail access comes paired with some genuinely beautiful natural scenery. For riders in the Southeast looking for a late-season or early-season ride when northern trails are closed, Ocala is an easy answer.

What to bring: Insect protection — Florida's forest trail systems can have significant bug presence, especially after rain. Sunscreen. Plenty of fluids even in October.

Gear Up Before You Go

No matter which trail makes it onto your radar, the right gear makes every ride better and safer. Before you load up the trailer, make sure you're covered:

Shop UTV & Offroad Accessories at Motomentum

Summer isn't over yet. Pick your trail and go.