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Rausch Creek Off-Road Park

RegionPennsylvaniaAgencyRausch Creek Off-Road Park (private)Last verified—
Rausch Creek Off-Road Park — ohv area near Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Photo: Rausch Creek Off-Road Park
Area vitals5 facts
Technical difficulty
Difficult
Vehicle
4WD Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs only (no ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes). Seatbelts for all occupants, a rollcage or hardtop, at least one tow point, and a full-size or comparable spare are required to run the trails.
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Permit
Required
Cell coverage
Spotty
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Rausch Creek Off-Road Park is a 3,000-acre private rock-crawling park on former coal land near Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. Trails are color-coded green through red across a Main Property (East, West, South) and a separate Northeast section, with bypasses so mixed-skill groups can run together.

Every vehicle needs a rollcage or hardtop, seatbelts, a tow point, and a spare tire, and the park requires a two-vehicle minimum before anyone hits the trail. It runs Friday through Sunday year-round except deer rifle season and a few winter holidays, with primitive camping included in admission.

Hazards

Read before you go

Rock ledges and hill climbs make a tow point and a full-size spare mandatory. The old quarry water crossing runs 3 to 4 feet deep depending on rainfall. Cell service is spotty across the property; running with a second vehicle (required) is also the practical safety net.

Area facts

3 fields
AgencyRausch Creek Off-Road Park (private)
Nearest townPine Grove, Pennsylvania
Websitewww.rc4x4.org

Getting there

Directions

The park entrance is at 453 Molleystown Road, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. Check in at the office to pay admission and get a wristband before running any trail.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Rausch Creek sits on reclaimed coal land in Schuylkill County, off Molleystown Road outside Pine Grove. The park is split into a Main Property with East, West, and South sections plus a separate Northeast property, all connected by a mix of old forest roads and hand-cut trail.

Trail Overview

Difficulty runs green (easy) through blue, blue-black, and red (extreme), with bypasses built in so a mixed-experience group can run the same route at different lines. A flooded former quarry, known locally as The Quarry, sits on a blue trail and is a common stop for flex photos. Jeep's Badge of Honor program has run guided rides here on specific trails within the park. The park also hosts RCROCS rock-crawling competitions on a dedicated natural-terrain and man-made obstacle course, free to spectate.

Points of Interest

  • The Quarry, an old rock quarry rated blue, popular for suspension-flex photography.
  • A dedicated Competition Course used for RCROCS rock-crawling events.
  • Monthly guided entry-level rides and 101/201 instructional courses, including a winch and recovery course, run through the park's Offroad Consulting program.

Where to Camp

Primitive camping is included with admission: fire rings, picnic tables, firewood, and porta-potty service along the trails, pack-in pack-out.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Show up with a second vehicle. The park enforces a two-vehicle minimum and won't guarantee you a group if you arrive alone.
  • Your Jeep needs a rollcage or hardtop and seatbelts for every seat, even on models that didn't come with them.
  • Check in at the office for a wristband before running any trail.
  • The park closes during Pennsylvania's deer rifle season and a handful of winter holidays; confirm dates before a trip.
  • An annual membership drops the day rate from $80 to $60 per vehicle, and pays for itself in two visits.

Fuel and Water

Fuel and food are in Pine Grove before the park entrance. Nothing is sold on site beyond firewood; bring water and supplies for the day.

Nearby

Pine Grove has the nearest gas, food, and lodging. Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, a much larger reclaimed-coal-land OHV park, is roughly 40 miles north near Shamokin for a second day of riding.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Rausch Creek Off-Road Park?
Rausch Creek Off-Road Park is rated difficult.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Rausch Creek Off-Road Park?
4WD Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs only (no ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes). Seatbelts for all occupants, a rollcage or hardtop, at least one tow point, and a full-size or comparable spare are required to run the trails.
When is the best time to visit Rausch Creek Off-Road Park?
The best months are Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov.
Do you need a permit for Rausch Creek Off-Road Park?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by Rausch Creek Off-Road Park (private) — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park?
Spotty

Resources

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