Warm weather, PTO to burn, itching to get on the road? It’s summer adventure time with your Toyota 4Runner! Throw all your camping gear into the back, turn off that work email, and head out for a full weekend of nature in some of the most beautiful spots on the East Coast - here’s our curated list of must-see must-experience wonders.on
Hop in your Toyota 4Runner and hit the best East Coast off-roading and camping combos this Year!
Vermont
Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont is one of the most beautiful places in America. In the summer, you'll see beautiful wildflowers, mountains, and forests, not to mention bears, moose, and beavers! After an adventure packed day of ORV trails, unroll your sleeping bag in the back and enjoy one of the many campgrounds available, or go ahead and do some boondocking anywhere along the trail that dispersed camping is allowed. Likewise, bring your fishing pole and kayak for some more sports and the opportunity to catch your own dinner straight from the river.
Massachusetts
If you’re in the North Eastern area and up for a challenge, Beartown State Forest in Massachusetts is an amazing place to go off-roading. The park features twenty miles of loose, bulky rocks, puddles, tree roots, and sections of steep uphills and downhills for maximum fun. And when you’ve worn yourself out driving, visit the amazing camping facility with all the amenities at Lake Benedict. Looking for more peace and quiet? Along with the chance to see some wildlife, try Hipcamp for a more private and unique camping experience in the area.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be a small state, but it is mighty in attractions. The East Beach Sand Trail is an under-developed area that is a 4x4 owner’s dream, flying about as you cruise along the sandy beach. In addition, there are over twenty camping sites that permit you to spend the night on the beach. You’ll need to get a Barrier Beach Pass to utilize the trail, and if you plan to camp, get a parking pass before you go.
Connecticut
After you hit Rhode Island, it stands to reason you would drive on over to the lush, green forests of beautiful Connecticut. The Cockaponset State Forest is a 16,000 acre park with miles of off-road vehicle trails to indulge in. While you are there, try:
New York
With its gorges, finger lakes, vast forests and amazing views, New York offers a whole world of adventure. Hunter Mountain in New York features amazing 4x4 trails where you will hit every type of obstacle and terrain! Trails take you through the lush green hills of the Catskills; while the miles are limited on this trail, it’s a challenging adventure. Listed as difficult, you’re going to have your driving skills tested on these paths. After a fun day getting your ORV groove on, look to unpack your tent in one of the many camping areas in the Catskills.
Maine
Rocky Mountain Terrain Park in Maine is an absolute must. This fantastic park allows you to sharpen your off-road driving with it’s many rock piles, mud pits, and other man-made obstacles. Likewise, it offers some great public camping options - even a shooting range if you’re interested. And, once you tire of the park, you can hit any one of Maine’s public trail system routes and logging roads that’ll get you off the grid and into the vast and diverse forests of Maine.
North Carolina
The Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina’s Piedmont Region should be a spot on your East Coast ORV destination map. The system of trails has a number of rocky and steeply inclined roads, and combined with relaxed winding roads, it makes for a perfect mix of hard-core adventure and totally chill nature adventure. Likewise, primitive camping is allowed unless otherwise noted so you can spend a whole weekend away from the noise and stress of the real world. Don’t forget to purchase your day or week passes before you go.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few other notable areas worth considering on the East Coast. The Gorges State Park in North Carolina is pretty fantastic; Georgia has a number of service roads that are worthy of a trip and known as the Georgia Traverse. If you are headed to Virginia, there are the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests that offer ORV trails with unique terrain.
While the wild west has a vast number of off-road vehicle terrains and trails, the East Coast is definitely no step-child. They offer thick forests and rock climbs that can’t be beat, with views that will take your breath away. So head East, young and old, men and women, and hit the vast trails along our Eastern border.
