Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Status

Visitors to the Kisatchie National Forest are asked to follow certain rules designated to protect the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experiences for all. Please become familiar with the posted Code of Federal Regulations and Forest Supervisor’s Orders governing the use of OHVs on National Forest lands. These regulations and orders are enforced and are punishable by law if violated.

Jeeps and 4-wheel drive vehicles are restricted to open roads and must be properly licensed for road use. Use of these vehicles on closed roads, in sensitive stream areas, and certain utility rights-of-way is strictly prohibited.

Please remember to be careful! You are primarily responsible for your own safety. Look out for natural hazards and dangers when you are in the forest. Above all, think of yourself as an ambassador for trail riding. Your actions speak for all riders to be sure that everyone you meet remembers trail riders as
good citizens!

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RULES:

• Stay on the “Designated Trail” only.
• No cross country travel.
• Do not ride OHV on roads or the road right-of-way.
• Do not ride your OHV in the camping area of parking lot. Use the trail provided.
• OHV in excess of 50 inches in width is prohibited.
• OHV tires with lug length in excess of 1” (inch) are prohibited.
• All OHV’s must have a spark arresting device (muffler).
• OHV in violation of applicable noise emission standards in excess of (99) decibels at (20) inches from exhaust in prohibited.
• Headlights and taillights are required to be in working condition and must be used during times of limited visibility.
• Riders are advised to wear appropriate safety gear and carry a first aid kit.
• Careless or reckless operation without regard for safety of any person or property (wheelies, donuts, excessive speed) is prohibited.
• It is unlawful to operate an OHV under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in such a manner that endangers the safety of others.
• Campground riding speed is limited to 5 MPH. Riding in campgrounds is limited to traveling from parking site to the trailhead to access the trail or vice versa.
• Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions for ‘Day Use/Overnight Camping’ is prohibited.
• Riders under 16 years of age are the responsibility of legal guardians.
• Day Use hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or daylight to dark.
• Quiet time is 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the camping areas.
• Short cutting a switchback on any designated trail is prohibited.
• Causing resource damage – Operation of OHVs in ponds, creeks, power line or water line right-of-ways (or sensitive areas) is prohibited.
• Do not damage or cause damage to the trail. No mudding or riding when soil conditions are wet.
• The trail is two-way traffic. There are numerous blind turns and hikers, other riders, and horses should be anticipated. Riding fast is hazardous and is not recommended.
• Some soils on the Kisatchie National Forest are sensitive to high levels of disturbance. Mudding, racing, or playing in disturbed areas are prohibited.

PROPERTY AND SANITATION: 

• Preserve and protect your National Forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them. Don’t carve, chop, cut or damage any live trees, use tree-saver straps when tying down horses.
• Native American sites, old cabins and other structures along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archaeological value; therefore, damaging or removing any historic or archeological resource is strictly prohibited.
• Throw all garbage and litter in containers provided for this purpose, or take it with you. 

CAMPING AND CAMPFIRES:

• Campgrounds and other recreation sites can be used only for recreation purposes. In campgrounds, camp only in those places specifically marked or provided.
• Obey restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills or fireplaces provided for that purpose.
• Remove all personal property and trash, and be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR:

• Operate any audio devices, such as a radio or musical instrument, at responsible sound levels so that it does not disturb other visitors.
• Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites. Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation site only where authorized by posted instructions.
• No fighting or boisterous behavior.
• Firing a gun is not allowed: (a) in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area, across or on a road or body of water; (b) in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged.