Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Riding an off-highway vehicle (OHV) can be fun and challenging!

OHV Road Riding

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, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles.

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

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.

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.

Know Before You Go

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.

Learn the terminology

The Forest Service has two main designations for motorized travel on National Forest roads:
“Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles (HLVs) Only,” and
“Roads Open to All Vehicles,” which includes HLVs 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.

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.