36 Miles or 42 by Season
If you’ve seen the Big Flat and Pine Grove area described as 36 miles in one place and 42 in another, the difference can make trip planning confusing. Those figures describe seasonal riding opportunities, not necessarily a disagreement about one fixed loop. This guide explains what the mileage means, how to plan around seasonal access, and what to check before unloading your ATV.
Why the mileage can be 36 or 42 miles
The figures describe seasonal access
The 36-mile and 42-mile figures associated with Big Flat and Pine Grove in Michaux State Forest are best understood as estimates of the riding network available under different seasonal access conditions. When seasonal restrictions apply, some routes may be unavailable, shortening the usable network. When additional designated routes are open, the total may be closer to the longer figure.
That does not mean every rider can follow one marked, continuous 42-mile loop. A trail system’s total mileage can include separate segments, connectors, and routes that require backtracking. Your actual ride may be shorter or longer depending on where you begin, which branches you take, and which sections are open that day.
For broader context about the two areas, see [Big Flat and Pine Grove in Michaux]. Treat the mileage as a planning range, not a promise that every mile will be available whenever you arrive.
Why maps and descriptions may not match
Trail descriptions can reflect different seasons, map editions, or ways of counting mileage. One source may count only the designated ATV trail segments available during a particular season, while another may include additional routes that open at a different time. A map may also show a network’s total mileage without making clear which sections are open to ATVs on your planned date.
This is why comparing two mileage claims without checking their context can be frustrating. A rider who plans a full day around the longer figure may arrive to find a connector closed, a route temporarily blocked, or a seasonal section unavailable. Conversely, a shorter estimate may not include all the routes open during another riding window.
Use the published figures as a starting point. Before you go, compare the official trail map with current closure notices and the season’s access information. [Pennsylvania Trail Maps From DCNR] is a useful place to start when identifying designated routes, while [Pennsylvania Trail Conditions Before You Go] can help you think through the need to check conditions before loading up.
| Mileage figure | What it can indicate | What it does not guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| About 36 miles | A shorter seasonal network or count of available designated routes | A single 36-mile loop |
| About 42 miles | A broader network when additional designated routes are open | That every route will be open on your ride date |
| Your ride’s actual distance | The segments you choose and can legally access | That a phone’s track log matches official trail mileage |
How seasonal access changes your ride
Summer and winter access are not interchangeable
Pennsylvania’s designated trail systems can have different operating periods, and the routes available in one season may not be available in another. For Big Flat and Pine Grove, the difference between a shorter and longer mileage estimate may be tied to which designated sections are open during the season you’re visiting.
Check the applicable season information before choosing a date. [Pennsylvania's Summer Season Dates] and [Pennsylvania's Winter Season Dates] can help you understand why an area’s rideable mileage may vary. Also check for seasonal closures. A route shown on a map is not permission to ride it if it is closed or not designated for ATV use.
Winter riding needs extra planning, too. Snow, ice, and short daylight hours can make a familiar trail feel very different. A route that seems manageable on a clear summer day may take longer when traction is poor or visibility is limited. Seasonal opening dates are not a guarantee that conditions will suit every machine or rider.
Closures and conditions can change the usable distance
Seasonal schedules are only one part of the picture. Trails may be closed or restricted because of weather, maintenance, surface damage, or other management needs. A segment that appears on a printed map may not be passable or open when you arrive.
Spring conditions deserve particular attention. Thawing ground and heavy rain can make trails vulnerable to damage, and riding a soft trail can deepen ruts or make recovery harder for everyone. [Why Pennsylvania Trails Close April 1] explains the seasonal closure issue in more detail, but the practical takeaway is simple: check for closures close to your departure date rather than relying on a map you saved months ago.
If a route is closed, don’t ride around a gate or bypass a barrier to stay on schedule. Rework your plan using open, designated trails. That may mean riding a shorter day than expected, but it avoids trail damage and the risk of a citation or an unsafe detour.
Planning a Big Flat and Pine Grove ride
Build a route from open segments, not just the mileage headline
Start by locating the trailhead or staging area you plan to use. Then mark the routes that are designated for ATV riding and open for your date. Note which junctions connect the segments, where a route ends, and whether your plan requires retracing your path.
A route that adds up to the longer mileage figure may require more time than you expect if it includes narrow, rocky, or slow-going sections. A short distance on a map does not always translate into a quick ride, especially when the group includes new riders, children, or machines with different capabilities. Build in time for stops, navigation, and unexpected delays instead of treating the total mileage as a target you must reach.
Mapping apps can help with orientation, but they should support—not replace—official information. For example, onX Offroad can help you review route options and save a planned track before leaving home. Check its displayed information against the current official map and closure notices, and don’t assume a line shown in an app is open or legally rideable.
Check machine fit and group readiness
Before setting out, make sure your ATV or UTV is appropriate for the designated trails you intend to use. Pennsylvania state forest ATV trails have width limits, and a machine that is too wide may not be allowed on a route even if it can physically travel along it. Review [The 64-Inch Width Limit in Pennsylvania] before taking a wider machine to the area.
It also helps to match the route to the least experienced rider in your group. A rocky, narrow section that feels routine to one person may be stressful for someone riding a stock machine or learning to handle uneven ground. Agree on a pace, stopping points, and a plan for what the group will do if it gets separated.
Carry the information you need even if you have a phone with a mapping app. Battery life, signal, and device mounting can all become problems during a long ride. Save your route offline where possible, bring a paper map or a clear reference to the official map, and make sure everyone knows the planned return point.
A practical checklist before you unload
Confirm access, equipment, and timing
A quick check before departure can prevent the most common mileage-related disappointment: arriving with a route plan that doesn’t match the open trail network. Before leaving, confirm the season, review closures, and make sure your planned routes are designated for your machine.
- Check the official map and the relevant seasonal access information.
- Look for current closures, maintenance notices, or condition updates.
- Identify your starting point, intended route segments, and return route.
- Confirm that each machine meets applicable width and equipment requirements.
- Estimate ride time conservatively, allowing for slower sections and breaks.
- Save your navigation information and bring a backup reference.
- Share your plan with someone who is not riding with you.
The extra preparation is especially worthwhile if you’re traveling a long distance to Michaux. A few minutes spent checking route access can save you from planning a full day around miles that aren’t available.
Ride respectfully on narrow trails
The more riders share a trail system, the more important it is to ride predictably. Slow down where sightlines are limited, be prepared to stop for oncoming riders, and leave room for others to pass safely where the trail allows. Avoid cutting corners or widening the trail to get around mud or obstacles; that can damage the surrounding ground and create a broader problem for the route.
If your group includes several machines, keep the group together without tailgating. Let the rider behind you know when the pace changes, and stop in a place where you are visible and not blocking the trail. For more detail on sharing tight routes, see [Pennsylvania ATV Trail Etiquette on Narrow Trails].
Finally, respect gates, signs, and marked closures even when your navigation app still displays a route. An app can be helpful for orientation, but it cannot make a closed trail open. The safest plan is one that leaves room to turn around, shorten the ride, or choose another open segment when conditions differ from what you expected.
Use the mileage as a range, not a guarantee
The useful answer to “36 miles or 42?” is that the figure depends on the seasonal network and the routes open for your ride. Think of 36 and 42 as planning references for different access conditions, not as two versions of a guaranteed loop. Confirm which designated sections are available, then calculate your own route from those open segments.
That small distinction makes it easier to plan a realistic day: choose a starting point, check the current map and closures, allow time for the terrain, and keep a shorter alternative ready. Your ride may not match the largest mileage figure, but it will be much less likely to be derailed by a seasonal route you assumed would be open.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
