Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

What Is an OHV Vehicle?

OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) applies to all motor vehicles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) being driven off designated roads. ATVs are defined as having a seat to be straddled by the operator and a handlebar for steering, with three, four, or six wheels and under 60 inches in width.

OHV Areas

Within the National Forest of North Carolina, only four designated areas exist. Brown Mountain OHV (Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest), Badin Recreation Area OHV (Uwharrie National Forest), Black Swamp OHV (Croatan National Forest) and Wayehutta OHV (Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest).

When recreating within one of the OHV areas, individuals are required to have a valid permit for the area where they are recreating.

General Information on OHV Passes

Each OHV must have a valid pass to ride on any OHV trail. Trail riders must carry the valid pass with them while on trails.
Riding off-highway vehicles in the National Forests in North Carolina requires a pass sold on Recreation.gov. Some of our OHV areas are not listed on rec.gov. Information on where to purchase passes for these areas can be found here.
A state driver’s license must be available to show during a law enforcement compliance check.
Passes are valid until midnight of the date written on the pass.

General Rules for OHV Trails

In accordance with 36 CFR261.15 and NC State laws the following is prohibited on all National Forest lands within North Carolina. Contact area specific Ranger District with OHV questions.

Children under 8 may not operate any ATV, UTV, or motorcycles.
Children under 12 may not operate any ATV, UTV 70cc or larger.
Children under 16 may not operate any ATV or UTV 90cc or larger.
Children under 16 must be under the continuous visual supervision of an adult over 18.
An OHV operator cannot carry passengers unless the manufacturer specifically designates vehicle for such purpose.
ATV and motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets and eye protection that meet the US DOT motorcycle safety standards.
An OHV operator cannot operate any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in working order.
Stay on designated trails. Driving off trails is prohibited via 36 CFR 261.13.
Possession of alcoholic beverages as defined by the state are prohibited in all OHV areas (Specific district closure orders on alcohol).
Operating in a manner that damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetation.

NC Motor vehicle law, Chapter 20 of the NC General Statue, applies on all FS roads. Vehicles operated on public roadways, including FS roads, must be registered in accordance with state law. OHVs must be trailered to the trailhead. ATVs cannot be registered; therefore they are not allowed on FS roads.

Riders should carry a map, first aid, and recovery gear with them. Have a plan for vehicle removal if OHV becomes disabled. You are responsible for your vehicle if it gets stuck or breaks down on any USFS OHV trails.