Coastal ATV Trails in North Carolina
- Coastal ATV riding provides a unique turf for a great off-road adventure.Small All Terrain Vehicle on a beach 2 image by Sergey Sukhorukov from Fotolia.com
Riding along an off-road trail with the smell of the Atlantic ocean around you and the sandy turf connecting you to the earth is one of the greatest feelings you can have on an ATV. North Carolina's moderate temperatures and beautiful scenery make it the perfect destination for your next off-road adventure. Fortunately, there are areas along the east coast of North Carolina to legally drive your ATV. - The guides on this ATV excursion will take you through one of the Outer Banks' "best kept secrets." The tour begins with a 20-minute boat ride from Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village to Portsmouth Island, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. This ATV excursion includes time to explore this historic island, where you'll find a visitor center, U.S. Lifesaving Station, Methodist Church, general store and post office. Once a thriving town with almost 700 residents back in 1860, Portsmouth Island is currently deserted. The tour finishes with a ride along a peaceful and remote beach.
Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
P.O. Box 790
Ocracoke, NC 27960
252-928-4484
portsmouthislandatvs.com - ATV enthusiasts riding at Busco Beach have over 1,800 acres of trails to explore. ATV Rider magazine has referred to Busco Beach as, "A Riders Paradise." Amenities include full hook-up camp sites, concession stand, general store, large ponds for fishing and swimming, a bathhouse with hot showers and restrooms, lakes for fishing, and a concert stage on the beach. The park offers an on-site ATV Air Station. Check out the mud and drag strips. Busco Beach ATV Park has areas specifically for sport quads, utility quads, and hundreds of acres for trail riding that includes sand pits, hill climbs, jumps, whoops, flat open areas, donuts and a mini-race track and drag strip. The park welcomes motorbikes.
Busco Beach ATV Park
1243 Bryan Blvd.
Goldsboro, NC 27530
919-222-9614
buscobeach.com - The Croatan off-highway vehicle area does not have trails specifically designated for ATVs, but those trails are open to ATVs and other off-road vehicles. The trails meander throughout the Croatan National Forest, often crossing each other, or suddenly ending without notice leaving you with no choice but to turn around and go back the way you came. All the trails in this area are suitable for beginning riders so this forest makes the perfect place for a peaceful family adventure.
Located between New Bern and Emerald Isle, Croatan National Forest offers both coastal and inland swamp habitats. Amenities include hiking trails, boat launch sites, day-use areas and camping areas.
Croatan National Forest Headquarters
141 E. Fisher Ave.
New Bern, NC 28560
252-638-5628
ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Croatan
