Penoke Trail

Penoke is the hard one. It is a 23.1-mile loop in the Allegheny National Forest, rated most difficult by the Forest Service and described as best suited to off-highway motorcycles. The surface is very rocky and winds and twists through the woods, with loose chunk rock, tree roots, mud holes, rock gardens, and steep hill climbs. Some of the toughest spots have bypasses. The loop is one-way except where posted, and it is not recommended for novice riders. The Forest Service says motorcycle riders can finish it in a few hours, while ATV riders should plan on four to six hours. Visit PA Great Outdoors calls it the only trail in the forest designated specifically for off-highway motorcycles.

Penoke is one piece of a 76-mile system that also includes the Marienville and Timberline trails. Those are much easier, mostly wide, level two-way trails on old roads and railroad grades, and they make a good warm-up or a day for less experienced riders in your group. The trail is open to ATVs and side-by-sides up to 50 inches wide, but they are a poor fit for the terrain.

Getting there

The Penoke trailhead is on Forest Road 521, off PA 66 north of Marienville. RiderPlanet gives the route as about 3.2 miles north on PA 66, then right onto FR 521 for about a mile. The Forest Service says the trailhead has no facilities. The Marienville main trailhead on PA 66 (paved parking, kiosk, vault toilets) is the better place to get a map and use a toilet. Marienville is the nearest town, with fuel and groceries.

Fees, permits, and rules

You need an Allegheny National Forest ATV/OHM permit to ride: $35 for the calendar year or $10 for a single day, per machine. Permits are sold online, at the forest headquarters in North Warren and the Bradford and Marienville ranger district offices, and at local businesses. Motorized travel is allowed only on designated trails. Pennsylvania state rules for off-highway vehicles apply, including helmets, and no child under 8 may ride double on a dirt bike. The Forest Service asks for registration and insurance proof only from ATV and UTV applicants, not from motorcycle riders.

When to ride

The season typically runs from the Friday before Memorial Day to the last Sunday in September. Wet weather can close the trails on short notice, so check with the Marienville Ranger District at (814) 927-6628 before you drive out. Camping in the system is limited: RiderPlanet reports limited roadside dispersed camping near the Penoke trailhead, and developed camping at the Timberline, Pine Camp, and Rocket John trailheads.