Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a motor vehicle capable of off-highway travel during winter or summer. OHV’s include all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), four-wheelers, three-wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles.

Federal regulations require the operator of an OHV to follow these rules when on National Forest Land:

Operate OHV’s only on areas, roads and trails designated as open to OHVs.
Operator and vehicle must meet all applicable state vehicle/operator requirements when on roads open to large vehicles.
Vehicle must be equipped with state approved muffler and/or speak arrester.
Recreational riding within developed campgrounds is prohibited. OHV’s may only be to enter and leave campgrounds.
Operating a vehicle in a manner which damages the land, wildlife, or vegetation is prohibited.

The Bitterroot National Forest along with the Ravalli County Off Road User Association, is inviting the public to ride the ‘Darby Trails’ on the Darby-Sula Ranger District. The ATV trail system, which opened in 2018, is located east of Darby in the Sapphire Mountains and boasts nearly 50 miles of motorized routes on the forest open to motorcycle and ATV travel. The trails, which are part of the recent Darby Lumber Lands Watershed Improvement and Travel Management Project, include spectacular panoramic views of the Bitterroot Valley and Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains.

They feature both 28-mile and 15-mile loop routes. All ATV’s must be 50 inches or under and machines should be clean and free of weed seed. The trail system utilizes formerly abandoned logging roads along with forest roads and newly constructed connector trails. The land, which was originally granted to the railroads around the turn of the century, was acquired by the Forest Service in 2005, and had extensive road systems-built decades ago for logging. Unfortunately, many of the low standard roads and clear-cutting had negative impacts on the local watersheds by chronically elevating sediment levels. The Darby Lumber Lands project is helping improve watershed and stream health while also creating a sustainable motorized access system. The new routes were also designed to be suitable for all riders.

For more information and to see maps of the trails visit https://go.usa.gov/xwWCR or www.ravallioffroad.org.

OHV Road Riding

Not all roads and trails are created equally. Some roads are for cars and trucks, but not off-highway vehicles. Some trails are for off-highway vehicles, but many are not. Know where you are going and under the use of the road or trail before you go.

Stay on open forest roads

Travel only on off-highway vehicle designated routes. Cross-country travel is prohibited. Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map for specific information on your forest.
Comply with signs and barriers and leave gates as you found them.
Wilderness areas are off-limits to all motorized vehicles.

Protect the environment

Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks.
Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion. Meadows, lake shores, stream banks and vegetation are easily damaged.
Do not ride on snow-covered roads
Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
Don’t litter. Pack out more than your share.

Ride safely, stay in control

The forest is for everyone. Be considerate of hikers and equestrians.
Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one which moves quickly and quietly.
Control your speed at all times and approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend. Reckless riding and high downhill speeds are not appropriate.
Wear your helmet and protective gear.

Plan your trip

Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Don’t ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to go and then stick to your plans.
Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies may be miles away.
Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding in the forest.

Follow vehicle regulations

Children under 8 years of age may not operate all-terrain vehicles or motorcycles. An operator under 16 must have constant supervision by an adult over the age of 18.
No passengers are allowed on all-terrain vehicles, unless vehicles are designed to carry passengers.
All vehicles must be registered and licensed. Non-street legal "red sticker" vehicles have a limited operating period on the forest.
Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to all national forest roads; violations are reported to the state department of motor vehicles.
Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless directed otherwise.
Park only in designated parking areas.
Do not block, restrict, or interfere with the use of roads, trails and gates.
Spark arresters, mufflers, and brakes are required for motorized vehicles.
Don’t drink and ride. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all trail systems or in recreation areas.

OHV Trail Riding

Riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on America’s National Forests is a popular recreational activity. It’s a great way to see the beauty and grandeur of our public lands, while riding with friends and family.

Off-road riding can be great fun. Each trail system page has a link to a map of the trails in its area. Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check with local forest and grasslands to verify the status of your favorite trail before starting your trip.

Learn the terminology

The USDA Forest Service has two main designations for motorized travel on National Forest roads:
- “Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles (HLV) Only,” and
- “Roads Open to All Vehicles,” which includes HLV and OHVs.
OHVs include off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs, also called side-by-sides), and 4-wheel drive trucks. Many National Forests also have designations for narrower, more rugged trails. “Open to Vehicles 50 Inches or Less in Width” generally means OHMs, ATVs and some ROVs are allowed on that trail. A Forest’s Trail System may also include very narrow, single-track trails open only to motorcycles.

Plan ahead

Start by visiting the web site of the National Forest where you’ll be riding. To find OHV riding opportunities, click on “Recreation” in the index column, then click on “OHV Riding.”
There, you’ll find general information about OHV riding in that National Forest, with links to specific Forest roads and trails and, if motorized travel is allowed, the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). It shows routes, open dates, seasonal closures and other information. Printed MVUMs are available at the Ranger District offices of National Forests. The Forest Service also has an interactive travel map that shows lands designated for motor vehicle use on many National Forests.
Call ahead to the Ranger District you’ll be visiting with any questions you may have.

Ride responsibly

Know and follow the state and federal laws regarding OHV use on public lands. When you venture off the Forest roads and onto designated OHV trails, be sure that your vehicle and equipment meet the definitions of allowed uses. They are shown on the MVUMs and trailhead signs.
Many trails are open to multiple types of motorized vehicles and may also be open to non-motorized users: hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Respect the rights of all trail users enjoying our public lands. When riding a motorized vehicle, always yield to those riding horses. Shut off your engine, remove your helmet and talk to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed manner.

Ride ethically

As you ride, always stay on designated Forest roads and trails. They are designed using industry best practices to be environmentally sustainable. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Never ride cross-country, as it is illegal on all National Forests.

Gear up for safety and fun

Ensure the safety of yourself and everyone on your ride. Always wear a minimum of a DOT-compliant helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.