Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
As the largest off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system in Ohio, The Wayne is known for its premier OHV trails. The Wayne National Forest provides some excellent opportunities for riding OHVs on four different designated trail systems on both the Athens and Ironton ranger districts.
OHV Trail Riding
There are 145 miles of trails which provide a variety of trail riding experiences to OHV riders. Trails are seasonally closed to off-highway vehicle use from winter to early spring. Visit our Recreation page to see seasonal open and close dates for the current year.
There are currently no plans in the near future to widen the trails to accommodate side by side or UTVs wider than 50 inches.
Athens Ranger District - Athens Area
The Athens Unit is located in Athens, Hocking, Perry, and Vinton counties. Total acreage is 72,843 acres. Visitor information can be obtained from the Wayne National Forest Welcome Center.
Ironton Ranger District
The Ironton Ranger District is located in Lawrence, Scioto, Gallia, and Jackson counties. Total acreage is 107,090 acres. Visitor information can be obtained from the Ironton Ranger Station.
Rules and Regulations
Following the full list of rules and regulations is the best way that you can help keep the trails open and safe for everyone.
Trail Availability
- Trails are seasonally closed to off-highway vehicle use from winter to early spring. Visit our Recreation page to see seasonal open and close dates for the current year.
- OHVs are only permitted on designated trails marked with orange diamonds.
Passes, Permits, and Registration
- All riders and passengers 16 years of age and older must have a valid WNF trail permit. Fee Free Weekends excluded.
- Any OHV operator 16 years of age and older have in their possession a valid state driver’s license or provisional license (learner’s permit/restricted license).
- Any person less than 16 years of age, must be accompanied by a licensed operator 18 years of age or older.
- All OHVs must be legally registered in the rider's home state or be temporarily registered with the Ohio BMV
Trail Etiquette
T.R.E.A.D. Lightly
- Travel only where permitted. Stay on the trail.
- Respect other trail users. Yield to hikers, horse riders, and bikers.
- Educate yourself with maps and guides.
- Avoid streams, wildlife, and disturbing vegetation.
- Drive responsibility and protect yourself, others, and the environment.
OHV Camping
There are private campgrounds in the area that cater to OHVs - the local CVBs are the best source of information on these campgrounds.
Camping is allowed at the OHV trailheads and in the general OHV areas with a few restrictions. No campsite may remain in place for longer than two weeks. Your campsite should be kept clear of debris and the campsite left clean upon departure. A campsite should not obstruct others from using roadways or accessing the designated trail.
Campfire rings may not be provided, but campfires should be placed where they will not damage trees or spread into surrounding woods. Downed wood may be collected for a campfire, but no standing trees may be cut.
If you decide to camp along the OHV trails, you must be at least 100 feet off the trail with your campsite but leave your OHVs directly adjacent to the trail but not blocking the trail. You may not ride the OHV off trail to access your campsite.
Search for Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Opportunities
Elm Trailhead
Hanging Rock OHV System
Hanging Rock Trailhead
Long Ridge Trailhead
Lyra Trailhead
Monday Creek OHV System
Monday Creek Trailhead
New Straitsville Trailhead
Pine Creek OHV System
Red Oak Trailhead