What a dirt bike track is and where to find one

A dirt bike track is a closed course built on unpaved ground, designed specifically for riding motorcycles off-road. Tracks range from small backyard layouts to large facilities with multiple sections, jumps, and berms. Most are privately owned and charge a day-use or membership fee to ride.

You can find dirt bike tracks through a few main routes. Search online for "dirt bike track near me" or check the websites of local motorcycle clubs and ATV associations — many maintain lists of open facilities in your region. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and state-level motorcycle organizations often publish track directories. Some tracks advertise on Facebook or through word-of-mouth at local bike shops.

Track availability and rules vary widely. Some operate year-round; others close during wet seasons or winter. Many require you to show proof of insurance, sign a waiver, and wear specific safety gear before you ride. Call ahead to confirm hours, fees, age requirements, and what protective equipment is mandatory.

Key Takeaways

  • Dirt bike tracks are private facilities that charge a fee to ride and typically require a signed waiver and proof of insurance.
  • Local motorcycle clubs, the AMA, and online searches are the fastest ways to find open tracks in your area.
  • Track rules about age, bike size, skill level, and required safety gear differ by location, so contact the track directly before your first visit.
  • Building a backyard track requires land ownership or permission, proper drainage to handle rain, and liability insurance if you allow others to ride.
  • Most tracks prohibit riding alone and require a waiver that releases the track owner from liability if you are injured.

What to bring and wear when you ride

Every track requires a helmet, and most mandate a full set of protective gear: goggles, chest protector, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Some tracks specify helmet standards (DOT, ECE, or Snell certification) or require that your gear meet certain impact ratings. Wearing less than the minimum can get you turned away, even if you signed up to ride.

Bring your bike's registration or proof of ownership, your driver's license, and a signed waiver — most tracks provide the waiver on-site, but some ask you to fill it out online beforehand. You will also need proof of insurance. Some tracks accept a standard motorcycle or ATV policy; others require track-specific coverage. Ask when you call to reserve a spot.

Arrive early enough to walk the track and inspect it for ruts, rocks, or standing water. Check your bike's tire pressure, chain tension, and brakes before you ride. Bring water, a first-aid kit, and a phone. If you ride alone, tell someone where you are and when you expect to return.

Age, skill level, and bike requirements

Tracks set their own rules about who can ride. Some accept riders as young as 4 or 5 on small bikes in beginner sections; others have a minimum age of 12 or 16. Youth riders often need a parent or guardian present and may be limited to smaller-displacement bikes or slower track sections. Ask the track what age groups they serve and whether they offer separate sessions for beginners and advanced riders.

Bike size and engine displacement limits vary by track and by age group. A track might allow 50cc bikes for riders under 10, 110cc to 250cc for ages 10 to 16, and any size for adults. Some tracks have separate beginner, intermediate, and advanced sessions to keep skill levels mixed but manageable. If you are new to dirt biking, many tracks offer coaching or beginner-only hours.

A few tracks require proof of riding experience or a minimum age before you can use advanced sections with larger jumps or faster terrain. Others let you ride at your own pace on any section. Clarify what sections are open to you before you pay and show up.

Building a backyard dirt bike track

Building a track on your own land requires planning, equipment, and ongoing maintenance. Start by mapping out the layout on paper — mark where jumps, berms, and straightaways will go. Most backyard tracks are 0.5 to 2 acres and include a mix of flat sections, small jumps, and turns. You will need a bulldozer or excavator to move dirt, shape berms, and build jumps; rental costs typically run $100 to $300 per day.

Drainage is critical. Dirt tracks become muddy and unusable after rain if water pools or runs off unevenly. Grade the track so water drains away from riding areas, and consider adding a layer of gravel or clay to improve traction and durability. Compacting the soil as you build helps prevent washouts.

If you plan to let friends or family ride, you need liability insurance that covers your property and any riders who use it. Standard homeowner policies usually do not cover this; you will need a separate rider or a commercial liability policy. The cost depends on your location and how many people ride, but expect to pay several hundred dollars per year.

Maintenance and seasonal care

A dirt track needs regular upkeep to stay rideable. After heavy rain, inspect for ruts, washouts, and standing water. Fill ruts with fresh dirt and compact them. Rake or drag the surface to smooth out footprints and loose rocks. Many track owners use a grader or drag harrow pulled behind a tractor to maintain the surface.

In dry seasons, water the track lightly to keep dust down and prevent the surface from becoming too hard or slippery. In winter or wet climates, close the track temporarily rather than ride on saturated ground — this prevents deep ruts that are expensive to repair. Spring is the best time to rebuild jumps and berms that have settled or eroded over the off-season.

Check for hazards weekly: rocks, sticks, holes, and debris that could cause a crash. Remove or bury large rocks. Trim overhanging branches. If you have jumps, inspect them for cracks or soft spots and rebuild as needed.

Insurance and liability waivers

Track owners require riders to sign a liability waiver before riding. This document states that you understand the risks of dirt biking and agree not to hold the track responsible if you are injured. A waiver does not eliminate the track owner's legal duty to maintain the property safely, but it does protect them from many lawsuits if you crash.

Read the waiver carefully before signing. Some waivers are broad and release the track from liability for almost any injury; others are narrower and only cover injuries from normal riding. If the track was negligent — for example, if they knew a jump was unsafe and did not warn you or fix it — a waiver may not protect them in court, and you may still have a claim.

Your own motorcycle or ATV insurance typically does not cover injuries at a track. If you ride regularly, ask your insurance company whether they offer track-day coverage or a rider add-on. Some policies exclude track use entirely, so confirm your coverage before you ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride at a dirt bike track?

No. Most tracks do not require a street license because you are riding on private property, not public roads. However, you must follow the track's age and skill requirements, and you may need parental permission if you are under 18. Some tracks ask for a driver's license as proof of identity.

Can I ride my dirt bike on public land or trails without a track?

It depends on local law and land ownership. Some states and counties allow off-road riding on designated trails or public land; others prohibit it entirely. National forests often permit riding on specific roads and trails but not off-trail. Private land requires the owner's permission. Check your state's off-road vehicle regulations and contact your local land management agency before riding anywhere other than a private track.

What happens if I get injured at a track?

The track's insurance may cover emergency medical care, but you are responsible for your own treatment costs unless the track was negligent. Your health insurance will cover hospital visits and follow-up care. If the track failed to maintain the property safely or violated safety rules, you may have a legal claim against them, even if you signed a waiver. Document the injury, take photos of the hazard, and get contact information from any witnesses.

How much does it cost to ride at a public dirt bike track?

Day-use fees typically range from $20 to $60 per rider, depending on the track's location and amenities. Some tracks offer memberships for $200 to $500 per year if you ride regularly. Youth riders and beginners sometimes get discounted rates. Call the track to ask about current pricing and any package deals.

Can I build a dirt bike track on rented land?

Only with written permission from the landlord or property owner. Most rental agreements prohibit major alterations like building jumps or reshaping the ground. If you want to build a track, negotiate the terms in writing before you start — specify what you can build, how long you can use it, and who is responsible for repairs and liability insurance. Get the agreement signed by both parties.