Shapiro Administration Adds Seven New ATV Route Designations in Tioga County
- May 30
- 4 min read
Through PennDOT, the Shapiro Administration has created a new process that allows municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks to request an ATV route designation, furthering opportunities to connect trails.
These seven new ATV connector routes will add 7.5 miles to the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail system in Tioga County.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy has grown by $3.5 billion, supporting approximately 177,000 jobs.
Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the designation of seven new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Connector Routes in Tioga County, further encouraging safe outdoor recreation and boosting local economies.
Together, the seven new Connector Routes will add an additional 7.5 miles to the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail system, which reopened on May 22.
“Governor Shapiro is focused on growing Pennsylvania’s recreation economy, and this new process is part of the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing effort to boost rural economies while also enhancing safety,” said Shifflet. “We are pleased to see this approach already delivering results through the expansion of the ATV Connector Routes, making it easier to support local businesses safely while folks are enjoying the outdoors.”
The new PennDOT-approved ATV Connector Routes include:
California Road (Route 4007) between the Westfield Township line and the intersection of North Road in Brookfield Township, Tioga County.
o This approved route is connected to the Westfield segment listed below.
Route 349 between Mixtown Road (T-331) and Spruce Street (T-601) in Clymer Township, Tioga County.
Beachwood Road (Route 4012) between Route 349 and Gurnee Road (T-328) in Clymer Township, Tioga County.
Route 49 between the Westfield Borough line and Broughton Hill Road (T-814) in Westfield Township, Tioga County.
o This approved route is an extension of the first ATV Connector Route approved under a new PennDOT process and connects the approved ATV routes in Westfield Borough, Westfield Township and Clymer Township.
Route 249 between Jemison Road (T-600 and Cooper Road (T-543) in Westfield Township, Tioga County.
Route 349 between Strang Road (T-340) and Sunrise Maple in Westfield Township, Tioga County.
California Road (Route 4007) between the Brookfield Township line and the intersection with North Road (Route 4007) in Westfield Township, Tioga County.
o The approved route is connected to the Brookfield Township segment listed above.
The routes were approved under a new Shapiro Administration process – coordinated through PennDOT – that allows municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks to request an ATV route designation, furthering opportunities to connect trails.
The trail, managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), has become one of Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, boosting the economy of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. A 2024 study found the trail system generated $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023 — up from $10.4 million the previous year.
“We are continuing to expand safe and sustainable ATV access to help more Pennsylvanians connect with nature, while supporting rural economies and small businesses that depend on outdoor recreation,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Northcentral Regional ATV Trail is open for 2026, and we are excited to see riders once again taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of the natural spaces in the Pennsylvania Wilds through these new opportunities.”
Applications for these ATV Connector Routes were in coordination with the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail Council of Governments (NRAT COG), a voluntary group serving municipalities in Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties. Municipalities can work with the COG to develop a request that aligns with the regional trail plan prior to submitting it to state agencies for review.
ATVs are permitted to operate on this section of roadway during daylight hours only and limited to the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail riding season established by DCNR. The riding season begins Friday prior to Memorial Day and ends on the last Sunday in September each year.
“What makes this project special is the partnership behind it — municipalities, DCNR, local organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community members all coming together with a shared vision,” said Tioga County Commissioner Marc Rice. “With more than 105 miles available for the 2026 riding season and connections now stretching across eight Tioga County municipalities, we are building something that not only creates recreation opportunities but also drives tourism and long-term economic impact for our rural communities. We are proud of the collaboration that made this possible and excited about the future of the NRAT system here in Tioga County.”
Outdoor Recreation Boosts Pennsylvania’s Economy
Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry is made up of 6,500 local parks — including 125 state parks — more than 14,000 miles of trails, and over 84,000 miles of waterways. Under the Shapiro Administration’s leadership, the industry has added $3.5 billion and approximately 12,000 new jobs to the Commonwealth’s economy. New data shows the industry grew by $1.5 billion in 2024 — reaching $20.4 billion, outpacing the national growth rate, adding 9,000 jobs to support approximately 177,000 jobs total, and generating $9.5 billion in wages across the Commonwealth.
The Shapiro Administration continues to support Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy through investments in parks and trails, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign, and Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, which supports business development and innovation across the industry.
DCNR is investing $1.4 million to expand ATV access and improve trail infrastructure across Pennsylvania in 2026. and non-motorized use. With more than 288,000 ATVs registered across the Commonwealth, the trail helps meet the rising need for well-managed riding areas that also support rural communities and boost local economies.
For a listing of Northcentral Regional ATV Trails, visit gis.dcnr.pa.gov/ncratv/.
