Best Places For Off-Roading Near Baltimore

Maryland is a state rich in scenery. Breathtaking mountain, river and ocean views are available with only a short drive. Off-roading is a past time that many enjoy, and Maryland is the perfect place to explore ORV style. Here are some of the state's most sought after off-roading locations. All threats of snow are behind us and the overcast winter skies have been replaced with sunshine and inviting temperatures. What are you waiting for? Get out there and ride!

Assateague Island Beach
7206 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, Md. 21811
(410) 641-1441
www.assateagueisland.com

Assateague Island offers year-round opportunities for off-roading. There are more than 12 miles of terrain to explore that are open to ORVs. Enjoy beach views and scenic wildlife during the day and set up camp at their campground at night. Trails extend from Maryland into Virginia. You must obtain a permit to be granted access to the ORV zones. These permits are good for the year and can be obtained by calling (410) 641-3030.

Budds Creek Motocross Park is located in Southern Maryland, just a short hour and a half drive away. There is some sort of race or event going on nearly every weekend at Budds Creek. The track can also be privately rented. Check their website for race schedules, race results and rental availability. Professional and amateur racing events are held throughout the year.

Garrett State Forest has several different ORV trails for you to enjoy. The Piney Mountain ORV and snowmobile trails and the Snaggy Mountain ORV and snowmobile trails offer plenty of off-roading exploration. Snowmobile options are only available from Dec. 15 to March 15. Two-wheel vehicles and four-wheel vehicles are allowed year-round. Check the website for maps and other restrictions. ORV Certification is needed.

Five ORV trails await you at Potomac State Forest. The Laurel Run ORV trail offers 2.4 miles of terrain. Wallman Road ORV offers 3.9. The Wallman/Laurel Run snowmobile trail is extensive with 10.2 miles to explore. The same date restrictions apply for Potomac as for Garrett State Forest. Backbone Mountain ORV trail is 2.7 miles and the Backbone Mountain snowmobile trail is 6.7 miles in length. Check the park website for maps. Before visiting any of these trails it is recommended that you call to be aware of any harsh trail conditions or closings. ORV Certification is needed. Check here for trail standards.

Meadow Mountain, Margraff Plantation and Negro Mountain are three ORV trails offered at Savage River State Forest. Each trail has different restrictions and time frames that they are available for use. At least one of the trails is open year- round. Check the website for detailed restrictions. More trails were available for use however they are currently closed due to a forest certification audit. This close is only temporary. Safety tips can be viewed here. ORV Certification is needed.

Jillian Amodio is an author, writer and public speaker.There is nothing she enjoys more than being a stay at home mom. In addition to having recently published her first novel, Jillian also writes for her local Pasadena newspaper and on Examiner.com.