Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Many of the national forests in the United States Forest Service (USFS) allow access via the forest roads. These roads are susceptible to closures due to spring run-off, snow, ice, maintenance or other natural occurrences. Most of these closures are posted on the USFS website, typically on the site of the national forest in question. This information is free and available to the public. In addition to the USFS website, closure information is often posted at entrance gates to the forest or at local branch offices.
As any backcountry hiker can speak to, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are becoming increasingly popular. These vehicles are low, wide-tired four-wheelers meant for off-road travel. ATV drivers often like to take them on expeditions into wooded backcountry that is otherwise inaccessible by vehicle. Unfortunately, ATVs can do serious damage to the land that they travel over. Their weight and studded tires rip up soil and roots as they go by. This leads to erosion, as water carries away the top layers of soil. Much of this erosion can be prevented by good practices in trail riding and trail design.
One of four national forests in Texas, the 163,000-square-acre Sam Houston National Forest is about 50 miles north of Houston. Intermingled among private land and crisscrossed by many county and dirt roads, SHNF boasts 85 miles of multi-use trails to accommodate ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and OHVs (off-highway vehicles). The forest contains dozens of creeks, ponds and Lake Conroe, which serves as a dividing point between the trail system's east and west sides.
The only national forest in Pennsylvania, the 512,998-acre Allegheny National Forest has 106 miles of ATV terrain. There are four trails and one bike trail in the forest that are designated for ATV use and vary in difficulty from beginner to expert. All trails are marked with yellow, diamond-shaped blazes, and camping is available along the trail in designated sites. Permits are required for all riders and can be bought at the Marienville Ranger District and the Bradford Ranger District.
Pennsylvania, with dozens of state and national parks and thousands of lakes and rivers, is also home to hundreds of miles of trails suitable for all-terrain vehicles, ATVs. In south-central Pennsylvania, in Michaux State Forest and surrounding areas, avid ATV riders will find several trails that provide a variety of terrains and trail settings.
The Ocala National Forest in Florida is home to several ATV trails where off-road enthusiasts can enjoy the outdoors. The climate of the forest is such that ATV enthusiasts are comfortable year-round, with temperatures from about November to February being approximately 72 degrees. Although the summer months will tend to make this area significantly warmer with increased moisture, the area is still a major draw for off-highway vehicle trail riding. Passes are required to use the trails and can purchased at several trail heads in the area. Exact change is required. Children who are 15 years old or younger are…
