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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

ATV/OHV Use

In the past, most of the Daniel Boone National Forest was open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, including off-trail use. OHV's include both full size off-road vehicles, rail buggies, three and four wheeler ATV's and motorcycles. As the popularity of these recreational vehicles increased, so did their use on the Forest. However, because of increasing damage to soils, water, and certain sensitive plants and animals, we have implemented the following regulations. Please Ride Safely!

• Full sized off road vehicles, and rail buggies all of which are over 50 inches wide, are permitted on Forest Service roads open to the public. These vehicles must be street legal and properly licensed. Trail use is not permitted. 
• ATV's (e.g., 3 & 4 wheelers) and motorcycles must remain on trails designated for their use and their riders must comply with Kentucky motor vehicles laws, including use of helmets (KRS 189.515).
• Cross country travel, including hill climbs, by all types of motorized vehicles are not permitted.
• Learn more about OHV regulations by viewing forest OHV regulations and state (KRS) OHV regulations.

There are currently about 150 miles of trails open to use by ATV's (3 & 4 wheelers) and motorcycles. Many of these trails are also open to horses, mountain bikes and hiking so caution and courtesy must be exercised. There are trails for such motorized use on most of our districts. Additional trails may be opened in the future, following analysis of potential environmental impacts and opportunities for public comment.

At this time, all trails are free use except for the White Sulphur Trail on the Morehead District and Redbird Crest Trail on Redbird District.

Cromer Ridge is now closed to ATV use.

The USDA Forest Service released a national draft policy on off-highway vehicle use in national forests and grasslands on July 7, 2004.

Author: Recreation Staff
Last Updated: March 22, 2005