Can You Ride ATVs in the Poconos During Winter?

Winter in the Pocono Mountains doesn't mean your outdoor adventures have to stop. While many visitors associate the region with skiing, snow tubing, and cozy mountain getaways, there's another way to experience the outdoors: ATV riding.

Yes, you can ride ATVs in the Poconos during winter. At Alvin's Offroad Playground in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, our guided ATV tours operate year-round, rain or shine, subject to weather conditions and operational decisions. If you own an ATV, dirt bike, or side-by-side, we also offer a separate Bring Your Own (BYO) riding program with seasonal availability.



Whether you're planning a winter getaway or looking ahead to your next day on the trails, here's what you should know before visiting.

Are ATV Tours Available in the Poconos Year-Round?

Yes! At Alvin's Offroad Playground, our guided ATV tours are available throughout the year, giving visitors an opportunity to experience off-road adventure even when temperatures drop.

Our 70-acre property in Long Pond, PA, features a variety of terrain, including wooded trails, open fields, hills, and tracks.

During a guided ATV tour, you'll enjoy:

• A one-hour ATV riding experience across our property.
• An ATV rental, fuel, helmet, and goggles included with your tour.
• Guidance from experienced tour leaders.
• A riding pace adjusted to the group's abilities.
• An outdoor adventure that doesn't require owning an ATV.

Our tours welcome both beginners and experienced riders, making them an exciting addition to a Pocono Mountains winter trip.

Explore our guided ATV tours in the Pocono Mountains to learn more about riding options and reservations.

What Is Winter ATV Riding Like in the Pocono Mountains?

Winter brings a different atmosphere to the trails.

The trees are bare, the air is crisp, and the landscape looks different from the warmer months. Instead of summer greenery or colorful fall foliage, riders experience the quieter side of the Pocono Mountains.

Trail conditions can change throughout the season depending on temperatures, precipitation, and recent weather.

You may encounter:

• Colder temperatures and wind while riding.
• Wet or muddy areas following rain or melting snow.
• Firm or frozen ground during colder periods.
• Changing traction and visibility depending on the weather.

Winter riding isn't necessarily snow riding. Snow-covered trails aren't guaranteed, and certain conditions may affect whether riding can safely take place.

Our team evaluates conditions and provides instructions to help riders understand what to expect.

For additional information about seasonal conditions in the region, visit the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Can You Bring Your Own ATV, Dirt Bike, or Side-by-Side to Alvin's?

Absolutely! If you already own an off-road machine, Alvin's Offroad Playground offers a Bring Your Own (BYO) riding program.

Our BYO program gives eligible families and groups an opportunity to explore our property using their own machines instead of participating in a guided rental tour.

Depending on current park rules, eligible vehicles include:

• ATVs and quads.
• Dirt bikes.
• Side-by-sides and UTVs.
• Go-karts and other approved off-road vehicles.

Unlike our guided tours, BYO riding allows participants to explore designated areas without following a tour guide.

Our property features wooded trails, open fields, hills, dirt and sand tracks, and other off-road terrain suitable for different riding abilities.

Is Bring Your Own ATV Riding Available During Winter?

Our guided ATV tours operate year-round, while BYO riding follows a separate seasonal schedule.

This distinction is important when planning your visit.

If you want to bring your own ATV, dirt bike, or side-by-side during the colder months, contact our team to confirm current BYO operating dates and trail availability before traveling.

Our BYO program also has specific participation requirements. Groups must include at least one participating child age 14 or younger, with no more than two adults per child.

Visit our Bring Your Own ATV, dirt bike, and side-by-side page for current rules, pricing, and riding information.

Whether you're joining a winter guided tour or planning a BYO adventure during the appropriate season, Alvin's offers off-road enthusiasts more than one way to enjoy the trails.

What Should You Wear for Winter ATV Riding?

Dressing appropriately is one of the most important parts of preparing for a cold-weather ATV adventure.

Temperatures can feel colder once you're moving, especially when wind and damp conditions are involved.

Before arriving, consider wearing:

• Warm layers: Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely while keeping warm.
• Long pants: Required for all riders at Alvin's Offroad Playground.
• Closed-toe footwear: Sneakers or boots are required. Crocs and shoes with holes are not permitted.
• Winter gloves: Help keep your hands warm while operating the ATV.
• Weather-appropriate outerwear: A jacket suitable for outdoor activity can make your ride more comfortable.
• Comfortable socks: Warm, moisture-managing socks can help protect your feet from the cold.

Avoid loose clothing or accessories that could interfere with operating the machine.

Helmets and goggles are included with our guided ATV tours. BYO riders must follow the separate protective equipment requirements listed on our website.

For more guidance on responsible ATV operation and protective equipment, review the ATV Safety Institute's riding resources.

Is Winter ATV Riding Good for Beginners?

Never ridden an ATV before? That's okay!

You don't need previous ATV riding experience to participate in one of our guided tours.

At Alvin's Offroad Playground, our tour guides begin at a manageable pace and adjust the riding experience based on the group's ability.

Before heading onto the trails, riders receive instructions about operating the ATV and following the tour's safety rules.

Winter conditions may require additional caution, especially when the ground is wet, frozen, or slippery.

If you're new to ATV riding, remember to:

• Follow your tour guide's instructions.
• Maintain a safe distance from other riders.
• Keep your speed appropriate for trail conditions.
• Avoid sudden movements or aggressive turns.
• Speak up if you're uncomfortable with the terrain.

For additional preparation tips, check out our 10 ATV Trail Riding Tips for First-Time Riders.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?

The Pocono Mountains experience changing weather throughout the winter, so it's important to understand the weather policy before booking.

Our guided ATV tours operate year-round, rain or shine. However, severe weather and unsafe trail conditions may affect operations.

Rain does not automatically cancel a reservation or qualify a booking for a refund.

If you're concerned about snow, ice, storms, or traveling during winter weather, we recommend contacting Alvin's directly and following instructions from our staff.

Reservations are subject to our cancellation policy, which requires at least 48 hours' notice for changes or cancellations.

You can review additional information on our frequently asked questions page.

Where Can You Go ATV Riding in the Poconos During Winter?

Alvin's Offroad Playground is located at 2069 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains.

Our location is convenient to Route 380 and Interstate 80, making it accessible to visitors planning outdoor activities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

One important thing to remember is that ATV riding isn't permitted on every trail or piece of land in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides information about designated ATV riding areas and applicable rules.

At Alvin's, visitors can enjoy an established off-road property through our guided tours or our seasonal BYO riding program, depending on eligibility and availability.

Plan Your Next ATV Adventure at Alvin's Offroad Playground

Winter is a great time to look for something different to do in the Pocono Mountains.

Whether you're visiting with friends, planning an adventurous getaway, or simply want to experience off-roading in a different season, our guided ATV tours offer a memorable outdoor activity.

Already have your own ATV, dirt bike, or side-by-side? Keep our Bring Your Own program in mind when planning your next family riding day. Just remember to confirm seasonal availability and participation requirements before visiting.

Ready to hit the trails?

Explore our guided ATV tours or contact Alvin's Offroad Playground to plan your next adventure.



We can't wait to see you at the playground!