AOAA or Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area provides offroad enthusiasts with a vast network of trails for trucks, side-by-sides, quads and motorcycles. With 7,500 acres there is a trail for all skill levels and vehicles from coal roads to rock gardens. Our plan was to link up as many green trails the day would allow with our caravan of three Toyota Tacoma's and a full-size Chevy Silverado.

With the temps in the low 20's we were curious what the trail conditions would be like. We described the trails as, "driving on Maxtrax all day" tire tread was frozen into the ground providing grip the entire day. With water at a minimum except for the frozen puddles we would break through and clean rocks we were able to from cruise trail to trail.

We headed out past AOAA's Camp area up to trail #2 and started our way from trail 2 to 3 to 4 making our way to trail 6. Along the way we broke through frozen puddles and made it to trail 3. Full of switchbacks we made our decent navigating our way down the elevation. With the trucks in 4Low and in a lower gear we made it down with zero loss of traction and only a few multi-point turns to keep our space from the trees.

Shifting back to 4High the trail opened up and the valley we were working towards came into view. The woods thinned while we worked over towards trails 4 and 6. We came across some well scavenged old Chevy's sporting a few bullet holes. After making up a story of how the trucks found their final resting place we kept moving.

We jumped across E. Anthracite Road and headed towards trail 12, a long out and back trail to find a location that would provide a break from the wind while we stopped for lunch. Along the trek to trail 12 we found some small obstacles to play on along the way.

Trail 12 showed its cards quickly letting us know it was rockier than the other side of the road and a few more technical sections along the trail. The trail starts with a few rocky descents that level out then the trail starts to parallel the mountain with a great view from the passenger side.

We made our way down the trail until we reached an area that opened up allowing us to hop out of the trucks for some lunch and let our pupper companion stretch her legs while hunting for dropped potato chips.

Taking in the view in front of us we compared deli sandwiches and shared our internal monologs of the obstacles we've been traveling while other groups came into focus. Given the nature of the trail we realized the difficulty that might present its self if we had to allow opposite traveling traffic to pass on this skinny trail. We came across a large group of 8 vehicles and decided we could spend our time on another trail if we doubled back and hopped on something new.

Even though we had just completed these obstacles on our way out, climbing the rock filled hills while on the skinny peddle instead of the brake made for just as much excitement. Keeping steady throttle and momentum we made our way to trails 19, 14, and 16.

The combo of trails would challenge our vehicle size once again. The trees grew thicker and the trails tighter. Our Tacoma's would make their way through and we'd radio back to the Silverado what he had coming up ahead. Through each tight section, we would spot one another through the slalom-style trails until we made it back to E. Anthracite Road.

When we got back to the road the sun was staring to make its way behind the neighboring hills so the call was made to head back to the parking lot. On the way out we exchanged thumbs up with other groups also retiring for the day. Everyone was all smiles even the unlucky few that were being towed back to the tarmac. With the tires aired up and final round of stories shared with the group we hit the road for home.

Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area left us wanting so much more. We barley scratching the surface of what AOAA has to offer. The helpful staff at the start of our day eluded to how our day was going to transpire. We all left with perma-grins and with a plan of trials to hit for our next visit.

If you are into offroading or offroad travel of any kind AOAA better be on your radar.  Named one of the top 10 destinations in the country for ATVs, full-size vehicles and dirt bikes AOAA provide us with an extensive trail network to keep you coming back time and time again.

Only 3 hours away from New York City, 2.5 from Philadelphia, and Baltimore AOAA makes for a great day or weekend trip. For more info check out AOAA's Website for information on operation hours, trail conditions and lodging.

We'd love to hear from you!

Any questions about our vehicles/equipment on our trip use the contact form below. If you are interested in offroading or a seasoned wheeler check out AOAA. 7,500 Acres awaits!