Clinton County Commissioners Take Step Toward Regional Management of North Central ATV Trail Network
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— In July 2025, the Clinton County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to establish a new era of regional cooperation in managing one of Pennsylvania’s largest off-road recreation assets. Resolution 13 of 2025 authorized the formation of a Council of Governments (COG) to oversee the North Central Regional ATV Trail (NRAT) network. The initiative moved forward again this week on Thursday, August 21, when the board approved a memorandum of understanding between Clinton, Potter, and Tioga counties to provide initial start-up funding in the amount of $5,000 for the formation of the NRAT Council of Governments.
The NRAT stretches 600 miles through Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds, providing a route for long-distance ATV riding. The trail connects state forest roads, township roads, and PennDOT-administered roadways, creating a continuous trail. This was made possible through the collaboration of local governments, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and private landowners, as well as several townships that have voluntarily opened their roads to ATV use, further expanding public access to the NRAT.
The NRAT network is more than just a haven for ATV enthusiasts—it has also become a major economic driver for the region. According to a study by Penn State’s Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, the trail system generated about $10.4 million in 2022 and $13.1 million in 2023 in Potter and Tioga counties alone, supporting small businesses and boosting local tourism. Access to the trails requires that riders purchase an annual permit to help ensure sustainable funding and responsible management of the trail network.
With the formation of the new Council of Governments, Clinton County aims to strengthen and unify the management of the NRAT trail system. This partnership will allow participating counties to work together on key priorities, such as trail development, rider safety, ongoing maintenance, and securing long-term funding for the network.
For more information about the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail and its economic impact study, visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website pages linked below.
www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/what-to-do/atv-riding/northcentral-regional-atv-trail
www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-study-finds-northcentral-regional-atv-tra
