Looking at the Best Off-Road Destinations in the World
No matter how much you want to go on an off-road adventure, your hot hatchback just isn’t going to cut it – you’re going to need a vehicle made for these types of activities. If you’re particularly serious about off-roading, we also suggest an advanced driving course to ensure that you are capable of handling the terrain and weather conditions before attempting the best off-road trails in the world.
United States: West Virginia
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia was created by local government to encourage tourism in the state and it is just as successful as they would’ve hoped. With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is ever-expanding and has something for everyone – from beginner to expert level. Open 365 days a year to off-road vehicles, ATVs, and dirt bikes, once completed there could be as much as 3,000 total kilometres of trails.
Africa: The Sahara Desert
Covering the northern part of the world’s second largest continent, the Sahara Desert is every off-roader’s dream. The place has also been themed in some slots at these latest sites. Spanning east to west across the African continent, the extreme heat and topography of the Sahara Desert have rendered it a largely inhospitable destination, however it is perfect for off-roading adventures. Covering an area of 9.2 million km2, the Sahara also hosts the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, a 100% off-road women-only event which pits teams of two against each other as they race across Morocco.
Mexico: Baja California
While the Sea of Cortez is most popular for whale watching and lounging on its many beaches, the incredible peninsula also offers some of the best off-roading trails in the world. Of all the ways to experience this landscape, the Baja 1000 is likely one of the most extreme, but this is largely beyond the skillset of most! While there are plenty of races held in the region, there is something for every level of rider and is open to quadbikes, ATVs, and off-road vehicles.
Australia: Moreton Island
Located in Queensland, Moreton Island is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. Renowned for being the second largest sand island in the world, Moreton Island is a secluded alternative to the area’s other beaches. Fortunately for off-road lovers, due to the obscurity of Moreton Island, much of the 186km2 island has been left undeveloped and consists of rocky outcrops, rocks, hills, and of course its incredible beaches. Access permits are required to travel in your vehicle within the national park, but these can be obtained easily online.
There we have it – the world’s most extreme off-road adventure destinations. Remember, just because the destination is extreme, does not mean that it’s not suitable for beginners. You’ll need plenty of off-roading tips and tricks to make the most of the experience, but you’re about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, so make it memorable for all the right reasons.
