The BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails program is returning for 2008 . . .

The annual series, co-sponsored by BFG, United Four-Wheel Drive Associations, and Tread Lightly!, calls recognition to six deserving four-wheeling trails and destinations across North America each year, partnering with local clubs who have adopted the trails with the aim of demonstrating principles of responsible four wheeling and trail conservation. This year’s Outstanding Trails are:

Superstition Mountain, near San Diego, California. Superstition is a 13,000-acre open area that presents an array of challenging trail-riding opportunities from sand dunes to rocks to mud hills. The trail has been classified by many as “demanding” and attracts skilled ‘wheelers.

Blacktail / Wild Bill National Recreation Trail, near the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area in northwest Montana, one of the first OHV areas to be recognized as a National Recreational Trail by the U.S. Forest Service.  Providing 4x4 beginners and experts with several obstacles and spectacular views throughout, the trail also offers opportunities for dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles and mountain bikers to enjoy the 13-mile journey through the Flathead National Forest.

Iron Range ORV Area, near Gilbert, Minnesota, features a system of 36 trails and 1,200 acres of recreation in a north woods setting with scramble areas, training hills and rock crawls. The Iron Range system provides riding opportunities for many skill levels on varied terrain---rock, dirt, mud and hills.

Pritchett Canyon Trail, near Moab, Utah, is known as one of the toughest trails because its difficult obstacles have few or no bypasses. ‘Wheelers and locals consider Pritchett Canyon a gem due to its views of the steep canyon walls, large side-canyon pour-offs and a pool-speckled creek near the bottom of the canyon.  Throughout the journey through the canyon, wheelers are also treated to spectacular views of rock formations as the trail climbs through the lower part of the canyon and exits via a side canyon over a divide into the Hunter Canyon system.

Quinn Trail, near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. There are two ways to get to the end destination, which is Quinn Lake: Stock rigs will take the “front door,” which consists of dirt, mud, tight turns and some blind elevations. Those looking for a serious challenge will take the “back door” to Quinn Lake. The large rock formations, steep hills and rocky creek beds make for a great challenge.

Beasley Knob, near Atlanta, Georgia, has a well-developed system of eight interconnecting trails offering a total of 10.8 miles and a wide variety of riding challenges. The trails are made of steep mountainous terrain and have a difficulty rating of moderate to strenuous making it recommended for expert level riders only.

Exact dates for each Outstanding Trails event have yet to be determined, but we’ll keep you posted as plans firm up. Stay tuned.