We want you to have the best experience while riding the trail. We require ALL riders to be full members or complete the day pass process, including the payment, to have approval to ride the trail.
Shapiro Administration Invests $1.4 Million to Expand and Improve ATV Trails Across Pennsylvania
Funding supports four projects statewide – strengthening rural economies and enhancing Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry.
A spring grant round for ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities will open Feb. 2 and run through March 31, offering funding support to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities.
January 28, 2026
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration today announced $1.4 million in new investments to expand and improve all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails and facilities across Pennsylvania – strengthening the Commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry.
“These grants expand safe, high-quality ATV opportunities and help support outdoor recreation and its role in strengthening and supporting rural economies across Pennsylvania,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We are eager to see the impact of these projects, and we urge organizations and municipalities to apply for the next grant round before the March 31 deadline.”
Funding is provided through the ATV Management Restricted Account, Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, and the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program. DCNR awarded the grants that will support four projects statewide for trail acquisition, planning and construction.
Projects funded for this round include:
- Mercer County Regional Planning Commission (Mercer County): $124,600 for a trail study to explore the feasibility of ATV trails in Mercer County
- Piney Rail Riders (Clarion County): $403,700 for construction of a bridge over Little Piney Creek on the Piney Rail Corridor in Limestone Township
- Potter County ATV UTV Club (Potter County): $205,100 for the acquisition of approximately 61 acres in Keating Township for the expansion of ATV trails
- Rock Run Recreation Area, Inc. (Cambria and Clearfield counties): $749,978 for construction of comfort stations, electrical utility upgrades, and expansion of the trail system in Chest Township
DCNR awards grants twice a year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities. The spring grant round(opens in a new tab) will open on February 2 and close on March 31.
Eligible projects include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for construction and maintenance, and development of educational programs. Grants are open to municipalities, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. While no match is required, applications with matching funds will receive additional consideration.
With a few limited exceptions, all snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by DCNR. Statewide, Pennsylvania has more than 32,500 active snowmobiles and nearly 288,000 ATVs. Grants are administered by DCNR with funding provided from registrations.
From day one, the Shapiro Administration has been dedicated to supporting Pennsylvania’s growing outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economic development. Investments in ATV and snowmobile projects help ensure safe, high-quality trails and facilities that benefit communities across the Commonwealth.
Last summer, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Potter County(opens in a new tab) to announce a $162,461 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant for the White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge to replace its gas pump storage tanks – reopening the only gas pump for miles. Located along the 600-mile Northcentral Regional ATV Trail(opens in a new tab) across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties, the store serves as a hub for riders, anglers, and tourists, with the trail generating $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2022 and 2023.
The Northcentral Regional ATV Trail will again be accessible to riders in the spring. DCNR is working with partners at the local and state level, including the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation(opens in a new tab), to expand ATV riding opportunities. Route 49 in the Borough of Westfield, Tioga County is the first example of a new process where municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks can request an ATV route designation from PennDOT.
More information about ATV and Snowmobile grants(opens in a new tab) can be found on the DCNR website and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events(opens in a new tab) for events on public lands.
ABOUT US
Formed in 2017, Piney Rail Riders ATV Club, a non-profit organization, was established to provide an easy and convenient way for friends, family and community to connect while experiencing the outdoors.
The trail is approximately 23.7 miles, has 7 railroad bridges and stretches from Piney Dam area to Brookville where it adjoins the Redbank Valley Trail (a non-motorized trail). Our trail is designated for off-road vehicles such as ATV/UTV, Dirt Bikes and Dual Sport Bikes. We DO NOT PERMIT Jeeps or Rail Buggies.
We also ask that you are respectful of landowners, camp owners and homeowners when riding. Keep your music and your speed down.
TRAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
HUNTING SEASON
Our trail is open every day of the year. With that in mind, we also respect those around us that enjoy hobbies that exist in the same environment as ours. We count hunters, fishermen/women, and others among our members and want to be respect to their hobby on Saturdays during hunting season. From October 4 (archery) to mid January (late archery and muzzleloader), please limit your riding during the daylight hours on those days.
SAFETY DETOUR
Heading East on the trail at mile marker 16.5 or as we have nicknamed it, the SS Minnow, there is a very dangerous area that is not ideal for entering the highway.
Please use the following detour: At around mile marker 15.5, make a right onto Swine Ford Road. At the next 4-way intersection, make a left onto Love Road. Run this out to the main road to make a right onto Rt. 949. Travel a short distance and take a left onto Dickey Road. This is sort of a blind turn so be careful. At the Y, stay to the left and you will intersect with the trail again. To continue heading East, make a right onto the trail.
We have painted 3 blue dots on the trees to help guide you.
DO NOT CROSS WATERWAYS
Please make sure you are using bridges to cross creeks. We have a part of the trail in the Brookville area that does not have a bridge across it. For now, it is the end of the trail. We DO NOT want to create a situation that will result in fines for crossing waterways.
2025 a year in pictures
