Off Road vehicle requirements for PA for out-of-state bike?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

A guy I know has some off-road only bikes that he'd like to ride in PA (trailering there, of course). Are there any special permits/licensing etc, that he'll need in order to ride in the ORV/OHV parks?

Thanks!

[Cablebandit]

I'd assume he means the private OHV parks.  They each have a permit you buy by the day/year.  If he's riding the dirt in the state forest he'll be on state roads and would need a plate for that.

[Windblown]

Rider planet has all kinds of info on both private and public OHV/ORV trails in many states. Pick a trail that interests you and click "details" it will outline any fees, permits, etc that are required for the area. Here's the link to PA.

http://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/pennsylvania_list.htm

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Thank you! That link should really do the trick; I'll pass it along.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Ok, just talked to the guy who originally asked the question. He was specifically looking for public places. Meaning, can he take an un-plated bike on forest service roads, etc, in PA? Does anyone know specifically where he can/cannot take an un-plated bike?

Basically he doesn't want to pay out the nose for permits for the private places but just wants to tool around on some back roads/trails with his family. Thoughts?

[Cablebandit]

With an un-plated bike he is basically screwed for legal riding in public.  All forest roads are public and require a plate and insurance.  There are dual-sport trails in Bald Eagle State Forest but I think the only one that allows non-plated bikes is the Shade Mountain OHM Trail system.  I think it's only about 17 miles worth of trails.  Contact the Bald Eagle State Forest Office for free maps.

[garry]

Also note that PA state game lands are off-limits to motorized vehicles. There are miles and miles of trails and dirt roads to explore in the game lands areas, but you better not get caught back there. The rangers have no sense of humor and will impound bikes, big fines, etc. I have accidentally ended up in game lands before by following legal trails that wandered into games lands property and then run up on the wrong side of an access gate.

A plate is pretty much a requirement for doing any kind of casual dual-sport riding in PA.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

With an un-plated bike he is basically screwed for legal riding in public.  All forest roads are public and require a plate and insurance.  There are dual-sport trails in Bald Eagle State Forest but I think the only one that allows non-plated bikes is the Shade Mountain OHM Trail system.  I think it's only about 17 miles worth of trails.  Contact the Bald Eagle State Forest Office for free maps.

Actually that might be perfect for him. He goes with his family and the kids are at the age where they only want to ride for a short period of time anyway, so 17 miles might even be more than enough    I'll send him this information as well - thank you!  

[ChrisZRX]

https://www.snowatvreg.dcnr.state.pa.us/SnowRegOS.aspx

[Mrs. DantesDame]

https://www.snowatvreg.dcnr.state.pa.us/SnowRegOS.aspx

 

They don't want to register their bikes in PA; they just want to ride their un-plated NJ dirt bikes there. Am I missing something in the link that applies?

[BigBird]

Shade is a GREAT place to ride and there are enough trails there to tire out anyone.

BUT these trails are largely quite rocky with some challenging hills so not really good for novice riders.

[ChrisZRX]

If you're going to ride on state lands, they will need to register their bikes, UNLESS their bikes are rgistered in NJ and NJ reciprocates for PA.  

They should call the toll free number and have their questions answered directly.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

[Cablebandit]

https://www.snowatvreg.dcnr.state.pa.us/SnowRegOS.aspx

This is only for ATV's and snowmobiles.

[ChrisZRX]

The registration requirements are for dirt bikes too.

However, if you have a licensed, registered, insured dual sport from any state you're good to go.

Correction - Dirt bikes need not be registered, but they do need to be insured to ride on state lands.  Call that toll free number.

[Cablebandit]

The registration requirements are for dirt bikes too.

Interesting since the link you provided says specifically:

"This law does not address dirt bikes, dune
buggies, golf carts and other vehicles that could be
used off-highway"

[ChrisZRX]

Correction - Dirt bikes need not be registered, but they do need to be insured to ride on state lands.  Call that toll free number.

[Ack535]

Come a little further West to Michigan and you can ride "Up North" (North of US 10) pretty much anywhere on the shoulder of secondary roads, trails etc. with an ORV sticker, headlight and tailight. No plate or insurnace needed.

Plus we have an extensive system of DNR ORV Trails, and Dirtbike only trails.

Look at Michigan Public Act 240.

Pete

[arr2]

The info that Cablebandit posted is correct. Shade Mountain trail system is the only state land that can be accessed by a dirt bike ( unlicensed) in the state of PA. The trail system at 7 Mountains requires a registered bike (dual sport). I am the trail maintenance coordinator for the 7 Mtns dual sport loop and belong to the org that puts on the 7 Mtns Dual Sport ride each year. PA does not register dirt bikes in any way.

DantesDame, if your friend wants to ride at Shade Mountain with a unregistered dirt bike tell him Shade Mountain  forest rd. is off limits. You can cross it but cannot ride it without a licensed bike. Although, I have never seen a DCNR patrol there. I ride that area quite often and BigBird is right. It is very rocky and there is limited beginner trails.

You should also have your friend check out Allegheny National forest in the Clarion area. I believe it is open to unregistered dirt bikes. Been awhile since I have been there. Unlike PA state AtV areas, bike and atv's share some of the trails.

Ack535, you are right about Michigan. They have their act together as far as off road riding is concerned.
I havve rode the Six Days Of Michigan seven times and love riding in Michigan, especially the UP.

[Ack535]

Ack535, you are right about Michigan. They have their act together as far as off road riding is concerned.
I havve rode the Six Days Of Michigan seven times and love riding in Michigan, especially the UP.

Yeah, we are so desperate for the income and tax revenue that the state has made this a very friendly place for ORV's. Come on over and spend your $!