AOAA

AOAA is short for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, an off-road park built on old strip-mined coal land in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. It bills itself as the state's largest off-road trail system, roughly 8,000 acres of trails shared by dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, and full-size 4x4s. Most of the terrain is rocky, hard-packed, and geared toward quads and rigs, with rock gardens, steep climbs, and some mud. A handful of narrow singletrack trails are worth the trip for dirt bike riders. RiderPlanet says the eastern section of the property has narrow, technical trails set aside for dirt bikes, though we have not confirmed that against a current park source.

The trails are split into a Western and an Eastern system, each with its own map, and the park describes them as a spider web of loops for every skill level. Trails are two-way, so stay right and expect oncoming traffic. There is also a small youth riding area on the Eastern side, off Quarry Road, for riders 10 and under on machines up to 90cc, with adult riding prohibited there.

Getting there

The Welcome Center and trailhead are at 4100 State Route 125 in Coal Township, near Shamokin. The park requires that all dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides arrive on a trailer, so no riding up Route 125. Everyone checks in at the Welcome Center before riding. The trailhead phone is 570-648-2626.

Fees, permits, and rules

AOAA is a pay-to-ride park. Its FAQ says day passes start at $40 per machine, and it also sells multi-day and annual passes online through FareHarbor or at the Welcome Center. Other sources list different day-pass and passenger prices, so check the current pricing before you go. Every rider must sign a liability waiver (good through December 31 of the year), show a photo ID, and carry a pass. Riders under 18 must be with a parent or guardian, and anyone 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Riders need a DOT-certified helmet and eye protection, a shirt, and closed-toe footwear. Helmets go on whenever the wheels are moving, even in the parking lot, which has a 5 mph limit. The park asks for valid Pennsylvania ATV registration and insurance, or another state's registration if that state honors Pennsylvania's, and notes that dirt bikes cannot be registered. Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are prohibited, except that firearms are allowed during hunting seasons. Enforcement is strict: the park says it gives no warnings and rule-breakers are removed without a refund. Recovery is self-service, so ride with a group and keep a charged phone with you.

Camping is not allowed on AOAA property. Trailhead Campground sits next door with direct trail access (570-495-4453). Food is sold on weekends from April through November.

When to ride

AOAA is open year-round, but the days and hours change with the season. Posted hours are 9am to 5pm. RiderPlanet lists Friday through Monday operation, so confirm the open days for your dates. Wear hunter orange during hunting season, and expect the terrain to change as trails are worked and eroded.